CHAI HU QING GAN TANG

Bupleurum Decoction to Clear the Liver

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.

Key actions

• Clears Liver and Gallbladder Heat

• Drains Fire

• Regulates Liver Qi

• Reduces swelling and inflammation

Herbal composition

• Chai Hu (柴胡) – Bupleuri Radix

• Huang Qin (黄芩) – Scutellariae Radix

• Zhi Zi (栀子) – Gardeniae Fructus

• Long Dan Cao (龙胆草) – Gentianae Radix

• Mu Dan Pi (牡丹皮) – Moutan Cortex

• Sheng Di Huang (生地黄) – Rehmanniae Radix

• Dang Gui (当归) – Angelicae Sinensis Radix

• Chuan Xiong (川芎) – Chuanxiong Rhizoma

• Lian Qiao (连翘) – Forsythiae Fructus

• Gan Cao (甘草) – Glycyrrhizae Radix

Clinical indications

Traditionally used in presentations such as:

• 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

Pattern focus

This formula treats Liver and Gallbladder Heat with Qi constraint, often progressing toward Fire or toxic Heat.
Symptoms arise from upward flaring Heat and constrained Liver Qi, rather than deficiency or Cold.

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