Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

(Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Licorice Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Pale and swollen tongue with a white slippery or greasy coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Slippery and wiry pulse
• Slippery and soggy pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Lungs, Spleen, Heart, Bladder, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓 Qty: 12 grams Chan: HT, SP, LU Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
	Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝 Qty: 9 grams Chan: HT, LU, BL Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
	Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术 Qty: 6 grams Chan: SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草 Qty: 6 grams Chan: All 12 Channels Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.