Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang — Bamboo Leaf & Gypsum Decoction

On this page

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

What is Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang?

Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang — Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction — is a classical Shang Han Lun convalescent formula for the residual heat and damaged Qi-Yin pattern that often follows a high fever. It is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine for post-febrile recovery, post-chemotherapy heat-and-dryness presentations and in selected diabetic patterns with thirst and mouth ulcers.

I prescribe Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for residual heat with damaged Qi and Yin: low-grade lingering fever, restlessness, dry mouth, thirst, mild cough, mild nausea, weakness, dry red tongue with little or no coat and a thin rapid pulse.

Key herbs

1. Dan Zhu Ye — clears Heart heat and eases restlessness
2. Shi Gao — clears residual heat in the Lung and Stomach
3. Mai Men Dong — nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin
4. Ren Shen — tonifies Qi and generates fluids
5. Ban Xia — descends rebellious Qi and stops nausea
6. Zhi Gan Cao, polished rice (gengmi) — harmonise the formula and protect the middle

Formula actions

1. Clears residual heat and generates fluids
2. Tonifies Qi and nourishes Yin
3. Harmonises the Stomach and stops nausea

Conditions treated

1. Post-febrile convalescence with residual low-grade fever, thirst and weakness
2. Post-viral cough with dryness and exhaustion
3. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects with mouth ulcers, dry mouth and weak appetite (alongside oncology care)
4. Heat stroke recovery
5. Mild diabetic xerostomia and recurrent mouth ulcers with Qi-Yin deficiency

Cautions

Contraindicated in pure cold patterns and damp-stagnation patterns. Reduce or discontinue once the heat-and-dryness has resolved to avoid suppressing recovery.

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

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