Qing Yan Li Ge Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
清咽利膈湯 · Qīng Yān Lì Gé Tāng
A classical formula for heat toxin in the throat with severe sore throat, swelling and constipation.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Lung Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear heat toxin, benefit the throat, drain downward
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear heat toxin from throat and upper jiao, drain interior heat
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for heat toxin in the throat with severe sore throat, swelling and constipation.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for severe heat-toxin sore throat with constipation, rather than diaphragm heat, epidemic head-face toxin, or early Wind-Heat.
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
黃芩Huang Qin9g
Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap- clears heat from the lung
- stomach and liver-gallbladder
黃連Huang Lian6g
Coptis Rhizome- clears heart and stomach fire and dries damp-heat
梔子Zhi Zi9g
Gardenia Fruit- drains fire and relieves vexation
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
牛蒡子Niu Bang Zi9g
Burdock Seed / Arctium Fruit- disperses wind-heat and benefits the throat
玄參Xuan Shen12g
Scrophularia Root- nourishes yin and clears deficiency fire
桔梗Jie Geng6g
Platycodon Root- diffuses the lung and guides upward
薄荷Bo He6g
Mentha / Peppermint- disperses wind-heat
荊芥Jing Jie6g
Schizonepeta / Japanese Catnip- releases wind from the exterior and vents rashes
防風Fang Feng6g
Saposhnikovia Root- dispels wind
大黃Da Huang6g
Rhubarb Root and Rhizome- drains heat accumulation and invigorates blood
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Fructus Forsythiae (Lian Qiao) 12g
- Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin) 9g
- Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian) 6g
- Fructus Gardeniae (Zhi Zi) 9g
- Fructus Arctii (Niu Bang Zi) 9g
- Radix Scrophulariae (Xuan Shen) 12g
- Radix Platycodonis (Jie Geng) 6g
- Herba Menthae (Bo He) 6g
- Herba Schizonepetae (Jing Jie) 6g
- Radix Saposhnikoviae (Fang Feng) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Da Huang) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears heat-toxin from the throat and diaphragm.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for heat-toxin collecting in the throat and diaphragm.
- Signs and symptoms include severe sore throat, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is red, and the pulse is rapid.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern arises when heat obstructs the lung and the lung fails to diffuse and descend.
- Heat-toxin collecting in the throat and diaphragm produces severe sore throat, swelling and difficulty swallowing.
Clinical presentation
- Heat scorches fluids and forces qi upward, producing cough, labored breathing, thirst and a rapid pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to clear lung heat, diffuse the lung, and descend counterflow qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to clear heat toxin from throat and upper jiao, drain interior heat.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Qing Yan Li Ge Tang, Liang Ge San, Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin and Yin Qiao San clear heat toxin in the upper jiao. Liang Ge San clears and drains diaphragm heat; Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin treats epidemic head-face toxin; Yin Qiao San releases early Wind-Heat. Qing Yan Li Ge Tang clears heat toxin and benefits the throat with downward draining for severe sore throat with constipation.
Clinical Differentiation
- Qing Yan Li Ge Tang is used for heat-toxin in the throat and diaphragm with severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
- It is distinguished from Liang Ge San (heat in the diaphragm with constipation) and from Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (broader head and face fire-toxin).
Safety notes: This formula is bitter and cold. It is not appropriate for deficiency-cold sore throat.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Qing Yan Li Ge Tang?
Qing Yan Li Ge Tang has the actions of dispersing Wind-Heat, resolving toxin, benefiting the throat, and unblocking the diaphragm. It treats a red, swollen, painful throat when Heat is also bound in the interior and the stool has not moved.
Which modern diseases is Qing Yan Li Ge Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to robust individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within throat Heat-toxin with interior Heat, including acute tonsillitis or pharyngitis with constipation, some early peritonsillar swelling of yang excess type, and sore throat with restlessness and a desire for cold drinks.
Is Qing Yan Li Ge Tang suitable for a swollen sore throat with constipation?
For presentations of a red, swollen, painful throat, difficulty swallowing, fever or mild chills, chest-diaphragm oppression, restlessness, thirst for cold drinks, constipation, a yellow coating, and a rapid forceful pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Heat-toxin in the throat with bound interior Heat — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. Airway obstruction or inability to swallow saliva is an emergency.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Qing Yan Li Ge Tang (Clear the Throat and Benefit the Diaphragm Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Qing Yan Li Ge Tang (Clear the Throat and Benefit the Diaphragm Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Qing Yan Li Ge Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Sore Throat, Heat in the Throat & Diaphragm
Liang Ge San: Classic TCM Formula for Heat in the Chest & Diaphragm, Irritability & Constipation
Yin Qiao San: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Heat, Sore Throat & Early Stage Cold
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Epidemic Heat Toxin, Swollen Face & Sore Throat
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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.