How to Use Golden Water Six Gentlemen Decoction & Dosage

This classic formula brings together a blend of carefully selected herbs:

  • Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) 6g
  • Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shudihuang) 9-15g
  • Dried Tangerine Peel (Chenpi) 4.5g
  • Pinellia Tuber (Banxia) 6g
  • Poria Mushroom (Fuling) 6g
  • Honey-fried Licorice Root (Zhigancao) 3g

To prepare, combine the herbs with 400ml of water and 3-7 slices of fresh ginger. Bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid reduces to 280-320ml. It’s best consumed warm on an empty stomach.

Golden Water Six Gentlemen Decoction herbs and preparation

Sometimes, a qualified practitioner might fine-tune the formula for individual needs. For example:

  • If you're dealing with loose stools and excessive dampness, Angelica Sinensis might be removed, and Chinese Yam (Shanyao) added.
  • For significant phlegm, sluggish vital energy (Qi stagnation), and discomfort in the chest or sides, adding White Mustard Seed (Baijiezi) at 2.1-2.8g can be helpful.
  • If a persistent cough is due to an excess of coldness (Yin-Cold), Asarum Herb (Xixin) at 1.5-2.1g might be introduced.
  • And if there are concurrent symptoms of external invaders like chills and fever, Bupleurum Root (Chaihu) at 3-6g could be added to the mix.

Safety Note: Pinellia Tuber (Banxia) should always be properly prepared to reduce potential toxicity. It’s crucial to use only prepared Pinellia Tuber in herbal formulas. Always consult a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

What Golden Water Six Gentlemen Decoction Is Good For (Functions & Indications)

Functions: This formula primarily works to nourish your body's essential fluids (Yin) and help clear out stubborn phlegm.

Indications: Golden Water Six Gentlemen Decoction is often recommended for those experiencing symptoms associated with:

  • Lung and Kidney Deficiency Cold: This often leads to an accumulation of fluids that transform into phlegm [This formula focuses on addressing the root causes of cough and phlegm by nourishing the body's vital essence and clearing dampness.] PMID: 33800680
  • Age-Related Yin Deficiency: Especially in older adults who have insufficient vital energy and blood circulation, making them vulnerable to external wind-cold exposure.
  • Chronic Cough & Respiratory Issues: Including persistent coughing, nausea or vomiting, wheezing, and shortness of breath with a lot of phlegm [Traditional Chinese Medicine offers targeted approaches for various respiratory conditions, including chronic cough and wheezing.] PMID: 29330752
  • Specific Phlegm Characteristics: If your phlegm tastes salty, or you experience a dry throat and mouth with a distinct salty sensation.
  • Tongue Signs: Often, a practitioner might observe a red tongue body with a white, slippery, or thin, greasy coating.

Variations of the Golden Water Six Gentlemen Decoction

Golden Water Six Gentlemen Decoction from "Yipan Zhu" Volume 4

Formula Name: Golden Water Six Gentlemen Decoction

Ingredients: Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shudihuang) 4 qian*, Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) 4 qian, Poria Mushroom (Bailing) 3 qian, Pinellia Tuber (Banxia), Dried Tangerine Peel (Chenpi), Licorice Root (Gancao), and Walnut (He Tao).

*Note: 1 qian is approximately 3.75 grams in historical Chinese weights.

Functions & Indications: Primarily addresses persistent nighttime cough [Understanding the properties of individual herbs like Pinellia Tuber is key to recognizing their role in addressing symptoms such as persistent cough.] PMID: 32517036

Usage & Dosage: The exact dosages for Pinellia Tuber and the following three herbs in this specific historical text are not specified.

Excerpted from: "Yipan Zhu" Volume 4

Ready for a Quick Check-in?

3-Second Self-Test: If you find yourself with a nagging, persistent cough that gets worse at night, especially with phlegm that feels salty or your mouth often tastes salty, then your body might be signaling an imbalance related to Lung and Kidney Deficiency Cold.

30-Second Self-Help: Immediately, try to reduce salty foods and dairy, which can sometimes exacerbate phlegm, and ensure adequate hydration with warm liquids to soothe your throat. Then, consider consulting a qualified TCM practitioner to see if a formula like Golden Water Six Gentlemen Decoction could be a good fit for your specific constitution.

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