Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang
Star葛根黄芩黄连汤 (Kudzu, Coptis, and Scutellaria Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang (Kudzu, Coptis, and Scutellaria Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Releases the exterior; Clears interior heat.
Presentation: Wind-cold at the exterior with heat invading the interior: feverish sensation in the body, foul-smelling diarrhea, burning sensations of the anus after defecation, irritable and feverish sensation in the chest and epigastrium, a dry mouth, thirst, dyspnea with perspiration, a yellow tongue coating, and a rapid pulse.
Cautions:
- Contraindicated for diarrhea from cold and deficiency with a deep, slow or weak pulse.
Toxicology: IV LD50 of the alcohol extract in mice was 13.5 g/kg; deaths attributed to reduced heart rate and contractility.
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Antibacterial: in vitro inhibition especially of Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and Bacillus dysenteriae
- Antipyretic: 5 g/kg decoction markedly reduced induced fever in rabbits (peak 2-4 hours), comparable to aspirin 0.28 g/kg
- Antiarrhythmic: IV preparation effective against adrenaline- and aconitine-induced arrhythmia in mice, rats, rabbits
- Gastrointestinal: relieved diarrhea, slowed peristalsis, and relieved intestinal smooth-muscle spasm
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 295.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ge Gen
as printed: Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae) 24g [15g]
|
15g | 38.46% | Jun (Chief) | dispels exterior factors, generates fluids to relieve thirst, raises Spleen qi to stop diarrhea |
|
Huang Lian
as printed: Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) 9g
|
9g | 23.08% | Chen (Deputy) | clears heat and dries dampness to relieve diarrhea |
|
Huang Qin
as printed: Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 9g
|
9g | 23.08% | Zuo (Assistant) | clears heat and dries dampness to relieve diarrhea |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 6g
|
6g | 15.38% | harmonizes the herbs and calms the middle jiao, easing acute discomfort such as anal burning |
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Together they strongly clear heat, drain fire and dry damp across the upper and middle burners, and resolve heat toxin.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net cool (-1.31)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 46%, cool 39%, neutral 15%.
Taste
- pungent 19%
- sweet 35%
- bitter 46%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Stomach 100%
- Spleen 100%
- Heart 62%
- Large intestine 46%
- Gallbladder 46%
- Lung 39%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Source: cook Ge Gen first in 8 cups [1,600 mL] water to 6 cups [1,200 mL]; add the rest and reduce to 2 cups [400 mL]; take warm in two divided doses daily. Today use the bracketed Ge Gen dose.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- San Zhong Kui Jian Tang = this formula + Jie Geng Tang + Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang + Hai Zao, Kun Bu, Chai Hu, Dang Gui, E Zhu, Huang Bai, Lian Qiao, Long Dan Cao, San Leng, Sheng Ma, Tian Hua Fen and Zhi Mu
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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