Q2: Which modern diseases is Da Qing Long Tang applicable to?

It is commonly used for influenza, acute bronchitis, viral upper respiratory tract infections, and febrile respiratory diseases that match the TCM pattern of wind-cold binding the exterior with depressed heat accumulating internally.

Q3: Is Da Qing Long Tang suitable for influenza patients with high fever?

For influenza patients with wind-cold depressed-heat manifestations, including high fever, pronounced aversion to cold, absence of sweating, body pain, irritability, and cough, TCM practitioners may apply Da Qing Long Tang based on pattern differentiation as adjunctive treatment. However, it cannot replace antiviral agents and other standard medical measures.

Exterior-Releasing Formulas

大青龙汤 · Dà Qīng Lóng Tāng

Da Qing Long Tang

A Shang Han Lun formula for exterior excess Wind-Cold with interior heat constraint, marked by severe chills and fever, body aches, absence of sweating, and irritability or restlessness.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryExterior-Releasing Formulas

Primary PatternWind-Cold

Primary FunctionRelease exterior, clear interior heat, stop irritability

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleInduce sweating to release exterior cold while clearing interior heat

Main HerbsEphedra Herb · Cinnamon Twig · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Gypsum · Honey-fried Licorice · Fresh Ginger · Jujube / Chinese Date

Classical SourceShang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for severe exterior cold with no sweating plus clear signs of interior heat constraint (irritability) — stronger sweating than Ma Huang Tang and earlier than pure heat-clearing formulas.

Overview

What Is Da Qing Long Tang?

1. Classical Literature

Da Qing Long Tang (大青龙汤), or Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction, is a classical formula from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage). It belongs to the category of formulas that strongly release the exterior while clearing interior Heat.

This formula treats exterior Wind-Cold excess with concurrent interior Heat. Typical signs include severe chills and high fever without sweating, generalized body aches and pain, marked irritability or restlessness, and a floating tight pulse.

Built on the foundation of Ma Huang Tang with the addition of Shi Gao to clear trapped interior Heat, along with Sheng Jiang and Da Zao, Da Qing Long Tang opens the exterior, induces sweating to expel Wind-Cold, and simultaneously cools the interior Heat that has become constrained, restoring balance in robust patients with this dual exterior-interior pattern.

Da Qing Long Tang: Inducing Sweat, Releasing the Exterior and Clearing Heat | HJMEDICAL

2. The Common Cold

In the very early stages of a cold, if you feel deeply chilled but also have a high fever and cannot sweat, this formula might be the right choice. It is particularly effective if you also feel intense body aches, are very thirsty, and feel physically agitated or "on edge." Da Qing Long Tang acts quickly to break the blockage at the surface of your body, clear the internal heat, and help you recover much faster.

3. Influenza (The Flu)

This formula is a powerful tool for certain types of flu that present with intense, "locked-in" symptoms. If you catch a flu that makes you feel frozen and achy on the outside but hot and restless on the inside, using this formula in a timely manner can help stop the sickness from progressing. It effectively manages high fevers and severe body aches, preventing the condition from turning into something more serious.

4. Bronchitis

For people with bronchitis who find it hard to breathe, have a heavy cough, and are struggling with fever and chills, this formula offers significant relief. It is used when the "wind-cold" bug is trapping heat inside the Lungs. By clearing the body's surface, cooling the internal inflammation, and calming your breathing, Da Qing Long Tang helps open up your airways and gets your respiratory system back on track.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. The Leader (Chief Herb) — Ma Huang

Ma Huang (Ephedra) is the most powerful herb in this formula. It has a spicy and slightly bitter taste and a warm nature, focusing on the Lung and Bladder systems.

The Powerhouse: Its main job is to induce a strong sweat to "release the exterior." Think of it as opening all the doors and windows of your body to let the cold sickness escape.
Clearing the Lungs: In this specific condition, the body is tightly locked by "wind-cold." Ma Huang rapidly opens the pores to flush out these pathogens.
Ease of Breathing: It is also excellent at "opening" the Lungs, which helps stop the intense shortness of breath or wheezing (dyspnea) caused by blocked energy.

2. The Partner (Deputy Herb) — Gui Zhi

Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) is a warm, spicy herb that supports the Heart, Lungs, and Bladder.

Boosting the Force: In this formula, Gui Zhi acts as the perfect assistant to Ma Huang. Together, they create a much stronger "sweating" effect to push the cold out of the muscle layer.
Warming the Channels: It helps warm up your blood vessels and energy pathways, ensuring the medicinal power of the formula reaches your skin and muscles effectively.
Restoring Balance: It also helps harmonize your body’s defensive and nutritive systems, which often get out of sync when you catch a heavy cold.

3. The Cooling Balance (Adjuvant Herb) — Shi Gao

Shi Gao (Gypsum) is a mineral herb that is naturally very cold. It works on the Lungs and Stomach.

The Internal Firefighter: While this illness starts with "exterior cold," it often creates "interior heat"—making you feel restless, irritable, or agitated.
Safety Valve: Shi Gao is added to clear out this internal heat. It acts as a safety balance, making sure that while the other herbs are warming you up to make you sweat, you don't "overheat" on the inside.

4. The Respiratory Support (Adjuvant Herb) — Xing Ren

Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) is a bitter herb that targets the Lungs and Large Intestine.

Settling the Breath: Its main role is to direct the Lung energy (Qi) downward. This is vital for stopping the coughing and wheezing that often comes with a severe cold.
Smoothing the Path: By helping the Lungs breathe "downward" and moistening the intestines, it ensures that your body’s internal energy flows smoothly, which helps all the other herbs work better.

5. The Harmonizer (Envoy Herb) — Zhi Gan Cao

Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice Root) is the "peacemaker" that brings the whole formula together.

Team Coordination: Its primary job is to harmonize all the different herbs—some very hot, some very cold—so they work together as one cohesive team.
Protecting Your Strength: It supports your digestive system (Spleen and Stomach) and boosts your "Righteous Qi" (healthy energy). This ensures that while you are sweating out the sickness, your body’s core strength is protected and not overly drained.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. What’s Happening in the Body? (Pathomechanism)

The main issue Da Qing Long Tang addresses is a "locked surface" with "internal pressure." Think of your body as a house where the doors and windows are frozen shut, while a heater is running too high inside.

The Frozen Surface: When wind and cold attack, they block your body’s outer shield (Defensive Yang). This "locks" your pores and prevents your circulation from flowing normally. This is why you feel chilled and cannot sweat.
The Internal Pressure Cooker: Because the cold has trapped everything inside, your internal energy (Qi) has nowhere to go and starts to turn into heat.
Restlessness: This trapped internal heat is what causes that "climbing the walls" feeling—you feel agitated, irritable, and physically restless.
The Struggle: Your body’s healthy energy is fighting a fierce battle with the cold bug at the surface, which leads to high fever and intense body aches.

2. How the Formula Works (Actions)

Da Qing Long Tang is a high-powered formula designed to "open the doors" and "put out the fire" simultaneously.

Strong Sweating: Herbs like Ma Huang and Gui Zhi act like a master key to force the pores open. Inducing a strong sweat is the primary way this formula washes the cold bug out of your system.
Cooling the Core: Shi Gao acts like an internal cooling system. It clears out the trapped heat to calm your nerves and stop the restlessness.
Restoring Balance: By clearing the outside and cooling the inside at the same time, the formula restores your body’s natural temperature and energy flow, bringing you back to balance.

3. When to Use It (Indications)

This formula is traditionally used for a very specific, heavy-duty type of cold or flu. You might need this if you experience:

Intense Chills and Fever: You feel very cold and shiver, even though your body temperature is high.
Total Lack of Sweat: This is the most important sign—no matter how high the fever, your skin remains dry.
Severe Aches: You have a significant headache and your whole body feels like it has been beaten or is extremely stiff and painful.
Agitation: You feel extremely irritable, restless, or "on edge."
Physical Signs: A practitioner would feel a pulse that is "floating and tight" (like a stretched wire) and see a thin coating on your tongue.

Summary: If you have a severe cold where you feel "frozen solid" on the outside but "agitated and hot" on the inside, Da Qing Long Tang is the powerful remedy used to break the blockage and clear the heat.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. The Power of Clearing the Exterior and Chasing Out Cold

In this formula, Ma Huang and Gui Zhi are the "heavy hitters." While Ma Huang provides a powerful push to induce sweating and clear the body's surface, Gui Zhi acts as its best assistant, making that action even stronger. Together, they force your pores to open so the "wind-cold" sickness can be flushed out of your system through sweat. This effectively unlocks your skin and muscles, allowing your body’s natural defensive energy (Wei Qi) to work properly again.

2. The Smart Balance of Cooling Internal Heat

The naturally cold nature of Shi Gao (Gypsum) is combined with the warm nature of Ma Huang and Gui Zhi. This creates a perfect balance of "hot and cold" within the formula. Shi Gao acts like an internal fire extinguisher—it clears out the heat trapped deep inside your body. This prevents you from "overheating" while you are sweating out the cold and specifically helps stop the restless, "climbing the walls" feeling (irritability) caused by internal heat. This sophisticated mix of herbs allows the formula to kick out the sickness while keeping your internal temperature in check.

3. Expert Support for Coughing and Breathing

Ma Huang and Xing Ren work as a coordinated team to help your Lungs. Ma Huang focuses on opening up the chest and Lungs, while Xing Ren focuses on directing your energy (Qi) downward. This "one-two punch"—one pushing up and out, the other pulling down—is exactly what is needed to fix a breathing rhythm that has been knocked out of sync. It clears the airways, stops wheezing, and provides rapid relief for a heavy cough.

4. The Peacemaker That Brings It All Together

Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice Root) plays the vital role of the "harmonizer." It makes sure all the different herbs—some very cold and some very warm—work together as a smooth, coordinated team. It also protects your digestive system (Spleen and Stomach) during the intense sweating process. By supporting your core energy, it ensures that while the formula is busy fighting off the sickness, your body’s foundation remains strong and protected.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Da Qing Long Tang	Ma Huang Tang	Xiao Qing Long Tang	Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
Primary Function	Release exterior, clear interior heat, stop irritability	Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing	Release exterior, transform congested fluids, stop cough and wheezing	Clear Lung Heat
Formula Category	Exterior-Releasing Formulas	Exterior-Releasing Formulas	Exterior-Releasing Formulas	Heat-Clearing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Wind-Cold	Wind-Cold	Wind-Cold	Lung Heat
Main Conditions	Fever, Cold Limbs, Cough, Asthma & Wheezing, Headache	Cough, Dry Cough, Fever, Cold Limbs, Nasal Congestion	Cough, Asthma & Wheezing, Excessive Mucus, Nasal Congestion, Cold Limbs	Cough, Asthma & Wheezing
Main Herbs	Ephedra Herb · Cinnamon Twig · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Gypsum · Honey-fried Licorice · Fresh Ginger · Jujube / Chinese Date	Ephedra Herb · Cinnamon Twig · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Honey-fried Licorice	Ephedra Herb · Cinnamon Twig · Dried Ginger · Asarum / Wild Ginger · Schisandra Fruit · White Peony Root · Pinellia Rhizome · Honey-fried Licorice	Ephedra Herb · Gypsum · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Honey-fried Licorice
Classical Source	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

How to tell them apart

Da Qing Long Tang releases exterior cold while clearing constrained interior heat. Ma Huang Tang is pure exterior Wind-Cold without heat. Xiao Qing Long Tang addresses exterior cold with interior congested fluids. Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang is used when the pattern has fully transformed to Lung Heat.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Da Qing Long Tang

1. If You Feel Very Weak or Cold (Yang Deficiency)

If you naturally have a very "cold" or weak constitution, the strong sweating caused by this formula might be too much for your system. In this case, a practitioner may add Fu Zi (Aconite):

Fu Zi (Aconite) is an intensely warming herb that recharges your internal fire.
The Result: It strengthens your body's energy while you are fighting off the cold, preventing the treatment from making you feel even more exhausted.

2. If You Feel Dehydrated or "Dried Out" (Yin Deficiency)

High fevers and heavy sweating can quickly burn up your body's natural "juices." If you are already prone to dryness, herbs like Sheng Di (Fresh Rehmannia Root) and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Root) are added:

Sheng Di and Mai Dong act like internal moisturizers to replenish your fluids.
The Result: This ensures that while the formula is clearing the heat and cold, your body stays hydrated and balanced.

3. If You Have a Very Heavy Cough

If your main struggle is a persistent, heavy cough, specific "lung-soothing" herbs are brought in:

Zi Wan (Aster Root) and Kuan Dong Hua (Coltsfoot Flower): These two are a famous pair for moistening the lungs and directing energy downward.
The Result: They turn up the formula’s power to stop coughing fits and help clear out stubborn phlegm, making it much easier to breathe.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) is a powerful formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine that strongly clears heat from the interior while releasing the exterior and unblocking the defensive qi.

It is indicated for severe exterior wind-cold invasion with interior heat accumulation, typically presenting with severe chill, no sweat, high fever, body aches, irritability, and cough and wheezing. The formula effectively disperses cold from the exterior, drains heat from the interior, and relieves cough and wheezing caused by constrained lung qi. This makes Da Qing Long Tang especially suitable for acute conditions where exterior pathogens are tightly locked with interior heat, leading to absence of sweating and intense respiratory distress.

1. Pharmacological Research

Modern science has taken a closer look at Da Qing Long Tang to see how it actually works in the body. Here is a breakdown of what the individual herbs do:

Ma Huang: This herb contains ephedrine and other compounds that help you sweat out toxins, clear up asthma symptoms, and act as a natural diuretic.
Gui Zhi: This one is great for your heart and blood flow; it helps dilate blood vessels and keeps your circulation moving smoothly.
Shi Gao: Think of this as a cooling agent. It helps clear internal heat and bring down a fever.
Xing Ren: This is the go-to herb for stopping coughs and calming down wheezing.
Zhi Gan Cao: This herb works on your defense system, helping to regulate immunity and reduce inflammation.

When you put them all together, they work as a team to clear out "external" sickness (like chills) and "internal" heat, while making it much easier for you to breathe.

2. Clinical Research

In recent years, doctors and researchers have published many reports on how Da Qing Long Tang performs in real-life medical settings. The results are quite promising:

Cold and Flu: Studies show that for people dealing with the common cold or influenza, this formula is very effective at relieving symptoms, shortening the time you stay sick, and helping you recover more fully.
Lung Health: For more serious respiratory issues like bronchitis or pneumonia, it has shown a clear advantage. It helps ease coughing and shortness of breath, and it even helps the body absorb and clear away inflammation in the lungs.

All this research provides a scientific "stamp of approval" for using Da Qing Long Tang, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern medicine.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Stop When Responded & Dosage

Discontinue Da Qing Long Tang once symptoms resolve—do not exceed the recommended dose. Its strong sweat‑inducing action can cause profuse sweating that depletes upright qi and risk yang collapse if overused.

2. Cautions & Monitoring

Use cautiously in the weak, qi‑blood deficient, or frail—these patients may not tolerate intense diaphoresis. Monitor closely for excessive sweating, palpitations, dyspnea, or other adverse signs; stop the formula and seek medical attention promptly and adjust dose or treatment according to clinical response.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Nong's Da Qing Long Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $46.97

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Blue Dragon) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

Nong's Xiao Qing Long Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $46.97

FAQ

Questions About Da Qing Long Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Da Qing Long Tang?

Da Qing Long Tang has the actions of strongly promoting sweating to release the exterior, clearing interior Heat, and relieving irritability. It simultaneously expels severe exterior Wind-Cold and clears trapped interior Heat that causes restlessness.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Da Qing Long Tang suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to robust individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within exterior Wind-Cold excess with interior Heat, including severe influenza or common cold with high fever, no sweating and marked restlessness, early-stage acute bronchitis or pneumonia with the same pattern, and certain acute febrile conditions presenting with strong exterior Cold signs plus irritability.

Q3: Is Da Qing Long Tang suitable for improving high fever, severe chills, no sweating, and irritability?

For presentations of severe aversion to cold, high fever, complete absence of sweating, generalized body aches, marked irritability or restlessness, possible mild thirst, and a floating tight pulse — in robust patients whose pattern differentiation confirms exterior Wind-Cold with interior Heat — TCM commonly applies Da Qing Long Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.

Q4: Who should not take Da Qing Long Tang?

Weak or deficient patients (feeble pulse, spontaneous sweating), those with Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, uncontrolled hypertension, significant heart disease, or who are pregnant are generally not suitable. The Shang Han Lun explicitly warns against use when the pulse is faint and weak with sweating. The formula is a very strong diaphoretic. Use must be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: How does Da Qing Long Tang differ from Ma Huang Tang?

Ma Huang Tang treats pure exterior Wind-Cold excess without significant interior Heat. Da Qing Long Tang is essentially a reinforced Ma Huang Tang (higher dose of Ma Huang) with the addition of Shi Gao to clear interior Heat and relieve the irritability that arises when Cold traps Heat inside. It is used when restlessness accompanies the classic exterior excess signs.

Q6: Can Da Qing Long Tang help with overflow edema (yi yin) presenting with exterior Cold signs?

Yes, the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue also indicate it for certain cases of overflow edema accompanied by aversion to cold, fever, no sweating, body heaviness or pain, and irritability, provided the overall pattern remains exterior excess with interior Heat in a robust patient.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Da Qing Long Tang?

The classical formula consists of Ma Huang (higher dose) to strongly induce sweating and release the exterior, Gui Zhi to assist exterior release, Xing Ren to descend Lung Qi, Shi Gao to clear interior Heat and relieve irritability, plus Sheng Jiang, Da Zao, and Zhi Gan Cao to harmonize and protect the Middle Jiao.

Q8: Is Da Qing Long Tang suitable for long-term use?

No. It is a powerful, short-term formula. Once mild sweating occurs and the exterior begins to resolve, the formula must be stopped immediately. Prolonged or excessive use can cause over-sweating, depletion of Yang and fluids, and serious adverse effects.

Q9: Why is the formula named “Major Blue Dragon”?

In classical imagery, the Blue Dragon (Qing Long) is associated with rain and powerful movement. The formula is said to induce sweating as vigorous as the rain brought by a dragon, reflecting its strong diaphoretic force that simultaneously releases exterior Cold and clears trapped interior Heat.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Da Qing Long Tang?

After taking the formula, the patient should cover up lightly to encourage mild sweating, rest quietly, avoid cold drafts and cold foods, and stop the medicine as soon as sweating occurs. Professional medical supervision is essential because of the formula’s potency and the risks associated with Ma Huang.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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