Heart heat syndrome

Lian Qiao is bitter, cold and aromatic, and enters the Heart and Small Intestine meridians. Although it does not enter the Lung meridian, it is still often used in formulas to treat wind-heat syndrome as a chief herb. This is because its aromatic smell can disperse the Qi in the Upper-Jiao and gently release the exterior, and it leaches out heat from the Heart through the Small Intestine. It is especially effective in dispersing and clearing heat in the Heart and relieving restlessness and a warm sensation in the chest. 

Zhu Ye is sweet and cold, and enters the Heart and Lung meridians. It can expel wind-heat in the Upper-Jiao, increase urination and therefore leach out heat from the Heart. It is often used in a wind-heat syndrome when the heat disturbs not only the Lung but also the Heart, which is manifested as restlessness and irritability. 

Huang Lian is bitter and cold, and primarily enters the Heart and Stomach meridians. It can strongly clear heat and reduce the intense fire from the Heart directly. At the same time, it can also relieve fire-toxin and dry damp-heat. It is suitable for use in cases of sores, boils and carbuncles. As Huang Lian is very bitter and cold, it is not suitable for long-term use, especially in an excess heat syndrome without dampness. As soon as the intense heat is reduced, some gentle, sweet and cold herbs should be used instead of Huang Lian. 

This formula is able to drain fire and relieve toxicity from San Jiao regions. It is used to treat all kinds of excess heat syndrome, such as high fever, irritability, furuncles and carbuncles, which are considered to be caused directly by the blazing of Heart-fire. Patients have a red tongue with a yellow coating and a rapid and forceful pulse. 

---