Qing Gu San — Cool the Bones Powder

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Comparisons with related formulas
7. Cautions

Overview

Qing Gu San — the “Cool the Bones Powder” — is a Ming-dynasty formula from Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng (1602). It addresses severe Yin-deficient fevers with bone-steaming sensation — deeper and more chronic than Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, used in tuberculosis-pattern wasting and chronic febrile depletion.

I prescribe Qing Gu San as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Qing Gu San is prescribed for severe Yin-deficient bone-steaming Heat:

• Persistent low-grade fever over weeks or months
• Sensation of heat steaming from the bones
• Night sweats
• Five-palm Heat
• Emaciation, weight loss
• Dry mouth, dry throat
• Tongue — red, dry, possibly peeled or cracked
• Pulse — thin, rapid, possibly floating empty

Key herbs

1. Yin Chai Hu (lanceolate stellaria) — clears deficient Heat without injuring Yin
2. Hu Huang Lian — clears deficient Heat
3. Qin Jiao — clears Heat from sinews and bones
4. Bie Jia — nourishes Yin, clears deep Heat
5. Di Gu Pi (Lycium root bark) — clears deficient Heat from bones
6. Qing Hao — vents Yin-level Heat outward
7. Zhi Mu — clears Heat
8. Gan Cao — harmonises

Formula actions

1. Clears deficient Heat from the bones
2. Nourishes Yin
3. Vents Heat outward
4. Stops bone-steaming and night sweats

Conditions treated

1. Pulmonary tuberculosis with bone-steaming (alongside conventional antibiotics)
2. Chronic post-viral fever syndrome
3. Cancer-related fevers and night sweats (alongside oncology care)
4. HIV-related chronic fevers (alongside conventional care)
5. Lupus and autoimmune disease with afternoon fevers
6. Recovery from chronic illness with persistent Yin depletion
7. Severe perimenopausal night sweats — alongside hormonal evaluation

Comparisons with related formulas

• Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang — for residual Heat in the Yin level after febrile illness; lighter formula.
• Da Bu Yin Wan — for more deficient cases needing primary Yin tonification.
• Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan — for Kidney Yin deficiency with empty Heat.

Cautions

Persistent low-grade fever requires medical investigation to exclude TB, malignancy, chronic infection and autoimmune disease.

Contains Bie Jia (soft-shell turtle) — aquaculture-sourced in modern Sun Ten preparations.

Use cautiously in pregnancy.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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