Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang — Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes & Liquorice Decoction

On this page

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

What is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang?

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang — Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes and Liquorice Decoction — is a classical Jin Gui Yao Lue formula by Zhang Zhongjing for Spleen-Yang deficiency with thin phlegm-fluid accumulation. In Chinese herbal medicine it is one of the most useful formulas for dizziness, palpitations, postural lightheadedness and clear watery sputum where the patient's pulse is deep and weak.

I prescribe Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for Spleen-Yang deficiency with thin-fluid retention: dizziness on standing, palpitations, chest oppression, watery clear sputum, mild oedema, sensation of cold fluid sloshing in the epigastrium, a pale tongue with a moist white coat and a deep, slippery or wiry pulse.

Key herbs

1. Fu Ling — drains Damp, transforms thin-fluid, quietens Heart
2. Gui Zhi — warms Yang and unblocks the channels
3. Bai Zhu — tonifies Spleen Qi and dries Damp
4. Zhi Gan Cao — harmonises and protects the middle

Formula actions

1. Warms and tonifies Spleen Yang
2. Drains thin phlegm-fluid (tan yin)
3. Resolves Damp and harmonises the middle Burner

Conditions treated

1. Vestibular dizziness and Meniere’s-pattern presentations with Spleen-Yang deficiency
2. Postural hypotension with clear watery sputum and fatigue
3. Chronic productive cough with watery clear sputum in deficient constitutions
4. Functional dyspepsia with sloshing fluids and a cold middle
5. Selected presentations of glaucoma, congestive heart failure and migraine with phlegm-fluid features (under joint medical care)

Cautions

Contraindicated in Yin-deficient dryness and heat-pattern accumulation. Reduce dose if pulse becomes wiry and full or coat turns yellow.

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

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