Qing Yan Li Ge Tang: A Classic Remedy for Throat Relief and Detoxification
Hongji Medical- Mar 8
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
Qing Yan Li Ge Tang, a revered traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is celebrated for its ability to clear heat, detoxify the body, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain.
First documented in Shoushi Baoyuan by Ming Dynasty physician Gong Tingxian, this prescription is specifically designed to treat throat-related issues such as sore throat, phlegm buildup, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Its time-tested blend of herbs makes it a powerful remedy for inflammatory throat conditions caused by heat and dampness.
Composition of the Formula Qing Yan Li Ge Tang
Qing Yan Li Ge Tang is crafted according to the TCM principle of "monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy," with each herb contributing to the formula’s efficacy:
Monarch Herbs:
Jie Geng (Platycodon grandiflorum): Clears the lungs, relieves sore throat, and expels phlegm and pus.
Gan Cao (Licorice): Clears heat, detoxifies, and harmonizes the actions of other herbs.
Minister Herbs:
Xuan Shen (Scrophularia): Cools blood, nourishes Yin, and supports detoxification.
Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Seed): Disperses wind-heat, detoxifies, and reduces swelling.
Adjuvant Herbs:
Lian Qiao (Forsythia): Clears heat, detoxifies, and reduces swelling and nodules.
Huang Qin (Scutellaria): Clears heat, dries dampness, and purges toxic fire.
Assistant Herbs:
Bo He (Mint): Disperses wind-heat and clears the head and throat.
Jing Jie (Schizonepeta): Relieves wind-related symptoms and soothes itching or rashes.
This balanced combination ensures the formula effectively targets heat, toxins, and swelling while supporting overall throat health.
Qing Yan Li Ge Tang Pathogenesis: Understanding the Condition
The conditions treated by Qing Yan Li Ge Tang are primarily driven by dampness, heat, and toxins, often exacerbated by hot and humid environments. These external factors invade the throat, causing inflammation, swelling, and phlegm buildup.
Common symptoms include sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and excessive phlegm. Heat toxins further damage throat tissues, deplete body fluids, and lead to thirst, a red tongue with a yellow coating, and a slippery pulse. Qing Yan Li Ge Tang addresses these issues by cooling the throat, clearing toxins, and restoring balance.
Therapeutic Effects of Qing Yan Li Ge Tang
Qing Yan Li Ge Tang excels in:
Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Removes heat and toxins to reduce throat inflammation.
Reducing Swelling and Pain: Alleviates swelling and discomfort in the throat.
Expelling Phlegm: Clears phlegm buildup to improve breathing and swallowing.
Dispersing Wind-Heat: Relieves symptoms like hoarseness and throat irritation caused by external pathogens.
By targeting the root causes of throat conditions, the formula promotes rapid relief and supports recovery from inflammatory and infectious throat issues.
Modern Applications
In modern medicine, Qing Yan Li Ge Tang is widely used to treat conditions such as acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute epiglottitis, and acute laryngitis, which are often caused by dampness, heat, and toxins.
These conditions typically present with sore throat, phlegm, hoarseness, and swallowing difficulties—symptoms that align with the formula’s indications. Pharmacological studies confirm its efficacy, showing strong inhibitory effects against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Moraxella catarrhalis, making it particularly effective for bacterial throat infections.
Clinically, the formula significantly reduces throat pain, swelling, and phlegm, improving patients’ comfort and recovery speed. Its applications also extend to severe cases of epiglottitis and laryngitis, where it helps alleviate swelling and restore normal swallowing.
Precautions for Use
When using Qing Yan Li Ge Tang, consider the following:
Syndrome Differentiation: The formula is suited for heat and dampness-related throat conditions but not for issues caused by cold, dampness, or deficiency. Accurate diagnosis is essential.
Constitution Considerations: Individuals with weak constitutions may require a reduced dose or complementary tonics to avoid excessive cooling.
Pregnancy Caution: Pregnant women should use this formula only under medical supervision to ensure safety for the fetus.
Conclusion
Qing Yan Li Ge Tang is a cornerstone of TCM with a rich history of treating throat-related ailments. Its ability to clear heat, detoxify, reduce swelling, and relieve pain makes it a valuable remedy for conditions like pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis.
Modern research supports its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, reinforcing its relevance in contemporary healthcare. However, proper syndrome differentiation and medical supervision are crucial to ensure its safe and effective use, particularly for patients with specific constitutions or conditions. Through careful application, Qing Yan Li Ge Tang continues to offer relief and healing for throat disorders.
