In the formula Ge Gen Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang, which herb is dosed at 9?

• A. Ge Gen
• B. Huang Qin
• C. Huang Lian
• D. Zhi Gan Cao

Answer: (B)

In this formula the approach is to combine releasing exterior symptoms with clearing interior heat. Ge Gen targets the exterior and muscle layer, helping to release a wind-cold pattern, while Huang Qin and Huang Lian clear heat and dampness from the interior. Among the interior-clearing herbs, Huang Qin carries the stronger heat-clearing and damp-drying action, so it’s used at a higher dose to ensure sufficient interior heat clearing. Here, Huang Qin is dosed at 9 grams, making it the most potent interior-heat component in this formula. The other interior herb, Huang Lian, is used to drain damp-heat further, and Zhi Gan Cao helps harmonize the formula. So the herb dosed at 9 is Huang Qin.