Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Prescriptions for Removing Pathogenic Heat and Toxic Material

Gan Cao Tang (甘草汤): Classic TCM Formula

甘草汤 Gancao Tang
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

The Prescription of 甘草汤

Source

The book Shang Han Lun

Ingredients

Gan Cao 6 g

Explanation

Gan Cao: Tonifying qi of heart and spleen, dispelling phlegm, relieving cough and dyspnea, relieving spasm and pain, clearing heat and removing toxicity.

The Effect of 甘草汤

Effect

Clear heat, relieve sore throat and remove toxicity.

Indications

Decoct in water for oral dose to be taken twice.

Administrations

Sore throat and paraglossa.

This entry follows the standard reference format. How to read a TCM entry explains what each heading means and how the terminology works. Not medically reviewed and not medical advice — see the medical disclaimer.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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