Huang Lian Jie Du Tang — Coptis Decoction to Resolve Toxicity

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Huang Lian Jie Du Tang — Coptis Decoction to Resolve Toxicity — is one of the most powerful Heat-clearing and Fire-draining formulas in Chinese herbal medicine. It addresses excess Fire Toxin (Re Du) affecting all three burners of the body simultaneously — the Upper Jiao (Heart and Lung), Middle Jiao (Stomach and intestines) and Lower Jiao (Liver, Kidney and Bladder). Composed of four bitter Cold herbs, it is among the most intensely Cold formulas in the TCM pharmacopoeia and is reserved for genuine excess Heat Toxin conditions. The formula has extensive modern research confirming anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and neuroprotective effects.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Fire Toxin in all three burners, characterised by: high fever, agitation and restlessness, insomnia, dry mouth and throat, dark urine, nosebleeds or other bleeding from Heat forcing Blood out of the vessels, boils and abscesses, a red or deep red tongue with a yellow dry coating, and a rapid, forceful pulse.

Key herbs

1. Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis rhizome) — the principal herb; the most bitter and cold herb in TCM; clears Heart and Stomach Fire and resolves toxicity
2. Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis root) — clears Heat from the Upper Jiao (Lung and Heart) and Middle Jiao; anti-inflammatory
3. Huang Bai (Phellodendron amurense bark) — clears Heat and drains Fire from the Lower Jiao (Kidney and Bladder); particularly for Damp-Heat in the lower body
4. Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides fruit) — clears Heat from all three burners and eliminates it via urination; cools Blood and resolves toxicity

Conditions treated

1. Acute febrile illness with high fever, agitation and restlessness from Fire Toxin
2. Skin infections, boils, abscesses and carbuncles from Fire Toxin in the Blood
3. Urinary tract infections with dark, burning urine from Damp-Heat Toxin in the Lower Jiao
4. Hypertension with Liver Fire and Heat Toxin pattern
5. Severe cystic acne and inflammatory skin conditions from Blood Heat and Fire Toxin
6. Nosebleeds and blood in the urine from Heat forcing Blood out of the vessels
7. Gastritis and peptic ulcer from Stomach Fire Toxin — often combined with other formulas

An intensely Cold formula contraindicated in Spleen and Stomach deficiency, Cold patterns and Yin deficiency Empty Heat. For excess Fire patterns only and not for long-term use.

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.