Huang Qin Tang
Star黄芩汤 (Scutellaria Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Huang Qin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Clears heat and stops diarrhea; Harmonizes the middle jiao and relieves pain.
Presentation: Damp-heat dysentery: mild fever, a bitter taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, a red tongue with a yellow tongue coating, and a rapid pulse.
Cautions:
- Contraindicated in dysentery or diarrhea from cold and dampness, and in patients with dry mouth without thirst or a deep, slow pulse
- Avoid pungent, spicy, oily or greasy foods while taking it
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 406.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Huang Qin
as printed: Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 9g [9g]
|
9g | 42.86% | Jun (Chief) | clears heat and dries dampness to relieve dysentery |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 6g [3g]
|
3g | 14.29% | Zuo (Assistant) | relieves spasms; with Da Zao nourishes the Spleen and harmonizes the middle jiao |
|
Da Zao
as printed: Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) 12 pieces [4 pieces]
|
4pieces | 100% | Zuo (Assistant) | nourishes the Spleen and harmonizes the middle jiao |
|
Bai Shao
as printed: Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 6g [9g]
|
9g | 42.86% | with Gan Cao relieves spasms and cramps |
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.
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 (-1.29)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 43%, cool 43%, neutral 14%.
Taste
- sweet 14%
- sour 21%
- bitter 64%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 100%
- Lung 57%
- Stomach 57%
- Heart 57%
- Large intestine 43%
- Small intestine 43%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
1 herb without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Da Zao.
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 in 10 cups [2,000 mL] water down to 3 cups [600 mL]; take 1 cup [200 mL] warm twice during the day and once at night. May be decocted today at bracketed doses.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang = this formula + Jie Geng Tang + Chai Hu, Ge Gen, Bai Zhi, Qiang Huo, Shi Gao and Sheng Jiang
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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