CHAI HU QING GAN TANG

Liver Fire Clearing • Toxic Heat & Blood Soothing Formula

Chai Hu Qing Gan Tang is a classical formula used to clear Liver and Gallbladder Heat, resolve Fire toxin, and regulate Liver Qi. It is primarily indicated in patterns of Liver Heat or Liver Fire rising, often affecting the head, face, eyes, ears, or throat.

This formula is especially appropriate when emotional constraint, Heat, and inflammation coexist, leading to symptoms such as irritability, headaches, red eyes, or inflammatory skin or ENT conditions.

Symptoms

Headache or dizziness due to Liver Heat
Red or painful eyes
Irritability or anger
Tinnitus
Sore throat or facial inflammation
Inflammatory skin eruptions
Red tongue with yellow coating
Wiry, rapid pulse

Ingredients

Chai Hu (柴胡) (Bupleuri Radix)
Raw Herbs: 9g * Granules 17.3g

Sheng Di Huang (生地黄) (Rehmanniae Radix)
Raw Herbs: 4g * Granules 7.7g

Dang Gui (当归) (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granules 11.5g

Chi Shao (赤芍) (Paeonia lactiflora)
Raw Herbs: 4g * Granules 7.7g

Chuan Xiong (川芎) (Chuanxiong Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules 5.7g

Lian Qiao (连翘) (Forsythiae Fructus)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granules 11.5g

Niu Bang Zi (牛蒡子) (Arctium lappa)
Raw Herbs: * Granules 8.5g

Huang Qin (黄芩) (Scutellariae Radix)
Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules 5.8g

Zhi Zi (栀子) (Gardeniae Fructus)
Raw Herbs: 4g * Granules 7.7g

Tian Hua Fen (天花粉) (Trichosanthes kirilowii)
Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules 5.8g

Fang Feng (防风) (Saposhnikovia divaricata)
Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules 5.8g

Gan Cao (甘草) (Glycyrrhizae Radix)
Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules 5.8g

Posology

Granules
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water.

Raw Herbs
Boil in 1000–1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Chai Hu Qing Gan Tang is a classical strategy from the surgical/external medicine tradition (Wai Ke) designed to clear intense Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder channels. It is particularly effective for inflammatory conditions in the upper body where Heat has begun to affect the Blood and skin.

Chai Hu is the chief herb, dredging Liver Qi and venting Heat from the Shao Yang layer.

Huang Qin and Zhi Zi are the deputies that drain Fire downwards and clear Heat from the Triple Burner, reducing internal inflammation.

Lian Qiao and Niu Bang Zi resolve toxicity and dissipate nodules or swellings, clearing "Toxic Heat" from the blood level.

Sheng Di Huang, Dang Gui, and Bai Shao form a "Blood-protecting" base. They nourish Yin and Blood to prevent the Heat-clearing herbs from causing dryness or damaging the Xue (Blood) level.

Chuan Xiong invigorates the Blood and moves Qi, helping to resolve stagnation and ease headaches or localized pain.

Fang Feng dispels Wind and helps to vent pathogens through the exterior, preventing the Fire from becoming "trapped" internally.

Gan Cao harmonizes the entire formula, moderating the cold nature of the other herbs and protecting the Stomach.

Together, these herbs clear Fire and resolve toxicity while stabilizing the Liver's dredging function and protecting the body's essential fluids.

Cautions

Not indicated for patterns of Liver Yin deficiency without Heat

Use with caution in patients with weak digestion

Adjust or discontinue once Heat has cleared