Xiǎo Qīng Lóng Tāng (小青龙汤, Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Release exterior category, with Má Huáng and Guì Zhī as chief herbs. It contains Má Huáng, Guì Zhī, Gān Jiāng, Xì Xīn, Wǔ Wèi Zǐ, Bái Sháo, Bàn Xià and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Actions: releases Wind-Cold exterior; warms Lung, transforms Cold-Phlegm fluids; calms wheezing.
| Pinyin | Xiǎo Qīng Lóng Tāng (Xiao Qing Long Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 小青龙汤 |
| English | Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction |
| Category | Release exterior |
| Chief | Má Huáng, Guì Zhī |
| Tongue | Pale, white slippery coat |
| Pulse | Floating, tight |
| Cautions | Contains Má Huáng (ephedra): avoid with hypertension, heart disease, insomnia, anxiety or exterior deficiency with sweating; regulated in some countries. Contains Xì Xīn (Asarum): keep to low doses; some species contain aristolochic acid. Avoid in Yin deficiency with Heat. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Má Huáng | 9g |
| Guì Zhī | 9g |
| Gān Jiāng | 9g |
| Xì Xīn | 3g |
| Wǔ Wèi Zǐ | 6g |
| Bái Sháo | 9g |
| Bàn Xià | 9g |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 6g |
Actions
Releases Wind-Cold exterior; warms Lung, transforms Cold-Phlegm fluids; calms wheezing
Indications
Wind-Cold exterior with Cold-Phlegm fluids in Lung: chills, fever, no sweating, wheezing, cough with copious white watery phlegm
Test yourself
What herbs are in Xiǎo Qīng Lóng Tāng?
Xiǎo Qīng Lóng Tāng contains Má Huáng 9g, Guì Zhī 9g, Gān Jiāng 9g, Xì Xīn 3g, Wǔ Wèi Zǐ 6g, Bái Sháo 9g, Bàn Xià 9g and Zhì Gān Cǎo 6g.
What is Xiǎo Qīng Lóng Tāng used for?
Wind-Cold exterior with Cold-Phlegm fluids in Lung: chills, fever, no sweating, wheezing, cough with copious white watery phlegm.
What are the actions of Xiǎo Qīng Lóng Tāng?
Releases Wind-Cold exterior; warms Lung, transforms Cold-Phlegm fluids; calms wheezing.
What tongue and pulse go with Xiǎo Qīng Lóng Tāng?
Tongue: Pale, white slippery coat. Pulse: Floating, tight.
Use Xiǎo Qīng Lóng Tāng in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.