Gan Mao Ling

Gan Mao Ling is a widely used formula for External Wind Heat. Its herbs clear Heat and dispel Wind Heat at the Defensive (Wei) and Qi levels. The aim is to resolve an invasion while it is still at the surface, before it penetrates to deeper levels where it becomes harder to treat.

Formula Composition

Evodia lepta leaf and root (San Cha Ku) clears Heat and resolves Heat toxin. Isatis root (Ban Lan Gen) drains Heat, resolves toxicity, cools the Blood and benefits the throat. Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua) clears Heat and toxicity while venting and dispersing externally contracted Wind Heat. Chrysanthemum flower (Ye Ju Hua) dispels Wind, clears Heat and calms the Liver. Simple-leaf chaste tree fruit (Man Jing Zi) disperses Wind Heat, particularly when it affects the head, face and eyes. Pubescent holly root clears Heat and invigorates Blood.

Clinical Use

Gan Mao Ling is most effective when started in the first days of a Wind invasion and taken consistently, with frequent dosing during that window. It may also be taken short-term during seasonal exposure to support the body’s natural defenses.

For Phlegm Heat in the Lung with an unresolved exterior invasion, combine with Pinellia Dispersing Formula. For a stronger Wind Heat presentation, combine with Zhong Gan Ling.

Origins and Development

Gan Mao Ling is a modern formula with many regional variations, attributed to Dr. Shi Jin-Mo. Its classical antecedents include Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink (Sang Ju Yin) from Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases (Wen Bing Tiao Bian) by Wu Ju-Tong, 1798.