Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Formula):
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Formula) is a Chinese Herbal Medicine formula that helps clear heat/drain fire from the Liver channel, which runs through the entire body (from the eyes to the genitalia). This gives it a wide applicability across a variety of clinical presentations in which excess heat is the root cause (i.e. Liver/Gallbladder fire).
Symptoms/syndromes appropriately addressed by this formula include:
- In the upper jiao: acute headache or migraine, acute conjunctivitis, a red, flushed face, irritability or a tendency to outbursts of anger
- In the middle jiao: liver/gallbladder inflammation, costal distension and pain, jaundice
- In the lower jiao: scanty, difficult urination where the urine is dark and perhaps has a foul odor; urinary infection, swelling of the vulva/pruritis vulvae, acute prostatitis, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
- not specifc to one particular region of the body: hypertension due to Liver fire, hyperthyroidism due to Liver fire, oral/genital herpes simplex and herpes zoster (w/Chuan Xin Lian Pian).
If you tend to get such flare-ups, this is a good formula to keep on hand and take for a few days as needed to cool your system and release the heat and tension. This formula can be helpful in the treatment of various conditions, such as stress headaches, hypertension, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), cystitis, and shingles. One thing to note, though– this formula comprises cold and bitter herbs and can be hard on the digestion, so monitor for digestive difficult/loose stools when using it.
Shake Well before each use.
Maintenance Serving: Dissolve 1-2 droppers (1/2 tsp.) in warm water or juice 2-3 times daily.
Augmented Serving: Take 1 full tsp. 2 to 3 times daily in warm water or juice or as directed by a qualified herbalist familiar with the use of Chinese herbs and formulas.
To evaporate alcohol place in hot water.
Amount: 1 oz.