Liang Ge San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
凉膈散 · Liáng Gé Sàn
A classical formula for heat accumulating in the Upper and Middle Jiao (diaphragm region), with sore throat, oral sores, irritability, constipation and a rapid pulse.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Stomach Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear upper heat, drain downward, cool the diaphragm
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear heat from the Upper and Middle Jiao and guide it out through the bowels
- Classical Source
- Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for heat accumulating in the Upper and Middle Jiao (diaphragm region), with sore throat, oral sores, irritability, constipation and a rapid pulse.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when upper-body heat signs coexist with constipation — clearing above and draining below, rather than pure fire-draining or pure Yangming purge.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Liang Ge San | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Da Cheng Qi Tang | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Clear upper heat, drain downward, cool the diaphragm | Clear heat, resolve toxin, drain fire | Strongly purge Heat accumulation and constipation | Clear heat, resolve toxin, disperse wind-heat from the head and face |
| Formula Category | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Purgative Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Stomach Heat | Damp-Heat | Stomach Heat | Wind-Heat |
| Main Conditions | Constipation ·Sore Throat ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Fever | Fever ·Anxiety Restlessness ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Constipation | Constipation ·Bloating ·Abdominal Pain ·Fever | Sore Throat ·Fever ·Headache |
| Main Herbs | Forsythia Fruit ·Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap ·Gardenia Fruit ·Rhubarb Root and Rhizome ·Mirabilite / Glauber's Salt | Coptis Rhizome ·Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap ·Phellodendron Bark ·Gardenia Fruit | Rhubarb Root and Rhizome ·Mirabilite / Glauber's Salt ·Magnolia Bark ·Immature Bitter Orange | Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap ·Coptis Rhizome ·Burdock Seed / Arctium Fruit ·Forsythia Fruit ·Mentha / Peppermint |
| Classical Source | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) | Wai Tai Mi Yao (Wang Tao, Tang dynasty, citing earlier sources) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Dong Yuan Shi Xiao Fang (Li Dongyuan tradition) |
Clinical Perspective
Liang Ge San clears upper heat and drains downward. Huang Lian Jie Du Tang pure-drains fire without purge. Da Cheng Qi Tang is a pure Yangming purge. Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin focuses on head-face toxin.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Liang Ge San: Classic TCM Formula for Heat in the Chest & Diaphragm, Irritability & Constipation
Related Products
Nong's Liang Ge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Browse all classical formulas →
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.