Huang Qin: "Yellow Gold" Inflammation Relief
A Study in Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Action
By Marc Wasserman Ph.D. L.Ac. Dipl. O.M.
Huang Qin is another of our favorite heat-clearing herbs. It is a frequent ingredient in prescriptions here at Flow Health Clinic. And a cherished and essential selection for natural medicine practitioners worldwide.
Similar to Huang Lian, Huang Qin has antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, and anxiolytic effects. In addition, it also has anti-hypertensive (vasodilator) and mild diuretic effects.
Most laboratory research has focused on two flavonoids, baicalin and wogonoside. However, more than 120 phytochemicals have been identified.
Here is an excellent review article for a detailed look at this medicinal plant.
Rather than reviewing the chemistry, composition, and history of HuangQin (as is already thoroughly covered in the above-linked review article), in this article, I’d like to show you how HuangQin is used for precision action in the body. How in clinical use, it is formulated to target the anti-inflammatory effects onto specific systems and tissues.
This is a unique feature of East Asian herbal medicine. All medicinals are mapped to specific routes and target tissues throughout our bodies. And herbs with less specific or non-specific targets are paired with others to steer the medicinal effects to the target site.
HuangQin is an excellent example of this. It has broad anti-inflammatory effects that can reach all areas of the body, but those effects can also be steered and targeted at specific sites based on its paired formula contents. Let’s look at a few examples.
Lungs and respiratory tract
HuangQin is almost certainly included in any formula prescription for coughing, congestion, and fever due to upper respiratory tract infections. For example, the formula YangDan Tang leverages the heat-clearing effects of HuangQin with the targeting of GuiZhi Tang (an ancient formula supporting the immune response to cold/flu virus exposure).
Because YangDan Tang acts on the respiratory tract and lungs, it has been evaluated as an approach to treating lung cancer. In 2013, I traveled with Dr.Chen-Yu Lee to the World Cancer Congress in XiAn China to present his research on YangDan Tang disrupting lung cancer cell line proliferation.
Other combinations, e.g. with MaHuang and XingRen, ZheBeiMu or SangBaiPi, GuaLou or MaiDong also focus the heat-clearing capabilities of HuangQin onto the respiratory tract.
Lower digestive tract
When combined with Bai Shao, Ge Gen, Gan Cao, or similar herbs, the heat-clearing effects of HuangQin are then focused onto the digestive tract. The combination of HuangQin, BaiShao, GanCao, and HongZao (aka HuangQin Tang), is another foundational formula from the Han Dynasty physician Zhang Zhong-Jing. It continues to be a powerful option for damp-heat type IBD with symptoms of diarrhea, pain, and rectal tenesmus.
Upper Digestive tract
A popular selection for nausea, epigastric pain, and heartburn relief–ShengJiangXieXin Tang combines HuangQin and HuangLian with Ginger, Pinellia, Licorice root, and jujube fruit to alleviate irritation and inflammation in proximity to the stomach.
Liver and Gallbladder
For hepatobiliary conditions, the famous formula XiaoChaiHu Tang pairs HuangQin with ChaiHu to guide the anti-inflammatory actions to the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine.
Or the formula SanHuangXieXin Tang which adds HuangQin to HuangLian and DaHuang to generate maximum heat-clearing effects focused on the hepatobiliary and digestive tract.
Gynecology
The formula WenQingYin combines HuangQin (and other heat-clearing herbs) with ShuDiHuang, ChuanXiong, DangGui, and BaiShao which focus the anti-inflammatory action on the reproductive organs for conditions of heat-type dysmenorrhea and prolonged/excessive bleeding.
Skin
In dermatology, HuangQin can be added to formulas for heat-type or wind-heat-type rashes. For example, the formula QingShangFangFeng Tang mixes HuangQin with FangFeng, BoHe, BaiZhi, LianChao, and others to bring the action to the surface tissues of the body. This type of combination is often used for psoriasis-like symptoms.
Tying it all together
HuangQin is a flexible heat-clearing herb. On its own it has broad anti-inflammatory action, but when combined into formula, that anti-inflammatory action gets steered onto a specific body region or tissue.
HuangQin is also a common selection for general wellness support and immuno-boost; it can be used prophylactically during cold and flu season. Or as a restorative for nearly any idiopathic inflammation.
HuangQin is an excellent component of any holistic approach to batting inflammation. Especially when used correctly to target the anti-inflammatory action where it is most needed.
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