Jian Ling Tang
Star建瓴汤 (Construct Roof Tiles Decoction)
Source: Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu — Zhang Xi-Chun (1918-1934)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Jian Ling Tang (Construct Roof Tiles Decoction), from the Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu (Records of Heart-Felt Experiences in Medicine with Reference to the West) by Zhang Xi-Chun.
Actions: Sedates the Liver and extinguishes Liver wind; Nourishes yin and calms the shen (spirit).
Presentation: Liver yang rising: dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, swelling of the ears, palpitations, forgetfulness, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, excessive dreams, and a wiry, hard, and long pulse.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1002.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Niu Xi
as printed: Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) 30g
|
30g | 18.52% | leads blood downward; nourishes Liver and Kidney to calm wind and yang | |
|
Dai Zhe Shi
ya (pressed) into fine particles; as printed: Zhe Shi (Haematitum) 24g
|
24g | 14.81% | sedates Liver yang and calms Liver wind | |
|
Long Gu
dao (pounded) into fine particles; as printed: Long Gu (Os Draconis) 18g
|
18g | 11.11% | sedates Liver yang and calms Liver wind | |
|
Mu Li
dao (pounded) into fine particles; as printed: Mu Li (Concha Ostreae) 18g
|
18g | 11.11% | sedates Liver yang and calms Liver wind | |
|
Shan Yao
as printed: Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) 30g
|
30g | 18.52% | nourishes yin, strengthens Spleen and Kidney | |
|
Sheng Di Huang
as printed: Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) 18g
|
18g | 11.11% | clears heat, nourishes yin, generates fluids | |
|
Bai Shao
as printed: Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 12g
|
12g | 7.41% | nourishes yin and fluids to restrain yang | |
|
Bai Zi Ren
as printed: Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi) 12g
|
12g | 7.41% | nourishes the Heart and calms the shen |
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 slightly cool (-0.70)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 26%, cool 19%, neutral 56%.
Taste
- sweet 49%
- sour 10%
- bitter 30%
- salty 11%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Kidney 78%
- Liver 74%
- Heart 56%
- Spleen 26%
- Lung 19%
- Stomach 15%
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: decoct using water containing iron rust; today the iron rust is generally omitted.
Relationships
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Formula Network
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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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