Wen Dan Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
溫膽湯 · Wēn Dǎn Tāng
A classical formula for Gallbladder-Stomach disharmony with phlegm-heat, insomnia, timidity and nausea.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Phlegm-Resolving Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Phlegm-Dampness
- Primary Function
- Regulate Qi, resolve phlegm, clear Gallbladder, harmonize Stomach
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Harmonize Gallbladder and Stomach and transform phlegm-heat
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Gallbladder-Stomach disharmony with phlegm-heat, insomnia, timidity and nausea.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Gallbladder-Stomach disharmony with phlegm-heat — insomnia, timidity and nausea — rather than plain phlegm-damp, plum-pit Qi, or pure blood-deficiency insomnia.
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
陳皮Chen Pi9g
Tangerine Peel- rectifies qi and moves stagnation
- dries dampness and dissolves phlegm
茯苓Fu Ling9g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen and percolates dampness to stop the source of phlegm
Classical Composition
- Pinelliae Rhizoma (Ban Xia) 2 liang (60g)
- Bambusae Caulis in Taenias (Zhu Ru) 2 liang (60g)
- Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhi Shi) 2 liang (60g)
- Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi) 3 liang (90g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 1 liang (30g)
- Poria (Fu Ling) 1.5 liang (45g)
- Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang) 5 pieces
- Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao) 1 piece
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Rectifies qi and dissolves phlegm
- harmonizes the stomach and promotes gallbladder secretion.
Indications
- Wen Dan Tang is designed for patterns of gallbladder constraint with phlegm stirring up.
- This patterns manifest timidity and patients may be easily frightened.
- Other symptoms include vexation, insomnia or dreaminess, nausea, vomiting and hiccup, vertigo, epilepsy.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue coating is white and greasy, and the pulse is wiry and slippery.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Constitutionally, these patients have gallbladder qi insufficiency shown by their timidity or easily to be frightened.
- When they get depressed emotionally, the liver and gallbladder qi cannot flow freely.
- As a result, qi stagnation generates heat causing vexation, strange dreams at night, palpitations; and fluid accumulating into phlegm.
- When turbid phlegm harasses the interior, primarily the stomach, patients present with nausea, vomiting saliva or phlegm, and hiccups.
- When the phlegm blocks the clear orifices, patients may complain of vertigo, palpitations, or even epilepsy.
- Therefore, the treatment principle is to regulate qi and dissolve phlegm, harmonize the stomach and promote gallbladder secretion.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to harmonize Gallbladder and Stomach and transform phlegm-heat.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Wen Dan Tang, Er Chen Tang, Ban Xia Hou Po Tang and Suan Zao Ren Tang can involve phlegm or sleep. Er Chen Tang is the plain phlegm-damp base; Ban Xia Hou Po Tang is plum-pit Qi; Suan Zao Ren Tang nourishes blood to calm spirit for Yin-blood deficiency insomnia. Wen Dan Tang harmonizes Gallbladder and Stomach and transforms phlegm-heat for insomnia with timidity and nausea.
Clinical Differentiation
- Wen Dan Tang is a representative formula for gallbladder constraint with harassing phlegm.
- This clinical pattern is marked by insomnia due to vexation, vertigo and palpitations, nausea and vomiting, white and greasy tongue coating, wiry and slippery pulse.
Safety notes: This formula is drying and descending. It is not appropriate for yin-deficiency heat without phlegm, or for spleen deficiency-cold.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Wen Dan Tang?
Wen Dan Tang has the actions of regulating Qi, transforming Phlegm, clearing Gallbladder Heat, and harmonizing the Stomach. It is the representative formula for Phlegm-Heat disturbing the Gallbladder and Stomach and agitating the Spirit.
Which modern diseases is Wen Dan Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Phlegm-Heat harassing the Gallbladder and Heart-Spirit, including insomnia with restlessness, anxiety or palpitations of Phlegm-Heat type, dizziness or vertigo, chronic gastritis or nausea with a greasy coating, and certain neurosis or menopausal presentations with bitter taste and a wiry-slippery pulse.
Is Wen Dan Tang suitable for improving insomnia, irritability, and a sensation of phlegm or fullness?
For presentations of restless sleep or vivid dreams, irritability, palpitations, nausea or bitter taste, chest or epigastric fullness, a yellow greasy tongue coating, and a wiry or slippery pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Phlegm-Heat disturbing the Gallbladder and Spirit — TCM commonly applies Wen Dan Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard evaluation of insomnia, anxiety, or gastrointestinal disease.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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Han's Wen Dan Tang (Warming the Gallbladder Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Wen Dan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Heat, Insomnia, Palpitations & Gallbladder Disharmony
Er Chen Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Damp, Cough, Nausea & Spleen Deficiency
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Plum-Pit Qi, Throat Discomfort & Qi Stagnation with Phlegm
Suan Zao Ren Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Insomnia, Liver Blood Deficiency & Night Sweats
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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.