In Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang, which herb is dosed at 30?

• A. Shi Gao 30
• B. Dan Zhu Ye 6-12
• C. Ren Shen 6
• D. Mai Men Dong 9-18

Answer: (A)

In this formula, clearing heat is the primary action, so the herb doing the heavy lifting is given the largest dose. Shi Gao is a strong cooling herb that drains heat from the qi level, making it the key driver of the formula’s effect. By dosing Shi Gao at 30, the heat-clearing power is emphasized to address the main pattern. The other herbs support this aim without overpowering it: Dan Zhu Ye clears heat and helps generate fluids, Ren Shen strengthens the body's qi to cope with the heat, and Mai Men Dong nourishes yin and moistens dryness to balance the drying impact of the heat-clearing ingredient. So the large dose of Shi Gao reflects its role as the principal active component in Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang.