Long Dan Xie Gan Wan is one of the most important and widely used formulas in the classical Chinese medicine tradition — a powerful, bitter, cold prescription designed specifically for excess patterns involving Liver and Gallbladder fire and damp-heat. This is not a tonifying formula. It is a draining formula, targeting acute and excess conditions with precision and force. Used correctly and under appropriate guidance, it produces rapid and dramatic results.

The formula addresses two distinct clinical presentations that frequently overlap:

Liver and Gallbladder fire flaring upward — characterized by temporal headaches, red and painful eyes, sudden ear pain or ringing, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, short temper, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a wiry, rapid, forceful pulse. This pattern often presents alongside high stress, emotional frustration, or acute inflammatory conditions affecting the head and sense organs.

Liver channel damp-heat flowing downward — characterized by urinary burning, urinary tract infections, vaginal discharge and itching, scrotal swelling or dampness, lower abdominal pain, and skin conditions including shingles along the Liver channel distribution. The formula drives damp-heat out of the lower body via urination, making it one of the most effective classical treatments for these presentations.

Classical Formula Composition

The formula is anchored by Long Dan Cao (Gentian Root) — an intensely bitter, cold herb that powerfully drains fire from the Liver and Gallbladder while simultaneously clearing damp-heat from the lower body. It is supported by Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia), which reinforce the fire-draining action from complementary angles, alongside Ze Xie (Alisma) and Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed), which guide damp-heat downward and out through urination. Sheng Di Huang (raw Rehmannia) and Dang Gui (Angelica) nourish yin and blood to prevent the strongly draining herbs from injuring the body's fundamental substances. Chai Hu (Bupleurum) guides the formula to the Liver and Gallbladder channels. Gan Cao (Licorice) harmonizes the formula and moderates its intensity.

Important Clinical Notes

This is a strongly draining formula intended for excess and acute conditions only. It should not be used long-term, as prolonged use will damage Spleen qi and deplete yin. It is not appropriate for patients with underlying deficiency, chronic fatigue, or cold presentations. This formula does not contain Guan Mu Tong, the herb in the original prescription associated with aristolochic acid concerns — a clinically important distinction for patient safety.

As with all classical Chinese herbal formulas, best results are achieved when the formula is prescribed by a qualified practitioner following a thorough pattern diagnosis. If you are unsure whether this formula is appropriate for your presentation, a virtual consultation is a cost-effective way to get personalized guidance before purchasing.

Format: 300 tablets Suggested Use: As directed by your practitioner Available from: Asheville Holistic Acupuncture — practitioner-sourced Chinese herbal medicine

This product is intended for use under the guidance of a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.