Huáng Lián Jiĕ Dú Tāng

Question 1

Actions

Answer 1

Drains fire and resolves toxicity

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

high fever
irritability
dry mouth and throat
incoherent speech
insomnia
dark urine

nosebleed or vomiting of blood due to heat excess
carbuncles, deep-rooted boils, other toxic swellings
dysenteric disorders or jaundice due to damp-heat

T: red, yellow coat
P: rapid, forceful pulse

Question 3

Diagnostic Pattern

Answer 3

Severe obstruction of the three burners by fire toxin (also known as heat toxin), which pervades both the interior and exterior.

Question 4

Herbs

Answer 4

huáng lián
huáng qín
huáng băi
zhī zĭ

once fire effectively drained, toxin will disappear

Question 5

huáng lián

Answer 5

drains fire from the Heart –> abatement of fire in all other organs
drain fire from the middle burner

Question 6

huáng qín

Answer 6

clears heat from upper burner

Question 7

huáng băi

Answer 7

clears heat from lower burner

Question 8

zhī zĭ

Answer 8

drains heat from three burners through urine
relieving irritability

Question 9

Cautions and Contraindications

Answer 9

Because it is very bitter and cold, this formula should only be prescribed in cases of excess for patients of robust constitution. Since it can easily injure the yin, it should not be taken long term. If prescribed for conditions of heat in the nutritive or blood levels, it can readily injure the yin.