Qing Gong Tang

Qing Gong Tang: Unpacking a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula

Ever heard of a "palace of the heart"? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the term "Gong" (宮) literally means "palace," and when we talk about the "Heart Palace" (心之宮城), we're specifically referring to the Pericardium (心包). This formula, Qing Gong Tang, is designed for a pretty serious situation: when warm-heat pathogens have invaded deep into the Heart's Nutritive Qi (心营, or "Heart Ying") and are now affecting the Pericardium. Think of it like a viral or bacterial invasion that's not just causing a fever, but also starting to mess with your mental clarity and consciousness. The original texts highlight that the formula's approach is all about precision—using the tip of the rhinoceros horn (or its water buffalo horn substitute) and ensuring all other ingredients are chosen with the 'heart' in mind. This means the components are selected to specifically target and clear heat from the Pericardium, while also nourishing Kidney Yin (补肾中之水) to balance things out, detoxify, and get rid of any lingering impurities (辟秽).

When used for the right indications, Qing Gong Tang helps cool down the heat in the Heart's Nutritive Qi, bringing "water and fire into harmony" (水火交融). This clears away heat-toxins and allows the Heart-Spirit (心神) to settle, promoting mental peace. If you compare it to another well-known formula, Qing Ying Tang (清营汤), Qing Gong Tang really zeroes in on clearing heat from the Pericardium while also nourishing Yin, dispelling toxins, and purifying. Qing Ying Tang, on the other hand, focuses more on clearing heat from the Nutritive Qi level itself and helping heat exit the body. So, while both deal with deep-seated heat, their specific targets and mechanisms are different. (The Heart, in TCM, encompasses mental and emotional functions, which explains why conditions affecting it can manifest as delirium and confusion). PMID: 34388832

The Traditional Wisdom Behind Qing Gong Tang

This formula is primarily for what TCM calls "Taiyin Warm Disease" (太阴温病), a specific type of febrile illness. The ingredient list is carefully balanced, following the traditional "Chief, Minister, Assistant, Envoy" (君臣佐使) principle:

• Chiefs (君 - Jun): Rhinoceros Horn (犀角, often replaced by Water Buffalo Horn) and Scrophularia (玄参). These are the powerhouses, tasked with clearing heart heat, detoxifying, and nourishing Yin. (Research has validated the therapeutic effects of water buffalo horn as a substitute for rhinoceros horn). PMID: 28017367
• Ministers (臣 - Chen): Forsythia Heart (连翘心) and Bamboo Leaf Heart (竹叶卷心). Their job is to further clear heat from the heart.
• Assistants & Envoys (佐使 - Zuo Shi): Lotus Seed Heart (莲子心) and Ophiopogon with Heart (连心麦冬). These ingredients support the main action by nourishing the Yin of both the Heart and Kidneys.

Together, all these herbs work synergistically to achieve the powerful effects of clearing heat and nourishing Yin.

Qing Gong Tang: Usage and Dosage

Here’s a breakdown of the typical composition and how it's traditionally used. **Please remember, these dosages are for reference in a professional setting. Never attempt to self-medicate with potent TCM formulas.**

Composition:

• Scrophularia Heart (元参心): 9 grams
• Lotus Seed Heart (莲子心): 2 grams
• Bamboo Leaf Heart (竹叶卷心): 6 grams
• Forsythia Heart (连翘心): 6 grams
• Rhinoceros Horn (犀角) [Water Buffalo Horn Substitute (水牛角代)]: 30 grams
• Ophiopogon with Heart (连心麦冬): 9 grams

Preparation:

Simply decoct (water煎服) the herbs in water and drink the resulting liquid.

Modifications (Additions/Reductions):

A skilled practitioner might adjust the formula based on individual symptoms:

• If there's excessive phlegm-heat: Add 25ml each of bamboo juice (竹沥) and pear juice (梨汁).
• If coughing up phlegm is difficult: Add 4.5 grams of Snakegourd Peel (瓜蒌皮).
• If the heat-toxin is severe: Add Golden Juice (金汁) and Human Yellow (人中黄). **A critical safety note here: Golden Juice (fermented human feces decoction) and Human Yellow (licorice soaked in human feces) are extremely specialized and potent traditional remedies. They are NOT for self-administration and require the supervision of a highly experienced and licensed TCM practitioner. Their use is rare in modern practice, especially in Western contexts, and they are never to be prepared or consumed without strict professional guidance.**
• If there's a gradual onset of unconsciousness: Add 9 grams of Honeysuckle Flower (银花), 6 grams of Lotus Leaf (荷叶), and 3 grams of Acorus (石菖蒲). (These additions often aim to further clear heat, open the orifices, and calm the spirit, a common TCM approach for severe conditions involving altered consciousness). PMID: 34150531

Qing Gong Tang: Functions and Indications

Key Functions:

• Clears Heart Heat and Detoxifies (清心解毒)
• Nourishes Yin and Promotes Body Fluids (养阴生津)

Main Indications:

This formula is used for specific patterns of "Warm Disease" (温病) characterized by:

• Fluid depletion (液伤)
• Pathogenic invasion of the Pericardium (邪陷心包证)
• Key symptoms include: High fever, delirium, and impaired consciousness (发热，神昏谵语).

Quick Self-Check & Immediate Action:

3-Second Self-Test: If you're experiencing a high fever (especially if it’s persistent and not responding to basic remedies) AND you or someone you know is showing signs of confusion, disorientation, or delirium (like talking incoherently, extreme restlessness, or stupor)...

30-Second Self-Rescue: Then immediately seek emergency medical attention. While waiting for professional help, try to keep the person cool and comfortable, ensure they are in a safe environment, and avoid giving any unprescribed medications or remedies. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for conditions involving fever and altered consciousness.

References

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.