Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
苓桂术甘汤 · Líng Guì Zhú Gān Tāng
A classical formula for Spleen Yang deficiency with phlegm-fluids, presenting with dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath and a white slippery tongue coating.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Dampness
- Primary Function
- Warm Yang, transform phlegm-fluids, strengthen Spleen
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm the Middle, transform thin mucus and support Spleen transportation
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Spleen Yang deficiency with phlegm-fluids, presenting with dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath and a white slippery tongue coating.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for thin mucus with dizziness and palpitations from Middle Yang weakness — warming and transforming rather than pure diuresis or wind-extinguishing.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
Classical Composition
- Poria (Fu Ling) 4 liang (12g)
- Cinnamomi Ramulus (Gui Zhi) 3 liang (9g)
- Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Bai Zhu) 2 liang (6g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 2 liang (6g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Warms yang and dissolves rheum
- fortifies the spleen and drains dampness.
Indications
- Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang is indicated for phlegm-rheum due to deficiency of the middle-yang.
- The symptoms are distention and fullness of chest and rib-side, dizzy vision, palpitations, shortness of breath, and cough.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue coating is white and glossy. The pulse is either wiry and slippery or deep and tight.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This formula is applied to patterns of phlegm-rheum caused by deficiency of middle-yang and the failure of the transformation and transportation of the spleen which leads to disorder of qi transformation and the retention of water and dampness.
- The spleen lies in the middle jiao and governs qi transformation.
- It acts as an axis of qi ascension and descending; therefore, when the spleen yang is deficient, its transformation and transportation is affected.
- Phlegm and rheum ascend and descend as qi moves.
- Consequently, they can exist anywhere.
- When they accumulate in chest and rib-side, distention and fullness of chest and rib-side may be seen.
- When they block the middle jiao and cause a disorder of clear yang ascension, dizziness and vertigo may be seen.
- When they invade the heart and lung, palpitations, shortness of breath, and cough might be seen.
- Zhang Zhong-jing said that “one who suffers from phlegm-rheum should be regulated by warm medicinals” recorded in《Essentials from the Golden Cabinet》.
Clinical presentation
- The result is dampness accumulation which further develops into phlegm-rheum.
- A white and glossy tongue coating, wiry and slippery pulse, and deep and tight pulse are all signs of retention of phlegm-rheum.
Treatment strategy
- The therapeutic methods are to warm yang and dissolve rheum, fortify the spleen and promote urination.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang warms and transforms phlegm-fluids. Wu Ling San promotes urination more strongly. Zhen Wu Tang warms Kidney Yang for oedema. Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang transforms phlegm and extinguishes wind for dizziness.
Clinical Differentiation
- This formula is the representative formula for treating phlegm-rheum due to middle yang deficiency.
- This clinical pattern is marked by distention and fullness of chest and rib-side, dizziness and vertigo, palpitations, white and glossy coating.
Safety notes: It is not applicable for patients with phlegm transformed into heat marked by cough with sticky sputum.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang?
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang has the actions of warming Yang, transforming Phlegm-Fluids (Tan Yin), strengthening the Spleen, and draining Dampness. It is the classic formula for cold thin mucus or fluid retention arising from Middle Yang (Spleen Yang) deficiency.
Which modern diseases is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen Yang deficiency with Phlegm-Fluid retention, including Meniere’s disease or peripheral vertigo of fluid type, chronic bronchitis with thin watery sputum, certain presentations of cardiac edema or palpitations related to fluid retention, functional dyspepsia with epigastric splashing sounds, and selected cases of dizziness or fullness due to internal fluids.
Is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang suitable for improving dizziness, chest fullness, and palpitations with thin watery sputum?
For presentations of fullness or distention in the chest and hypochondrium (or epigastrium), dizziness or vertigo, palpitations, shortness of breath, cough with thin clear or watery sputum, a white slippery tongue coating, and a wiry or slippery pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Phlegm-Fluids due to Middle Yang deficiency — TCM commonly applies Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes and Licorice Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes and Licorice Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Fluid Retention, Dizziness & Spleen Deficiency
Wu Ling San: Classic TCM Formula for Water Retention, Edema & Urinary Difficulty
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Phlegm, Dizziness, Headache & Vertigo
Zhen Wu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney Yang Deficiency, Edema & Water Retention
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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.