INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

 

Rehmannia, root, fresh 53.6mg

Chinese Plantain, seed 53.6mg

Japanese Gentian, root 40.2mg

Chinese Thorow-wax, root 40.2mg

Water Plantain, rhiz. 40.2mg

Gardenia, flower, unopened 40.2mg

Baikal Skullcap, root 40.2mg

Dong Quai, root 26.8mg

Evergreen Clematis, stem 26.8mg

Licorice, root 13.5mg

 

 

Store below 30°C

Contains 200 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 478645

Manufactured In Australia.

 

Indications: any three of the four symptoms, coming from the inside out, anywhere in the body.

Actions: drain the liver, clear toxic heat, dry pus and alleviate itch.

Dosages: 12 - 15 pills, 2 - 3 times per day, or as symptoms return. Take near food.

Children: 6 months an over 1 pill per year of age up to the age of 10 as directed above.

Over use, don’t under use. Treat sooner rather than later.

​

​

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang – "Liver Fire"

A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to calm intense inflammation, clear excessive Heat and support conditions characterised by redness, heat, swelling and irritation.

 

What is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang?

Some inflammatory conditions are mild.

Others are impossible to ignore.

The skin becomes bright red.

The area feels hot to touch.

The itching becomes relentless.

Pus may begin to develop.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognised this pattern centuries ago and described it as Liver and Gallbladder Fire or Damp-Heat.

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (龙胆泻肝汤) is one of Chinese medicine's most powerful formulas for reducing this type of excessive inflammatory Heat.

At Chiron Medical we call it "Liver Fire."

Although the name refers to the Liver in Chinese medicine, the formula is not limited to liver disease. Instead, it addresses one of the body's most recognisable inflammatory patterns—where tissues become red, hot, itchy and may produce pus.

 

A Formula with More Than 700 Years of History

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang first appeared in Lan Shi Mi Cang (Secret Treasury of Master Lan), written by Li Dongyuan during the 13th century.

It quickly became one of the defining formulas for treating conditions involving intense Heat, inflammation and Damp accumulation affecting the Liver and Gallbladder channels.

Today it remains one of the most widely prescribed formulas for inflammatory disorders throughout East Asia.

The Four Warning Signs

One of the easiest ways to recognise the traditional pattern treated by Long Dan Xie Gan Tang is to remember four words:

Red. Hot. Itchy. Pus.

When three or more of these features occur together, the traditional Chinese medicine pattern often points toward Liver Fire or Damp-Heat.

For example:

• Red + Hot + Itchy

• Hot + Itchy + Pus

• Red + Hot + Pus

• Red + Itchy + Pus

This is not a diagnosis, but rather a simple way to recognise when inflammation has become excessive.

Whether the problem is affecting the skin, ears, eyes, urinary tract or genital region, this combination of symptoms frequently reflects the classical pattern for which Long Dan Xie Gan Tang was developed.

 

Why We Call It "Liver Fire"

In Chinese medicine, the Liver governs the smooth movement of energy throughout the body.

When Heat becomes trapped within this system, symptoms often become intense.

People may experience:

• red inflamed skin

• burning sensations

• severe itching

• yellow discharge

• pus formation

• swollen glands

• painful urination

• genital inflammation

• red eyes

• headaches

• bitter taste

• irritability

Modern medicine recognises many of these as signs of significant inflammatory activation.

Chinese medicine grouped them together thousands of years ago.

 

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang is prescribed for Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat.

Skin Disorders

• infected eczema

• inflamed dermatitis

• severe acne

• folliculitis

• shingles (pattern dependent)

• cellulitis (adjunctive care)

• boils

Eye Conditions

• red eyes

• painful eyes

• conjunctival inflammation

Ear Conditions

• acute ear inflammation

• painful ears

• infected external ear

Urinary and Genital Conditions

Traditionally prescribed for:

• painful urination

• urinary burning

• genital inflammation

• Damp-Heat affecting the lower body

Other Applications

• migraines associated with Liver Fire

• bitter taste in the mouth

• rib-side discomfort

• emotional irritability with Heat

 

The Ten Herbs That Make the Formula

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang combines powerful Heat-clearing herbs with herbs that protect healthy tissues and support fluid elimination.

Long Dan Cao (Gentian Root)

Traditional role

Clears intense Liver and Gallbladder Fire.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• anti-inflammatory activity

• antioxidant effects

• hepatoprotective potential

• immune regulation

Huang Qin (Baikal Skullcap)

Traditional role

Clears Heat and dries Dampness.

Biomedical actions

Contains baicalin and baicalein with:

• antibacterial activity

• antiviral effects

• anti-inflammatory properties

Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit)

Traditional role

Clears Fire throughout the body.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• antioxidant effects

• neuroprotective activity

• inflammatory regulation

Ze Xie (Alisma)

Traditional role

Promotes urination to drain Damp-Heat.

Biomedical actions

Supports:

• fluid regulation

• renal function

• anti-inflammatory pathways

Che Qian Zi (Plantain Seed)

Traditional role

Promotes urination while clearing Heat.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• anti-inflammatory activity

• urinary tract support

• antioxidant effects

Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia)

Traditional role

Protects Yin while cooling Blood.

Biomedical actions

Demonstrates:

• antioxidant activity

• immune regulation

• anti-inflammatory effects

Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica)

Traditional role

Nourishes Blood.

Biomedical actions

Supports:

• circulation

• tissue repair

• vascular health

Chai Hu (Bupleurum)

Traditional role

Relieves constrained Liver Qi.

Biomedical actions

May:

• regulate immune responses

• reduce inflammatory signalling

Gan Cao (Liquorice)

Traditional role

Harmonises the formula.

Biomedical actions

Provides:

• anti-inflammatory effects

• mucosal protection

• immune support

 

How the Formula Works

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang is one of Chinese medicine's strongest Heat-clearing formulas.

It works by:

• reducing inflammatory Heat

• draining Damp accumulation

• supporting urinary elimination

• protecting healthy tissues

• reducing irritation

• calming excessive immune activation

Modern research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• inflammatory cytokines

• oxidative stress

• immune regulation

• antimicrobial defence

• endothelial function

Rather than targeting one symptom, the formula addresses the inflammatory environment itself.

 

What Does Modern Research Say?

Research has explored Long Dan Xie Gan Tang in relation to:

Dermatology

• eczema

• acne

• dermatitis

• psoriasis (selected patterns)

Liver Disease

• hepatitis

• fatty liver disease

• inflammatory liver disorders

Urology

• urinary tract inflammation

• prostatitis

• pelvic inflammatory conditions

Neurology

• migraine

• inflammatory headache

Experimental studies suggest actions involving:

• NF-κB inhibition

• inflammatory cytokine regulation

• antioxidant activity

• antimicrobial effects

• immune modulation

Although further clinical research is required, the pharmacological profile closely mirrors its traditional use.

 

Comparing the Major Heat-Clearing Formulas

Many Chiron Medical formulas reduce inflammation, but each has its own specialty.

​

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang - Liver Fire - Intense inflammation with red, hot, itchy and pus

Wu Wei Xiao Du YinI - Inflammation - Skin infections, boils, cellulitis and acute inflammatory swelling

Yin Qiao San - No.1 Fever & Flu - Early viral respiratory infections

Huang Lian Jie Du Tang - Sudden Diarrhea - Severe Heat and toxicity affecting the digestive system and multiple organs

Si Miao Yong An Tang - Bleeding - Inflamed blood vessels, ulcers and damaged vascular tissue

 

Together these formulas demonstrate one of Chinese medicine's greatest strengths—not every inflammatory condition is treated the same way.

 

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

 

Classical Pattern

Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat

Typical presentation:

• red lesions

• burning pain

• itching

• yellow discharge

• pus

• bitter taste

• irritability

• dark urine

• red tongue with greasy yellow coating

• wiry rapid pulse

Formula Strategy

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang:

• Clears Liver Fire.

• Drains Damp-Heat.

• Resolves toxicity.

• Protects Yin.

• Harmonises Liver Qi.

Common Clinical Modifications

Frequently adapted for:

• herpes zoster

• severe acne

• eczema

• prostatitis

• urinary tract inflammation

• pelvic inflammatory disorders

• genital herpes (pattern dependent)

 

For Medical Doctors

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• NF-κB signalling

• inflammatory cytokines

• oxidative stress

• antimicrobial pathways

• hepatoprotection

• immune modulation

• urinary inflammatory responses

Major bioactive compounds include:

• gentiopicroside

• baicalin

• baicalein

• geniposide

• catalpol

• glycyrrhizin

Collectively these compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties.

 

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical monitoring is appropriate when patients are taking:

• antibiotics

• antiviral medications

• corticosteroids

• immunosuppressive therapies

• anticoagulants (general precaution)

 

The formula should not delay appropriate medical management of severe bacterial infection, rapidly spreading cellulitis, ocular emergencies or significant urinary tract infections.

 

When Inflammation Becomes Obvious

Inflammation isn't always hidden.

Sometimes the body makes it impossible to ignore.

The tissues become:

• Red.

• Hot.

• Itchy.

• Filled with pus.

When three of these four signs appear together, Traditional Chinese Medicine recognises a classic inflammatory pattern that has guided practitioners for centuries.

That is why we call this formula "Liver Fire."

Not because the liver itself is necessarily diseased, but because Chinese medicine uses the term "Liver Fire" to describe a pattern of excessive inflammatory Heat that can appear throughout the body. It is one of the clearest examples of how traditional pattern recognition often parallels modern understanding of acute inflammatory processes.

 

Key Takeaways

• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang is a classical Heat-clearing formula first developed during the 13th century for intense inflammatory conditions.

• At Chiron Medical it is called "Liver Fire" because it treats the traditional pattern of excessive Heat affecting the Liver and Gallbladder channels.

• A simple memory aid is "Red, Hot, Itchy, Pus." When three of these four features occur together, the classical pattern often points towards this formula.

• Modern research supports anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions that align closely with its traditional indications.

• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang should be prescribed by a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner after individual assessment and used alongside appropriate medical care. Severe infections, rapidly spreading skin disease, painful red eyes, urinary obstruction or high fever require prompt medical evaluation.

 

Clinical Perspective

Within the Chiron Medical range, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang ("Liver Fire") occupies a central role among the Heat-clearing formulas. While Yin Qiao San ("Fever & Flu") targets the earliest stages of viral respiratory illness and Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin ("Inflammation") focuses on superficial infections and abscesses, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang is selected when inflammation has become intense, localised and unmistakable. Its characteristic pattern—redness, heat, itching and pus—provides one of the simplest and most memorable clinical guides in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It reflects an enduring principle that remains relevant today: the quality of inflammation often tells us as much as its location, helping practitioners choose the most appropriate treatment for the pattern in front of them.