Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang: A TCM Formula for Clearing Heat, Detoxifying, and Relieving Inflammation
- Hongji Medical
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang is composed of 13 Chinese herbs, combining the strengths of multiple classic formulas to clear heat, detoxify, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
It is derived from Wen Qing Yin, a combination of Si Wu Tang and Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, with added herbs: Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia), Bo He (Mint), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Gan Cao (Licorice), Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica), Jie Geng (Platycodon), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum).
This formula is an empirical prescription from Ikkando, developed by Dr. Soma Morihaku, used to improve constitutions prone to toxicity or glandular disorders.
It treats conditions like acute and chronic otitis media, sinusitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, tonsillitis, lung infiltrates, acne, pulmonary tuberculosis (proliferative type), neurasthenia, and alopecia, particularly in adolescents with sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, and acne.
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang Formula Explanation
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang builds on Wen Qing Yin by adding Chai Hu, Bo He, Lian Qiao, Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Bai Zhi, Jie Geng, Zhi Ke, and Gan Cao, broadening its therapeutic effects.
Monarch Herbs: Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Huang Lian (Coptis), Huang Bo (Phellodendron), and Shan Zhi Zi (Gardenia)These form Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, powerfully clearing heat and detoxifying. They reduce internal heat and inflammation effectively.
Minister Herbs: Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), Shao Yao (Peony), and Di Huang (Rehmannia)These form Si Wu Tang, nourishing and activating blood to improve circulation, boost metabolism, and enhance immunity.
Assistant Herbs: Chai Hu, Bo He, Lian Qiao, Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Bai Zhi, and Jie GengChai Hu soothes the liver, relieves emotional stress, and clears heat. Bo He, Lian Qiao, Jing Jie, and Fang Feng promote skin metabolism and reduce inflammation. Bai Zhi and Jie Geng clear phlegm, relieving nasal congestion and cough.
Envoy Herbs: Zhi Ke and Gan CaoZhi Ke regulates qi, aiding digestion and relieving bloating or abdominal pain. Gan Cao harmonizes the formula, reducing the harshness of other herbs and protecting the stomach.

Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang Indications
The formula targets heat-toxin and blood stasis. Modern lifestyle factors like poor diet, irregular sleep, and stress can cause heat accumulation, leading to inflammation and skin issues.
Heat-toxin disrupts blood circulation, causing blood stasis, which manifests as skin inflammation, acne, or sinusitis. Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang clears heat, detoxifies, and activates blood to alleviate these symptoms and improve overall health.
It also addresses damp-heat and phlegm-dampness, common causes of rhinitis and tonsillitis. Damp-heat impairs digestion, causing bloating, while phlegm-dampness blocks airways, leading to nasal congestion and cough. The formula clears damp-heat, resolves phlegm, and relieves cough to improve respiratory health.
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang Effects
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang is primarily used for sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, and acne, often accompanied by chronic inflammation and weak constitution. It clears heat, detoxifies, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and improves blood circulation to alleviate these conditions.
It is also effective for people under stress with poor metabolism, prone to large blackheads or acne, especially those with sensitive constitutions prone to inflammation.
The formula regulates immunity. Environmental pollution and poor diet can disrupt the immune system, causing allergies or inflammation.
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang clears heat, detoxifies, and boosts immunity to reduce these issues. Its herbs work synergistically to clear heat, activate blood, resolve dampness, clear phlegm, and regulate immunity, treating and preventing various conditions.
Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Huang Qin, Huang Lian, Huang Bo, and Shan Zhi Zi powerfully clear heat and reduce inflammation.
Reducing Inflammation and Pain: Chai Hu, Bo He, Lian Qiao, Jing Jie, and Fang Feng alleviate skin and mucosal inflammation and pain.
Improving Blood Circulation: Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Shao Yao, and Di Huang nourish and activate blood, boosting metabolism and immunity.
Regulating Immunity: Bai Zhi, Jie Geng, Zhi Ke, and Gan Cao clear toxins and support respiratory and digestive health.
Modern Applications of Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
In modern medicine, Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang is widely used for inflammatory conditions like sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, and acne. It has also been explored for preventing COVID-19 infections.
According to Gifu Shimbun, the formula may help prevent COVID-19 by reducing mucosal inflammation, inhibiting viral entry. However, its potent heat-clearing herbs may cause excessive coldness in people with a cold constitution, potentially affecting health. Thus, it must be tailored to the individual’s constitution under professional guidance.
Precautions
When using Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang, consider the following:
Caution for Cold Constitutions: The formula’s strong heat-clearing herbs may worsen coldness in those with a cold constitution, potentially harming health.
Long-Term Use Caution: Prolonged use of Chai Hu and Huang Qin may cause liver dysfunction or interstitial pneumonia, requiring professional supervision.
Individual Differences: Adjust the formula based on the patient’s constitution, under professional guidance.
Conclusion
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang is a versatile Chinese herbal formula, ideal for treating sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, and acne. By clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving blood circulation, it effectively alleviates symptoms and strengthens the constitution.
In modern medicine, it is also used to prevent and treat COVID-19, highlighting its broad clinical value. However, it should be used under professional guidance to ensure safety and efficacy.