Qing Xin Li Ge Tang
Star清心利膈汤 (Clear the Epigastrium and Benefit the Diaphragm Decoction)
Source: Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng — Wang Ken-Tang (1602)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Qing Xin Li Ge Tang (Clear the Epigastrium and Benefit the Diaphragm Decoction), from the Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng (Standards of Patterns and Treatments) by Wang Ken-Tang.
Actions: Dispels wind and clears heat; Regulates qi and eliminates toxins.
Presentation: Excess heat attacking the Lung and throat: severe pain and swelling of the throat, discomfort in the chest and epigastrium, fidgeting, irritability, preference for cold drinks, constipation, and dysuria.
Note: the book also describes a formula of the same name from Zhong Guo Yi Xue Da Ci Dian (p. 387). This record follows the Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng version.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 386, 387.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fang Feng
as printed: Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 10.34% | Dispels exterior pathogens | |
|
Jing Jie
as printed: Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 10.34% | Dispels exterior pathogens | |
|
Bo He
as printed: Bo He (Herba Menthae) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 10.34% | Dispels exterior pathogens | |
|
Jie Geng
as printed: Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 10.34% | Regulates Lung qi, eliminates phlegm, relieves chest discomfort | |
|
Huang Qin
as printed: Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 10.34% | Clears heat, purges fire, eliminates toxins | |
|
Huang Lian
as printed: Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 10.34% | Clears heat, purges fire, eliminates toxins | |
|
Zhi Zi
as printed: Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) 3g
|
3g | 6.9% | Clears heat, purges fire, eliminates toxins | |
|
Xuan Shen
as printed: Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae) 2.1g
|
2.1g | 4.83% | Benefits the throat, clears heat, preserves yin and fluids | |
|
Niu Bang Zi
as printed: Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii) 2.1g
|
2.1g | 4.83% | Relieves sore throat, clears heat and toxins | |
|
Lian Qiao
as printed: Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae) 3g
|
3g | 6.9% | Relieves sore throat, clears heat and toxins | |
|
Da Huang
as printed: Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 2.1g
|
2.1g | 4.83% | Drains heat downward, relieves constipation | |
|
Mang Xiao
as printed: Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 2.1g
|
2.1g | 4.83% | Drains heat downward, relieves constipation | |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 2.1g
|
2.1g | 4.83% | Eliminates toxins and harmonizes |
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 (-0.86)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 42%, cool 22%, neutral 15%, warm 21%.
Small but decisive: Zhi Zi 3g (cold, 7% of the grams), Niu Bang Zi 2.1g (cold, 5% of the grams), Da Huang 2.1g (cold, 5% of the grams), Mang Xiao 2.1g (cold, 5% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 33%
- sweet 12%
- bitter 51%
- salty 4%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 70%
- Liver 46%
- Stomach 45%
- Spleen 41%
- Heart 39%
- Large intestine 30%
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
Cook in 2 bowls of water down to 1 bowl; take warm and strained after meals.
Relationships
Full-screen graph →Click a node for details · double-click to expand it · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll or two fingers to zoom and pan.
Formula family
Full herb lists
- This formula = Xie Xin Tang + Jie Geng Tang + Bai Hu Cheng Qi Tang + Bo He, Fang Feng, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Niu Bang Zi, Xuan Shen and Zhi Zi
- This formula = Bai Hu Cheng Qi Tang + Xie Xin Tang + Jie Geng Tang + Bo He, Fang Feng, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Niu Bang Zi, Xuan Shen and Zhi Zi
- This formula = Da Huang Huang Lian Xie Xin Tang + Xie Xin Tang + Jie Geng Tang + Bai Hu Cheng Qi Tang + Bo He, Fang Feng, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Niu Bang Zi, Xuan Shen and Zhi Zi
- This formula = Jie Geng Tang + Xie Xin Tang + Bai Hu Cheng Qi Tang + Bo He, Fang Feng, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Niu Bang Zi, Xuan Shen and Zhi Zi
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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