GENTIANA & SPICA PRUNELLIA
Long Dan Cao/Xia Ku Cao

 

Gentiana scabra & Prunella vulgaris

 

 

Long Dan Cao

bitter, cold clears Heat, dries Damp, 
discharges Liver Fire, calms convulsion
Xia Ku Cao acrid, bitter, cold clears Liver Fire, disperses 
depression and lumps, lowers blood pressure


Indications
*  Excessive Liver Fire: headache, red and painful eyes, stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondriac region.

Combined action
Clears Liver Fire.

Combinations
*  With constipation, add Da Huang.
*  With nausea and acid reflux due to Liver Fire invading the Stomach, combine with Zuo Jin Wan.
*  With hypochondriac pain due to Liver qi stagnation, combine with Jin Ling Zi San. 		Dosage
The typical proportion when added to a constitutional formula is 6:1 formula to addition (15 grams in 75- 90 grams of formula). If a stronger effect is desired more can be added. When used alone the dose is three grams twice daily.

Cautions and contraindications
Long Dan Cao is not suitable for excessive or prolonged use.
None noted.