Long Dan Cao (Chinese Gentian Root), Radix Gentianae Longdancao

"The Spleen rules the flesh, muscles, and the four limbs."

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Herb 6 of 7 in Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness

Long Dan Cao (Radix Gentianae Longdancao)

Channels:

GB, LIV, ST

Properties:

Bitter, Cold

Latin:

Radix Gentianae Longdancao

Chinese:

龙胆草

Tone Marks:

lóng dăn căo

Translation:

Dragon Gallbladder Herb

Actions

Eliminates Heat and Damp from the Liver and Gallbladder Channels
For Blood-shot eyes, conjunctivitis, sore throat, bitter taste in the mouth, jaundice, ear pain or sudden deafness, pain and swelling in the genital area, or strong smelling vaginal discharge and itching.
Sedates Liver Fire
For hypertension, headache, red eyes, dizziness, tinnitus, fever, spasms, rib pain, or convulsions.

Contraindications and Cautions

Contraindicated in patients with diarrhea or spleen and stomach deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Dosage

3-9 grams.
Part used: root and rhizome.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs

References

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

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

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 Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.