What is the dosage range for Huang Lian?

• A. 0.5-1g
• B. 1.5-9g
• C. 10-15g
• D. 20-30g

Answer: (B)

Huang Lian is a bitter-cold herb that clears heat and drains damp-heat, so the dose is kept moderate to harness its strong cooling action without overdoing it. The typical range used for internal decoctions is 1.5–9 grams per dose, which provides enough potency to clear heat while reducing the risk of stomach upset or excessive cooling. The lower end is used when heat is lighter or when Huang Lian is paired with other herbs that support heat clearance; the higher end is chosen for more stubborn heat or when Huang Lian is one part of a multi-herb formula sharing the effect. Doses outside this range are less common: too little may be ineffective for clearing heat, while too much increases the chance of adverse effects. In practice, practitioners tailor the dose within this range based on the patient’s constitution, the specific condition, and the formula context, and adjust for different preparations like granules, which may have slightly different dosing guidelines.