Huáng Lián Ē Jiāo Tāng (黄连阿胶汤) — Coptis and Ass-hide Gelatin Decoction
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional Chinese herbal formula that contains one or more animal-derived ingredients, for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
I do not use this substance on animal-welfare grounds, and it is not prescribed in my practice. Related species are also restricted under endangered-species and welfare rules.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include plant Yin-nourishing and heat-clearing herbs such as Sheng Di Huang, Huang Lian and Bai Shao.
On this page
- Overview
- Ingredients
- Traditional actions and indications
- Plant-based alternatives
- Why it is not prescribed
1. Overview
Huáng Lián Ē Jiāo Tāng (黄连阿胶汤) — Coptis and Ass-hide Gelatin Decoction — is a traditional formula of the Chinese Materia Medica that contains one or more animal-derived ingredients. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Huáng Lián Ē Jiāo Tāng or any formula containing animal products; where a comparable effect is needed I prescribe a plant-based formula matched to the patient's TCM pattern.
2. Ingredients
Traditional ingredients include:
- E Jiao (donkey-hide gelatin) (animal product)
- Egg yolk (animal product)
- Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Bai Shao (plants)
3. Traditional actions and indications
Traditional actions
- Nourishes Yin and clears Heat
- Calms the spirit
Traditional indications
- Yin-deficiency insomnia with irritability and a dry mouth
4. Plant-based alternatives
In my practice I use plant-based formulas in place of Huáng Lián Ē Jiāo Tāng. Depending on the TCM pattern, suitable alternatives include plant Yin-nourishing and heat-clearing herbs such as Sheng Di Huang, Huang Lian and Bai Shao. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
On animal-welfare grounds I do not use Huáng Lián Ē Jiāo Tāng, and it is not prescribed in my practice; a plant-based alternative is used instead. All Chinese herbs and formulas should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
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