Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
Star黄连阿胶汤 (Coptis and Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang (Coptis and Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction), from Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun).
Actions and indications: Enrich yin and subdue fire, relieve vexation, and calm the mind. Indicated for the treatment of insomnia due to yin deficiency resulting in vigorous fire and noninteraction between the heart and the kidney, with vexation and insomnia, dry mouth and throat, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, or seminal emission, red tip of tongue, thready and rapid pulse
Modifications: For more evident vexation and insomnia, add Semen Ziziphi Spinosae ( suan zao ren ) and Semen Platycladi ( bai zi ren ) to tranquilize the heart and calm the mind; for dry mouth and throat due to severe yin deficiency and internal heat, add Radix Rehmanniae ( sheng di huang ) and Radix Ophiopogonis ( mai dong ) to nourish yin and clear heat; for overnight sleeplessness or slightly sleeping with profuse dreaming, add Sclerotium Poriae Pararadicis ( fu shen ), Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii ( shi chang pu ), and Radix Polygalae ( yuan zhi ) to restore interaction between the heart and the kidney, tranquilize the heart, and calm the mind
Cautions: Its use is prohibited in patients with palpitation, vexation, and insomnia due to yang deficiency and decline of fire
Category: Formulas That Restore Interaction Between the Heart and the Kidney.
Source: Xi S, Gong Y. Essentials of Chinese Materia Medica and Medical Formulas: New Century Traditional Chinese Medicine. Academic Press/Elsevier, 2017, p. 645.
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 drain Heart fire and nourish yin and blood, calming the spirit when excess fire and deficient yin coexist.
Classic indication: irritability and insomnia from yin deficiency with blazing Heart fire.
Preparation
Decoct the ingredients with water for oral use
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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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