Da Qing Long Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
大青龙汤 · Dà Qīng Lóng Tāng
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.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, clear interior heat, stop irritability
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Induce sweating to release exterior cold while clearing interior heat
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
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.
Therapeutic Principle
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.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
Classical Composition
- Herba Ephedrae (Ma Huang) 12g
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 6g
- Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xing Ren) 6g
- Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao) 12g~18g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 6g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Sheng Jiang) 9g
- Fructus Jujubae (Da Zao) 3pcs
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Induces sweating to release the exterior and clears interior heat.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for exterior wind-cold excess with interior heat.
- Signs and symptoms include high fever without sweating, body aches, irritability, and a superficial tight pulse.
- Thirst may be present.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to externally contracted wind-cold that fetters the exterior and constrains lung qi.
- Exterior wind-cold excess together with interior heat produces high fever without sweating, body aches and irritability.
Clinical presentation
- Wei yang is obstructed, the interstices close, and the lung fails to diffuse, producing aversion to cold, absence of sweating, body aches and a superficial tight pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to induce sweating to release the exterior and diffuse the lung.
- In this formula the emphasis is to induce sweating to release exterior cold while clearing interior heat.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
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.
Clinical Differentiation
- Da Qing Long Tang is used for exterior wind-cold excess with interior heat.
- The pattern is high fever without sweating, body aches and irritability.
- It is distinguished from Ma Huang Tang by the interior heat and Shi Gao, and from Xiao Qing Long Tang, which treats exterior cold with interior congested fluids rather than interior heat.
Safety notes: This formula induces strong sweating and also clears heat. It is not appropriate for deficient exteriors with sweating, and should not be overdosed.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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Da Qing Long Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Cold with Interior Heat
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Xiao Qing Long Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Cold with Interior Water & Cough
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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.