Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Star龙胆泻肝汤 (Gentian Drain the Liver Decoction)
Source: Yi Fang Ji Jie (Collected Explanations of Medical Formulas) — Wang Ang (Qing, 1682)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentian Drain the Liver Decoction) is the primary formula for draining excess fire and heat-damp from the Liver and Gallbladder channels. It is indicated for two distinct patterns: upward flaring of Liver fire causing head, ear, and eye symptoms; and downward flowing damp-heat along the Liver channel causing urogenital symptoms. The formula powerfully clears without injuring Yin.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Dan Cao | 6g | 7.14% | Jun (Chief) | — |
| Huang Qin | 9g | 10.71% | Chen (Deputy) | Clears heat from Liver and upper burner. |
| Zhi Zi | 9g | 10.71% | Chen (Deputy) | — |
| Ze Xie | 12g | 14.29% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains dampness from Liver channel through urination. |
| Mu Tong | 9g | 10.71% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains damp-heat through urination. |
| Che Qian Zi | 9g | 10.71% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears heat, promotes urination, drains damp-heat. |
| Dang Gui | 9g | 10.71% | Zuo (Assistant) | Nourishes Blood to prevent bitter-cold herbs from injuring Yin. |
| Sheng Di Huang | 9g | 10.71% | Zuo (Assistant) | Cools Blood, nourishes Yin, prevents injury from draining herbs. |
| Chai Hu | 6g | 7.14% | Zuo (Assistant) | Guides formula to Liver and Gallbladder channels. |
| Gan Cao | 6g | 7.14% | Zuo (Assistant) | Harmonizes all herbs, protects Stomach. |
Total weight: 72g
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 excess fire from the liver and gallbladder and clear damp-heat, extending the bitter-cold draining action upward and downward along the channel.
Core of the formula for liver-gallbladder fire (headache, red eyes, bitter taste, hypochondriac pain) or damp-heat pouring downward. Very bitter and cold; not for prolonged use or spleen deficiency.
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 (-1.46)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 75%, cool 7%, neutral 7%, warm 11%.
Small but decisive: Long Dan Cao 6g (cold, 7% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 9%
- sweet 30%
- bitter 48%
- bland 13%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Heart 61%
- Liver 46%
- Lung 39%
- Kidney 36%
- Spleen 29%
- Gallbladder 25%
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
Decoct in water 20–25 minutes. Take cool or at room temperature. Not for long-term use.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day. Pills: 6g twice daily. Short-term use only — discontinue when condition resolves.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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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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