Long Dan Cao

1 TASTEBitter and cold

2 MERIDIANSLiver, gall bladder and stomach

3 FUNCTIONS1. To clear and dry dampness; 2. To reduce fire in the liver.

4 INDICATIONS1. Damp-heat syndrome: a) damp-heat jaundice-Chinese gentian (Long Dan Cao) is used with Oriental wormwood (Yin Chen Hao) and Capejasmine (Zhi Zi); b) damp-heat leukorrhea manifested as pain and swelling in the genitals and eczema-Chinese gentian (Longdancao) is used with Phellodendron bark (Huang Bai), Flavescent sophora root (Ku Shen) and Plantain seed (Cheqinnzi).2. Upward attack of liver fire manifested as headache, distending sensation in the head, red eyes, deafness and pain in the costal regions. Chinese gentian (Longdancao) is used with Scutellaria root (Huang Qin), Capejasmine (Zhizi), Bupleurum root (Chai Hu) and Clematis stem (Mu-tong).3. Fever, spasms and convulsions. Chinese gentian (Longdancao) is used with Uncaria stem (Gou Teng) and Ox gallstone (Niubuang).

5 DOSAGE3-10g

6 COUTIONSThis herb is contraindicated in cases with weakness and cold in the spleen and stomach.