Long Dan Cao - Chinese Gentian Root, Gentiana
TCM Materia Medica
Long Dan Cao TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "long dan cao" which in english is 
"chinese gentian root, gentiana", is categorized within the "herbs that clear heat and dry dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the gall bladder, liver and stomach channels and exhibits bitter (ku) and cold (han) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Drains damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder channels - red, swollen, sore throat, eyes, and/or ears, sudden deafness, jaundice, pain, swelling or dampness in the genital region, or foul smelling vaginal discharge and itching.
- Clears ascending liver fire - headache, red eyes; liver wind-heat with fever, spasms, convulsions, flank pain.
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding long dan cao:
- Compare with Xia Ku Cao, Zhi Zi, Chuan Lian Zi for clearing liver heat function.
- Shouldn't be used for too long - too cold and bitter.
Long Dan Cao may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: convulsions, deafness (hearing loss), headache, itching, jaundice and/or sore throat
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, long dan cao is generally included in the following 3 formulas:
ViewJiang Ya Wan (Repress The Blood Pressure Pills)
Hypertension particularly with ascendent yang and heat signs - red face, red tongue, headaches, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
ViewLong Dan Xie Gan Wan (Gentiana Purge Liver Formula)
Hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, easily angered, headache, dizziness, red, and possibly sore, eyes resulting from liver fire rising. Urinary symptoms such as painful, hot…
ViewShu Jing Huo Xue Wan (Relax The Channels and Invigorate The Blood Decoction)
Primarily used for blood stasis with wind-damp in the channels and collaterals characterized by internal deficiency with external excesses - joint pain, muscle aches, numbness and/or pain in the lowe…
As noted above, long dan cao is within the herbs that clear heat and dry dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... for damp-heat patterns with dysenteric disorders, urinary difficulty or pain, jaundice, furuncles, eczema. bitter and cold - clear heat and drain dampness; avoid in cases of stomach and/or spleen deficiency. often combined with herbs that…)".
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