Alternative Names

• Wendan decoction (WDD)
• wen dan tang
• wen tan tang
• untan to

This is one of my favorite formulas (because who hasn’t gone crazy once in a while?). If a person has a lot of “damp-heat” the mind and body may feel lethargic and heavy. There may be a lack of energy that comes not from a lack of “qi” but that it is too stagnant (stuck) due to lack of movement. There might be bouts of anger. I also use it a lot for people with depression and/or anxiety who also have a lot of dampness. The tongue coat is often thickly coated with yellow “fur” and the mind is unclear. The name means “warm the gallbladder” which in Chinese Medicine helps to make decisions. Its for people who are stuck and/or feeling lethargic and/or crazy. A stronger and more heat clearing formula is Zhu Ru Wen Dan Tang.

For more information: Chinese Medicine Theory: Damp 

Ingredients

Zhu Ru 竹茹 bamboo shavings Caulis Bambusae in Taeniis [supports pregnancy]

Zhi Shi 枳實 unripe bitter orange, chih-shih Aurantii Fructus immaturus [use caution if pregnant]

Gan Cao 甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae [caution]

Ban Xia 半夏 pinellia rhizome, pinellia tuber Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae [supports pregnancy]

Chen Pi 陳皮 aged tangerine peel, citrus Citri reticulatae Pericarpium

Fu Ling 茯苓 sclerotium of tuckahoe, China root, hoelen, Indian bread Poria Cocos

Sheng Jiang 生薑 fresh ginger rhizome Zingiberis Rhizoma

This formula can be used to support health with or without symptoms. If symptoms are present, take 2 level teaspoons of the powder (4 capsules) three times daily. When no overt symptoms are present, take 1 level teaspoon (2 capsules), two times daily. Empty stomach is best for efficient absorption, but not essential. [More…]

At this dosage, your order will last approximately this long (?):

• 100 grams powder (capsules or powder): 8 to 25 days
• 200 grams powder (powder only): 19 to 56 days