Xiao Qing Long Tang 小青龙汤
Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction

Tradition:


TCM

Source / Author:


Discussion of Cold Induced Disorders (Shang Han Lun) C.220

Herb Name

Ma Huang (Ephedra)
Gui Zhi
(Cinnamon twig)
Gan Jiang
(dried Ginger)
Xi Xin
(Asarum)
Wu Wei Zi
(Schisandra)
Bai Shao
(White Peony)
Zhi Ban Xia (Pinellia root)
Zhi Gan Cao
(Fried Licorice)

Latin


Ephedra sinica
Cinnamomum cassia
Zingiber o
fficinale
Asarum heterotropoides
Schisandra chinensis
Paeonia lacti
flora
Pinellia ternata
Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Amount









9 grams ea.


Preparation:


Prepared as a deoction; also in powders or pills

Function:


Clears Wind-Cold, transform congested fluids, Warm Lungs, Lowers Qi

Use:


Fever and Chills without Sweating, Coughing, copious sputum or hard-to-expectorate phlegm, chest oppression, heaviness of the body, white and moist tongue coat with a superficial pulse.
1. Common Cold or In
fluenza
2. Acute Bronchitis or acute exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
3. Asthma with excess clear or white hard-to-clear mucus
4. Allergic Rhinitis
5. Upper Respiratory tract infection


Dose:


The above is taken in 3 doses over the course of the day.
In Powder or Pills in doses of 6–9 grams, 2–3 times daily.


Cautions:


1. Not used long-term (it is a medium-strength formula)
2. Not used in Heat conditions

3. Not used for Cough due to Yin deficiency or Hemoptysis
4. Hypertension


Modifications:


1. Usully the dose of Asarum and dried Ginger is reduced to 3 grams due to their very heating nature. In cases of extreme Cold, the recommneded dose may still be used.
2. Likewise, Ephedra can often be used in a lower dose or 4.5–6 grams.
3. For Cough and Wheeizng with Heatand Irritability, add Gypsum. This makes Xiao Qing Long Jia Shi Gao Tang.


Similar Formulas:


1. Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction)

This is commonly used for Asthma and Bronchitis in modern clinic.
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