
Long Dan Xie Gan Wan - Gentiana Formula
Long Dan Xie Gan Wan also known as Gentiana Formula
TCM ACTIONS
Drains excess Fire from the Liver and the Gallbladder, clears Damp-Heat from the Triple Jiao
INDICATIONS
Acute inflammatory lesions (e.g. conjunctivitis, otitis media, nasal furuncle, furuncle in the external auditory canal, acute hepatitis, acute cholecystitis, herpes zoster, herpes simplex, vaginitis, vulvitis, leukorrhea, orchitis, urinary tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease), hypertension, migraine headaches, intercostal neuralgia, Meniere’s disease.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
1. LIVER AND GALLBLADDER EXCESS FIRE
Headache, Facial flushing, Bitter taste in the mouth, Conjunctival congestion, Hypochondrial and/or chest pain, Ears swollen and painful, Vomiting, Hard, dry stools, Red tongue with a yellow coat, Wiry, rapid and forceful pulse
2. DAMP-HEAT IN THE LOWER JIAO
Dysuria, Urine is dark or cloudy, Inflammation and itching of the external genitalia (e.g. pruritis vulvae, pruritis ani, scrotal pruritis) Vaginal discharge (yellow and malodorous), Fever, Red tongue with a yellow greasy coat, Rapid pulse that is also wiry or slippery,
DOSAGE & COURSE OF TREATMENT
8 - 12 pills, 3 times daily, half to one hour away from food. In severe cases and in the early stages of treatment (first 1 – 2 weeks) the dosage may be increased by 50 - 100%. Course of treatment: 2 – 6 weeks. Not for long term use.
ACTIONS OF THE MAIN HERBS
Gentiana root is used orally in formulas to treat liver and gallbladder disorders, specifically acute inflammation and acute infections. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic and hepatoprotective actions. Scutellaria root is used orally in formulas to treat a variety of acute inflammations and acute infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal, urinary and respiratory systems. It has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and diuretic actions.
CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
Avoid coffee, deep fried foods, fatty food, alcohol. Caution for those on anti-coagulant medications (i.e. Heparin, warfarin or aspirin). Caution with patients on: diuretics, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cardiotonic glycosides, antiarrhythmic drugs, laxatives.