Lysimachia, herb 75mg

Lygodium, spore 75mg

Artemisia, herb 75mg

Rheum, root 37.5mg

Scutellaria baical 22.5mg

Curcuma, tuber 22.5mg

Saussure, root 22.5mg

Citrus Aurantium 15mg

Magnolia, bark 15mg

Licorice, root 15mg

 

Indications

Acute gallbladder conditions including gallstones, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, jaundice and localised inflammation due to gallstone obstruction.

 

Actions

Dissolve gallstones, promote the movement of gallstone through the biliary tract, eliminate inflammation and restore normal flow of bile.

 

Dosage

3 teaspoons of powder steeped in 125ml of boiling hot water for 15 minutes. Drink the liquid and reuse the powder again for a second dose. Do not drink the powder. Double the dose for strong symptoms and increase frequency until symptoms subside. 

 

Treat more, not less, treat sooner rather than later. 

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What is Li Dan Pai Shi Tang?

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Gallstones often develop silently over many years before making themselves known—usually with sudden, severe pain beneath the right ribs after a rich meal. That pain, known as biliary colic, occurs when a stone temporarily blocks the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder.

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Li Dan Pai Shi Tang was developed specifically to help manage this condition. Unlike most classical Chinese formulas, it is a modern hospital prescription created through the combined clinical experience of physicians across mainland China and later incorporated into the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China.

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Within the Chiron Medical range we call it Dissolve Gallstones Formula because its purpose is simple: improve bile flow, reduce gallbladder inflammation, relieve painful spasm and assist the natural passage of appropriately sized gallstones.

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For patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease, it offers a conservative treatment option that aims to restore healthy gallbladder function while reducing the frequency and severity of painful attacks.

 

Provenance

 

Li Dan Pai Shi Tang is one of the few modern Chinese herbal formulas developed specifically for a clearly defined medical condition. Drawing on both traditional Chinese medicine and contemporary clinical experience, physicians combined herbs known to stimulate bile flow, reduce inflammation, relieve biliary spasm and encourage the expulsion of small calculi.

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The formula proved sufficiently successful to be included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, where it remains a recognised treatment for uncomplicated gallstones and chronic cholecystitis.

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Why We Call It Dissolve Gallstones Formula

 

The traditional name means "Benefit the Gallbladder and Expel Stones."

Our name simply tells patients what the formula is designed to do.

 

While no herbal medicine can guarantee the dissolution of every gallstone, Li Dan Pai Shi Tang creates the conditions that favour healthy bile flow and the passage of smaller stones while reducing the inflammation and spasm responsible for biliary pain.

 

Traditional Indications

 

In Chinese medicine, gallstones usually develop when Damp-Heat becomes trapped within the Gallbladder. As bile becomes stagnant, it gradually thickens and condenses into stones. Liver Qi stagnation often contributes to this process by slowing the normal movement of bile, while poor digestive function allows Dampness to accumulate over many years.

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Typical features include:

• Biliary colic, especially after fatty meals.

• Pain beneath the right ribs that may radiate to the shoulder or back.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Abdominal bloating and fullness.

• Constipation.

• Tenderness over the gallbladder.

• Occasionally mild jaundice.

• A red tongue with a thick yellow coating.

• A wiry or slippery pulse.

 

A Modern Biomedical Perspective

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Gallstones form when bile remains in the gallbladder long enough for its contents to crystallise. Most are composed of cholesterol and develop because the bile contains too much cholesterol, the gallbladder does not empty efficiently, or both.

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Many people never know they have gallstones. Problems begin when a stone blocks the cystic duct, producing the intense pain of biliary colic. Persistent blockage can lead to infection, jaundice or pancreatitis, making prompt medical assessment essential.

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Li Dan Pai Shi Tang is intended for carefully selected patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease. Its goal is not to replace surgery when surgery is needed, but to improve bile flow, reduce inflammation, relieve biliary spasm and support the natural passage of smaller stones before more serious complications develop.

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The Eleven Herbs That Make the Formula

Li Dan Pai Shi Tang combines herbs that tackle gallstones from several directions at once. Some stimulate bile flow, others reduce inflammation, some relax the bile ducts and relieve pain, while others improve digestion and help prevent further stagnation. Together they create an environment that supports the natural passage of small gallstones while calming an inflamed gallbladder.

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Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachia Herb)

 

Traditional Role

Jin Qian Cao is the leader of the prescription and the herb around which the entire formula is built. Like opening the floodgates of a blocked river, it restores the free flow of bile while clearing Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, creating the conditions needed for small stones to loosen and pass.

 

Biomedical Role

Jin Qian Cao has been extensively studied for hepatobiliary disease. Research suggests it increases bile secretion, improves bile flow, reduces inflammation of the gallbladder and may help inhibit stone formation. Experimental studies have also demonstrated antibacterial, antioxidant and mild smooth muscle relaxing effects that may assist stone passage while reducing biliary spasm.

 

Hai Jin Sha (Lygodium Spore)

 

Traditional Role

If Jin Qian Cao opens the pathway, Hai Jin Sha helps keep it moving. It clears Damp-Heat while encouraging stones to continue their journey rather than becoming trapped within the biliary system.

 

Biomedical Role

Research suggests anti-inflammatory, mild diuretic and smooth muscle relaxing properties. Although most research has focused on urinary stones, these actions complement the formula's objective of improving fluid movement and reducing obstruction.

 

Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris)

 

Traditional Role

Yin Chen Hao cleans the river after the blockage begins to move. It clears the Damp-Heat that surrounds the stones, reducing the inflammatory environment that allows gallbladder disease to persist.

 

Biomedical Role

Modern studies demonstrate choleretic and hepatoprotective effects, improving bile secretion while reducing liver inflammation. Research also suggests antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering activity, making it valuable in patients with associated fatty liver disease.

 

Da Huang (Rhubarb Rhizome)

 

Traditional Role

Da Huang opens the exit. By draining accumulated Heat through the bowels, it prevents congestion from simply shifting elsewhere and encourages the body to eliminate what no longer serves it.

 

Biomedical Role

In addition to its well-known laxative effects, Da Huang exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective properties. By improving bowel transit, it may also reduce enterohepatic recirculation of bile constituents and support normal digestive function.

 

Huang Qin (Baikal Skullcap Root)

 

Traditional Role

While other herbs focus on moving the obstruction, Huang Qin cools the inflammation surrounding it. It acts like a fire brigade, calming the Heat that irritates the gallbladder and bile ducts.

 

Biomedical Role

Rich in baicalin and baicalein, Huang Qin has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. It may also help regulate inflammatory cytokines involved in chronic cholecystitis.

 

Yu Jin (Turmeric Tuber)

 

Traditional Role

Pain causes people to brace and tighten. Yu Jin encourages everything to move again, restoring the smooth flow of Liver Qi while easing pain and supporting the free movement of bile.

 

Biomedical Role

Studies suggest anti-inflammatory, cholagogue and hepatoprotective effects. Curcuminoids may also improve bile composition and reduce oxidative stress within hepatobiliary tissues.

 

Mu Xiang (Costus Root)

 

Traditional Role

Mu Xiang is the formula's coordinator. It keeps the digestive system moving smoothly, relieving discomfort while preventing stagnation from returning once the bile begins to flow.

 

Biomedical Role

Research indicates antispasmodic effects on gastrointestinal smooth muscle together with improved gastric motility, helping relieve bloating and digestive discomfort commonly associated with gallbladder disease.

 

Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange)

 

Traditional Role

Zhi Ke removes the traffic jam. It regulates Qi throughout the abdomen, easing the pressure and fullness that develop when digestion slows and bile flow becomes restricted.

 

Biomedical Role

Experimental studies suggest improved gastrointestinal motility and smooth muscle relaxation, supporting normal digestive function and reducing abdominal distension.

 

Hou Po (Magnolia Bark)

 

Traditional Role

Hou Po helps clear the backlog. It disperses stagnant Qi, transforms Dampness and relieves the heavy, bloated feeling that often accompanies gallbladder dysfunction.

 

Biomedical Role

Modern research demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and gastrointestinal motility-enhancing properties while helping reduce intestinal gas and abdominal bloating.

 

Gan Cao (Liquorice Root)

 

Traditional Role

Every good team needs a mediator. Gan Cao harmonises the prescription, softening the stronger actions of the other herbs while protecting the digestive system throughout treatment.

 

Biomedical Role

Liquorice possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and gastroprotective properties. It also helps protect the digestive tract while improving the overall tolerability of the prescription.

I think this is the sweet spot.

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Why These Herbs Work Together

Gallstones don't develop overnight, and neither should their treatment focus on just one problem.

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Li Dan Pai Shi Tang approaches gallbladder disease from several angles at once. Some herbs increase bile flow, others reduce inflammation, relieve smooth muscle spasm, improve digestion or encourage the movement of Qi. Together they address the conditions that allow gallstones to form while helping relieve the pain and inflammation they produce.

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In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the formula clears Damp-Heat from the Gallbladder, promotes the free flow of Liver Qi, relieves biliary obstruction and encourages the expulsion of stones. By treating both the obstruction and the inflammatory environment surrounding it, the formula seeks to restore normal gallbladder function rather than simply masking symptoms.

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Modern research reflects this systems-based approach. The herbal constituents have demonstrated choleretic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antispasmodic activities. Collectively these effects may improve bile flow, reduce gallbladder inflammation and support healthier biliary physiology.

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Modern Research

Several of the herbs within Li Dan Pai Shi Tang have been investigated for their effects on hepatobiliary disease.

Jin Qian Cao remains one of the most extensively studied Chinese herbs for gallstones and has demonstrated the ability to increase bile flow, reduce gallbladder inflammation and inhibit stone formation in experimental models. Yin Chen Hao has similarly shown strong hepatoprotective and choleretic activity, while Huang Qin and Yu Jin provide additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

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Although high-quality clinical trials of the complete formula remain limited, its individual herbs have accumulated a substantial body of pharmacological research supporting their traditional use in disorders of the liver and biliary system. This evidence aligns closely with the formula's longstanding role in conservative management of uncomplicated gallstone disease.

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For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

 

Li Dan Pai Shi Tang is best suited to patients with Damp-Heat lodged in the Gallbladder, particularly where biliary colic, chronic cholecystitis or small gallstones are confirmed.

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The formula performs best before significant obstruction develops. It is particularly valuable where pain is aggravated by fatty meals, accompanied by nausea, a bitter taste, abdominal fullness and a wiry or slippery pulse.

Patients presenting with marked Liver Qi stagnation may benefit from combining the formula with Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan, while constitutional Liver Blood deficiency may respond better when combined with Xiao Yao San.

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Acute cholecystitis with systemic illness, persistent obstruction or suspected cholangitis requires immediate medical referral.

 

For Medical Doctors

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Li Dan Pai Shi Tang is intended as a conservative treatment for carefully selected patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease. It is not an alternative to emergency surgical management where biliary obstruction, acute cholecystitis, ascending cholangitis or gallstone pancreatitis are suspected.

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The formula combines herbs with demonstrated choleretic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxing properties that may complement lifestyle modification and ongoing medical management. Its primary aim is to improve biliary physiology rather than replace established surgical indications.

Patients should continue routine imaging and clinical review throughout treatment.

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Herb–Drug Considerations

 

Li Dan Pai Shi Tang is generally well tolerated when prescribed appropriately.

 

Care should be exercised in patients taking:

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin, as several herbs possess mild antiplatelet activity.

• Diuretics, where additive effects may occur.

• NSAIDs, particularly in patients with gastrointestinal sensitivity.

• Antiarrhythmic medications, where routine clinical monitoring remains appropriate.

• Laxatives, as Da Huang may enhance bowel activity.

 

The formula is contraindicated during pregnancy and should not be used where complete biliary obstruction or acute surgical abdomen is suspected.

 

Key Takeaways

• Developed specifically for gallstones and chronic cholecystitis.

• Included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China.

• Promotes bile flow while reducing inflammation and biliary spasm.

• Most appropriate for uncomplicated gallstones, particularly those approximately 1 cm or smaller.

• Should be used alongside appropriate medical assessment and imaging.

• Not a substitute for emergency surgical treatment when obstruction or infection develops.

 

Clinical Insights

 

Gallstones (Primary Indication)

 

Li Dan Pai Shi Tang is designed for patients with confirmed gallstones who are suitable for conservative treatment. It is most likely to be effective where stones remain relatively small and continue to move freely within the gallbladder.

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Clinical experience suggests stones approaching or exceeding 1 cm carry a substantially greater risk of becoming impacted during attempted passage. These patients require careful assessment, and many will ultimately benefit more from surgical management.

 

Acute Biliary Colic

 

When a small stone temporarily obstructs the cystic duct, severe right upper abdominal pain may develop. The formula may help reduce inflammation, relieve biliary spasm and encourage restoration of bile flow.

Persistent pain lasting more than several hours, fever or jaundice should always prompt urgent medical assessment.

 

Combination

• X Factor (Xiao Chai Hu Wan)

 

Chronic Cholecystitis

Repeated episodes of inflammation gradually damage the gallbladder wall, leading to chronic pain, poor digestion and intolerance of fatty foods.

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Li Dan Pai Shi Tang is particularly well suited to this presentation.

Combinations

• Fatty Liver Detox (Yin Chen Hao Wan)

• Bleeding (Si Miao Yong An Wan)

 

Fatty Liver Disease

Gallstones and fatty liver frequently coexist because they share many of the same metabolic risk factors, including obesity and insulin resistance.

Combination

• Fatty Liver Detox (Yin Chen Hao Tang)

 

Liver Qi Constraint with Blood Stasis

Where chronic pain has become persistent and fixed, suggesting impaired circulation in addition to Qi stagnation:

Combination

• Free Flow (Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang)

 

Liver Qi Constraint with Liver Blood Deficiency

Patients who are constitutionally depleted, stressed or emotionally exhausted often benefit from improving both bile flow and underlying Liver function.

Combination

• DeStress (Xiao Yao San)

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