In Zuo Jin Wan, what is the ratio of Huang Lian to Wu Zhu Yu?

• A. 12:1
• B. 6:1
• C. 1:1
• D. 2:1

Answer: (A)

In Zuojin Wan the design is to put strong emphasis on clearing heat from the stomach (and liver) with Huang Lian as the main herb, while Wu Zhu Yu acts as a smaller regulator to guide the formula and address middle-jiao qi. The large predominance of Huang Lian reflects the goal of potent heat-dissolving action, with Wu Zhu Yu included just enough to move qi and prevent stagnation without overpowering the heat-clearing effect. That’s why the ratio is taught as a heavily skewed proportion, such as twelve parts Huang Lian to one part Wu Zhu Yu in this key. If the ratio were more balanced, the warming and qi-regulating aspects would be stronger and the direct heat-clearing effect would be weaker.