Da Qing Long Tang: A Classic TCM Formula for Severe Cold and Fever Relief
Health Lab- Oct 31, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 9
Da Qing Long Tang, a potent Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, is a powerful remedy for tackling severe wind-cold invasions, relieving fever, and clearing body aches. Originating from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Febrile Diseases) in the Eastern Han Dynasty, this time-honored prescription is designed to expel external pathogens and restore balance in acute conditions.
Its robust blend of herbs reflects ancient TCM wisdom, offering a natural solution for modern-day colds, flu, and respiratory challenges.
Origins and Background of Da Qing Long Tang
Crafted by Zhang Zhongjing, a legendary physician, Da Qing Long Tang was developed to treat “Taiyang wind-cold syndrome with internal heat,” a condition where external cold invades the body, causing fever, chills, and body aches.
In an era of frequent epidemics and harsh climates, this formula was a vital tool for combating acute illnesses. Its focus on releasing external pathogens and clearing heat makes it a dynamic remedy for today’s severe cold and flu symptoms.
Ingredients and Their Benefits
Da Qing Long Tang combines seven herbs, each contributing to its pathogen-expelling and heat-clearing effects:
Ephedra (Ma Huang): Warm and pungent, ephedra induces sweating, opens the lungs, and expels wind-cold, relieving chills and respiratory congestion.
Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi): Warm and spicy, cinnamon twig promotes sweating, warms the body, and supports energy flow to release external pathogens.
Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren): Bitter and warm, apricot kernel soothes the lungs, relieves cough, and aids breathing.
Gypsum (Shi Gao): Cold and sweet, gypsum clears internal heat, reduces fever, and alleviates thirst or irritability.
Ginger (Sheng Jiang): Spicy and warm, ginger warms the stomach, disperses cold, and supports digestion to counter nausea.
Jujube Date (Da Zao): Sweet and warm, jujube date nourishes the spleen, supports qi, and harmonizes the formula.
Licorice Root (Gan Cao): Sweet and harmonizing, licorice soothes the throat, reduces irritation, and unifies the formula’s effects.
Together, these herbs create a balanced formula that expels cold, clears heat, and restores respiratory and systemic harmony.
Benefits and Conditions Treated
Da Qing Long Tang excels at treating severe wind-cold invasions with internal heat, known as “Taiyang syndrome with water retention and heat.” It’s ideal for those with high fever, severe chills, and body aches. Its key effects include:
Expelling Wind-Cold: It induces sweating to release external pathogens, relieving chills and aches.
Clearing Internal Heat: It cools the body, reducing fever, thirst, and irritability.
Relieving Respiratory Symptoms: It opens the lungs, easing cough, wheezing, or chest tightness.
Restoring Balance: It harmonizes qi and supports digestion to prevent secondary symptoms.
Common Symptoms
This formula is ideal for:
High fever with severe chills and no sweating.
Body aches, headache, or joint pain.
Cough, wheezing, or chest tightness.
Thirst, irritability, or restlessness.
White tongue coating with a floating, tight pulse.
Practical Applications
Severe Colds or Flu: Da Qing Long Tang tackles acute wind-cold invasions with fever, chills, and body aches, promoting quick recovery.
Respiratory Distress: It relieves cough, wheezing, or congestion caused by cold obstructing the lungs.
Fever and Irritability: It clears heat to reduce fever, thirst, and restlessness tied to internal stagnation.
Clinical Uses
Da Qing Long Tang is used for:
Severe influenza or upper respiratory infections.
Acute bronchitis or pneumonia with fever and chills.
Early-stage febrile diseases with body aches.
Allergic rhinitis or asthma triggered by cold exposure.
Acute conditions like encephalitis or meningitis with fever and no sweating.
Modern research supports its benefits: ephedra and cinnamon twig have bronchodilator and diaphoretic effects, gypsum reduces fever, and apricot kernel eases cough, making this formula a potent ally for acute illnesses.
Dietary Support
Pairing Da Qing Long Tang with simple recipes can enhance its pathogen-expelling and heat-clearing effects:
Ginger Porridge
Ingredients: 5g fresh ginger, 100g rice.
Method: Boil ginger in water for 10 minutes, strain, cook rice in the liquid until soft, serve warm.
Benefits: Warms the body and disperses cold.
Jujube Date Tea
Ingredients: 5 jujube dates.
Method: Steep in boiling water for 5 minutes, drink warm.
Benefits: Nourishes qi and harmonizes the body.
Mung Bean Soup
Ingredients: 50g mung beans.
Method: Boil mung beans in water until soft, serve warm.
Benefits: Clears heat and reduces fever.
Green Onion Broth
Ingredients: 2 green onion whites, 5g ginger.
Method: Boil in water for 5 minutes, drink warm.
Benefits: Promotes sweating and expels cold.
Massage Support
Massage can complement Da Qing Long Tang by promoting energy flow and pathogen release:
Fengchi Point: At the base of the skull, in the depression near the neck. Massage for 5 minutes to expel wind-cold.
Lieque Point: On the wrist, above the thumb side. Massage for 5 minutes to open the lungs and relieve cough.
Dazhui Point: Between the seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae. Massage for 5 minutes to clear heat and promote sweating.
Hegu Point: At the base of the thumb on the hand’s back. Massage for 5 minutes to release external pathogens.
Precautions
Da Qing Long Tang is potent and requires caution:
Avoid in Weak Patients: Those with frail constitutions or excessive sweating should consult a practitioner, as it may deplete qi.
Pregnant Women: Use only under medical guidance due to its strong diaphoretic effects.
Yin Deficiency or Heat Excess: Avoid if you have dry mouth, red tongue, or rapid pulse, as it may worsen symptoms.
Medical Supervision: Always follow a TCM practitioner’s advice for safe use.
Conclusion
Da Qing Long Tang is a TCM masterpiece, blending ephedra, gypsum, and cinnamon twig to combat severe colds, relieve fever, and restore balance. Perfect for acute flu, respiratory distress, or fever with chills, this formula delivers rapid relief.
Enhance its effects with ginger porridge or mung bean soup, and consult a TCM practitioner for personalized guidance. Let this ancient remedy bring strength and clarity to your modern life.
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