Qing Ying Tang
Star清营汤 (Clear the Nutritive Level Decoction)
Source: Wen Bing Tiao Bian — Wu Jutong (Qing, 1798)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Qing Ying Tang (Clear the Nutritive Level Decoction) is the primary formula for heat entering the Ying (nutritive) level in warm disease — a serious progression where pathogenic heat has penetrated deeply into the Blood system. It clears Ying and Blood level heat, nourishes Yin, and opens heat obstructing the mind. It is used for serious febrile diseases with altered consciousness and rashes.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shui Niu Jiao
Shui Niu Jiao (water buffalo horn) is the standard substitute for the original Xi Jiao (rhinoceros horn, banned). Decoct first.
|
30g | 32.79% | Jun (Chief) | Clears heat from the ying level and relieves fire toxicity |
| Sheng Di Huang | 15g | 16.39% | Chen (Deputy) | Cools blood, nourishes yin, generates fluids |
| Xuan Shen | 9g | 9.84% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes yin and drains fire |
| Mai Men Dong | 9g | 9.84% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes yin and clears heat from the Heart |
| Jin Yin Hua | 9g | 9.84% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears heat, relieves toxicity, vents pathogens out through the qi level |
| Lian Qiao | 6g | 6.56% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears heat, relieves toxicity, vents heat outward |
| Huang Lian | 4.5g | 4.92% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears Heart fire and relieves toxicity |
| Dan Shen | 6g | 6.56% | Zuo (Assistant) | Cools and invigorates the blood to prevent stasis |
| Dan Zhu Ye | 3g | 3.28% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears heat from the Heart and eliminates irritability |
Total weight: 105g
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 cold (-1.77)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 77%, cool 23%.
Small but decisive: Mai Men Dong 9g (cold, 10% of the grams), Jin Yin Hua 9g (cold, 10% of the grams), Huang Lian 4.5g (cold, 5% of the grams), Dan Zhu Ye 3g (cold, 3% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- sweet 28%
- bitter 51%
- salty 20%
- bland 2%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Heart 90%
- Stomach 71%
- Liver 61%
- Lung 36%
- Kidney 26%
- Large intestine 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
Decoct in water 25–30 minutes. Take cool. For acute febrile conditions, frequency may be increased under supervision.
Dosage
Decoction: 1–2 doses/day for serious conditions. Hospital-supervised use recommended for severe cases.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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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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