Xiao Qing Long Tang — Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction

On this page

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

What is Xiao Qing Long Tang?

Xiao Qing Long Tang — Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction — is a foundational Shang Han Lun formula written by Zhang Zhongjing around 200 CE for an exterior wind-cold attack combined with internal thin phlegm-fluid. It is one of the most important formulas in Chinese herbal medicine for cold-pattern asthma, allergic rhinitis with watery secretions and chronic productive cough that worsens in cold weather.

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

Xiao Qing Long Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for external wind-cold with internal thin-fluid retention, characterised by: chills, mild fever and no sweating; cough or wheeze with copious clear, thin, watery, white sputum; nasal congestion with profuse watery discharge; a sensation of fullness and oppression in the chest; possible mild oedema; a moist, white, slippery tongue coating; and a floating, tight or wiry pulse.

Key herbs

1. Ma Huang — chief herb; releases the exterior, disperses cold and arrests wheezing
2. Gui Zhi — assists Ma Huang to release the exterior and warm the channels
3. Gan Jiang — warms the Lung and transforms cold thin-fluid
4. Xi Xin — warms the Lung and disperses cold from the interior
5. Ban Xia — transforms phlegm and stops cough
6. Wu Wei Zi — astringes Lung Qi and protects against over-dispersion
7. Bai Shao — nourishes the Yin and balances the warming herbs
8. Zhi Gan Cao — harmonises the formula

Formula actions

1. Releases the exterior and disperses Wind-Cold
2. Warms the Lung and transforms thin phlegm-fluid
3. Calms wheezing and stops cough

Conditions treated

1. Cold-pattern asthma attacks with copious clear watery sputum, particularly triggered by cold exposure
2. Chronic bronchitis with thin watery white sputum that worsens in winter
3. Allergic rhinitis with profuse clear watery nasal discharge and sneezing fits
4. Post-viral cough with thin watery sputum and chest oppression

Cautions

Contraindicated in Yin-deficient cough, dry cough without sputum, hot productive cough with yellow phlegm, pregnancy, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, hyperthyroidism and concurrent use of MAOIs or sympathomimetics (Ma Huang content). Not for long-term use; transition to a tonifying formula once the acute pattern resolves.

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

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