Wen Dan Tang
Star温胆汤 (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)
Source: San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun — Chen Wuze (Song, 1174)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction) treats disharmony of the Gallbladder and Stomach with phlegm-heat. Despite its name, the formula does not warm but rather transforms phlegm and clears heat from the Gallbladder. It is widely used for sleep disorders, anxiety, palpitations, and nausea caused by phlegm-heat disturbing the Heart and Gallbladder.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ban Xia | 6g | 13.79% | Jun (Chief) | Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, directs rebellious qi downward |
| Zhu Ru | 6g | 13.79% | Chen (Deputy) | Clears heat, transforms phlegm, eliminates irritability, stops vomiting |
| Zhi Shi | 6g | 13.79% | Chen (Deputy) | Breaks up stagnant qi and directs phlegm downward |
| Chen Pi | 9g | 20.69% | Zuo (Assistant) | Regulates qi and dries dampness |
| Fu Ling | 4.5g | 10.34% | Zuo (Assistant) | Strengthens the Spleen and leaches dampness to cut off phlegm |
| Gan Cao | 3g | 6.9% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the middle and the other herbs |
| Sheng Jiang | 6g | 13.79% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the Stomach and checks Ban Xia (classically 5 slices) |
| Da Zao | 3g | 6.9% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the middle burner (classically 1 piece) |
Total weight: 66g
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 slightly warm (+0.28)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 28%, neutral 17%, warm 55%.
Pairs warm and cool. 55% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 28% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Taste
- pungent 43%
- sweet 33%
- sour 5%
- bitter 15%
- bland 5%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 86%
- Lung 79%
- Stomach 69%
- Heart 31%
- Large intestine 14%
- Gallbladder 14%
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 minutes. Take warm in 2 doses, or take the evening dose 2 hours before bed for sleep disorders.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day. Can be taken evening to support sleep.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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Formula family
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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