Gan Lu Yin — Sweet Dew Drink

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Gan Lu Yin — the “Sweet Dew Drink” (not to be confused with the larger Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan) — is from the Song-dynasty Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang. It addresses Stomach Yin deficiency with deficient Heat rising, which classically presents in the mouth as recurrent ulcers, gingivitis, bleeding gums, halitosis and dry mouth. The formula combines a strong Yin-nourishing core with mild Heat-clearing and Qi-regulating herbs to address the picture without injuring the Spleen.

I prescribe Gan Lu Yin as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Gan Lu Yin is prescribed for Stomach Yin deficiency with rising deficient Heat:

• Recurrent mouth and tongue ulcers
• Gingivitis, bleeding gums, periodontal disease
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Dry mouth, mild thirst
• Possible reflux, mild epigastric burning
• Tongue — red with scant or peeled coat
• Pulse — thin, slightly rapid

Key herbs

1. Sheng Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae, 9–15g) — nourishes Yin; cools Blood
2. Shu Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae Preparata, 9–15g) — tonifies Yin and Blood
3. Tian Men Dong (Tb. Asparagi, 6–15g) — nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin
4. Mai Men Dong (Tb. Ophiopogonis, 6–15g) — nourishes Stomach Yin; clears Heat
5. Shi Hu (Hb. Dendrobii, 6–15g) — nourishes Stomach Yin; clears deficient Heat
6. Pi Pa Ye (Fl. Eriobotryae, 6–9g) — clears Lung and Stomach Heat; descends rebellious Qi
7. Yin Chen Hao (Hb. Artemisiae Scopariae, 3–9g) — clears Damp-Heat
8. Huang Qin (Rx. Scutellariae, 3–9g) — clears Heat from upper burner
9. Zhi Ke (Fr. Aurantii, 3–6g) — regulates Qi; prevents the nourishing herbs from causing stagnation
10. Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae, 1.5–6g) — harmonises

Formula actions

1. Nourishes Stomach Yin
2. Clears deficient Heat rising to the mouth
3. Resolves mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and halitosis

Conditions treated

1. Recurrent mouth and tongue ulcers with Yin deficiency
2. Chronic gingivitis and periodontal disease with bleeding gums
3. Halitosis with dry mouth and Yin signs
4. Sjögren’s syndrome oral symptoms (adjunctive)
5. Post-chemotherapy oral mucositis with Yin deficiency
6. Atrophic gastritis with Yin deficiency and reflux
7. Lichen planus, oral with Yin-deficient Heat

Cautions

Not appropriate for cold-deficient or Damp-Cold patterns — the cold nourishing herbs aggravate cold and dampness.

Persistent mouth ulcers, unexplained gum bleeding or oral lichen planus warrants dental and medical assessment.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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