Gallbladder-Warming Decoction

Gallbladder-Warming Decoction

Pinelliae Rhizoma (Ban Xia) 2 liang (60g), Bambusae Caulis in Taenias (Zhu Ru) 2 liang (60g), Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhi Shi) 2 liang (60g), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi) 3 liang (90g), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 1 liang (30g), Poria (Fu Ling) 1.5 liang (45g), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang) 5 pieces, Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao) 1 piece

Grind these medicinals in to powder. Add 1.5 Zhan of water to boil four qian (12g) of powder with 5 pieces of sheng jiang and 1 piece of da zao until 70% of water remained. Remove the dregs. Take the decoction before meal.

Rectifies qi and dissolves phlegm, harmonizes the stomach and promotes gallbladder secretion.

Wen Dan Tang is designed for patterns of gallbladder constraint with phlegm stirring up. This patterns manifest timidity and patients may be easily frightened. Other symptoms include vexation, insomnia or dreaminess, nausea, vomiting and hiccup, vertigo, epilepsy. The tongue coating is white and greasy, and the pulse is wiry and slippery.

Constitutionally, these patients have gallbladder qi insufficiency shown by their timidity or easily to be frightened. When they get depressed emotionally, the liver and gallbladder qi cannot flow freely. As a result, qi stagnation generates heat causing vexation, strange dreams at night, palpitations; and fluid accumulating into phlegm. When turbid phlegm harasses the interior, primarily the stomach, patients present with nausea, vomiting saliva or phlegm, and hiccups. When the phlegm blocks the clear orifices, patients may complain of vertigo, palpitations, or even epilepsy. Therefore, the treatment principle is to regulate qi and dissolve phlegm, harmonize the stomach and promote gallbladder secretion.

1. Essential pattern differentiation Wen Dan Tang is a representative formula for gallbladder constraint with harassing phlegm. This clinical pattern is marked by insomnia due to vexation, vertigo and palpitations, nausea and vomiting, white and greasy tongue coating, wiry and slippery pulse. 2. Modern applications This formula may be used in the following biomedically defined disorders when the patient has a pattern of gallbladder constraint with rising phlegm: acute or chronic gastritis, psychoneurosis, Meniere's syndrome, menopause syndrome, epilepsy, and acute or chronic bronchitis.

Shi Wei Wen Dan Tang (Ten Ingredients Gallbladder-Warming Decoction 十味温胆汤)