Lóng Dǎn Cǎo (龙胆草) — Gentian Root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Lóng Dǎn Cǎo (龙胆草) — Gentiana scabra / manshurica — is known in English as Gentian root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Lóng Dǎn Cǎo as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Strongly drains Liver and Gallbladder Fire
2. Clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder channels
3. Clears Lower Jiao Damp-Heat

Indications

1. Liver and Gallbladder Fire blazing — headache, red eyes, hearing loss, bitter taste and hypochondriac pain
2. Liver channel Damp-Heat — genital itching, swelling, pain and discharge; urinary difficulty with burning
3. Damp-Heat skin conditions — eczema, urticaria and herpes zoster (shingles)
4. Liver Fire generating Wind — convulsions and spasms
5. Sperm DNA fragmentation from Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao
6. Hypertension from Liver Fire

4. Key formulas containing Lóng Dǎn Cǎo

Lóng Dǎn Cǎo is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Gentiana species (Long Dan Cao) have been subject to growing pharmacological research. Key bioactive constituents include iridoid glycosides (gentiopicroside, sweroside, swertiamarine) and xanthones (gentisein). Gentiopicroside has documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity and antifungal effects. Research confirms the formula Long Dan Xie Gan Tang’s efficacy in conditions with Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat, including urinary tract infections, genital herpes, shingles, and hepatitis. Gentian bitters stimulate gastric acid and digestive enzyme secretion, supporting appetite and digestion. Significant anti-inflammatory effects have been confirmed in multiple studies.

6. Cautions and contraindications

A very cold, bitter herb — contraindicated in Spleen and Stomach deficiency-Cold. Only for short-term use; prolonged use can damage the Spleen. Do not use in weak or deficient patients without tonifying support herbs. Avoid in pregnancy.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Lóng Dǎn Cǎo as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Shingles, Acne, High blood pressure, Urinary tract infections, Sperm DNA fragmentation. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.