An Gong Niu Huang Wan

Overview

An Gong Niu Huang Wan is derived from Wu Jutong’s Treatise on Warm Diseases, Upper Burner Section, written during the Qing dynasty. It is a renowned heat-clearing and orifice-opening formula of the Warm Disease school and, together with Zi Xue Dan and Zhi Bao Dan, is known as the “Three Treasures of Warm Disease Treatment.” The original formula consisted of calculus bovis, rhinoceros horn, musk, pearl, cinnabar, realgar, Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, gardenia, turmeric, borneol, and other ingredients. It clears heat and detoxifies, transforms phlegm, and opens the orifices, and is primarily used for high fever, agitation, unconsciousness, delirious speech, and other patterns caused by warm-heat pathogenic toxins entering and obstructing the Pericardium. Because rhinoceros horn is protected, modern preparations generally use water buffalo horn or other legally approved substitutes.

Formula Composition

Modern approved preparations commonly use calculus bovis or artificial calculus bovis, water buffalo horn concentrated powder, Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, gardenia, turmeric, borneol, musk or artificial musk, pearl, cinnabar, realgar, and other ingredients as their core components. The specific formula must be determined according to the actual product package insert.

Note: Animal-derived ingredients and substitute components may differ according to the manufacturer and regulatory environment. It should not be prepared independently according to ancient texts.

Traditional Actions and Indications

Traditionally used for severe manifestations such as high fever with unconsciousness, agitation, and delirious speech associated with heat obstructing the Pericardium. In modern medicine, these symptoms constitute severe acute conditions requiring urgent evaluation and are not appropriate for routine self-directed use at home.

Precautions

  • In the event of impaired consciousness, convulsions, stroke-like symptoms, or persistent high fever, call emergency services immediately. Do not take An Gong Niu Huang Wan first while waiting to see whether it works.
  • Some preparations contain mineral medicines such as cinnabar and realgar and should not be taken independently for prolonged periods, preventively, or in excessive amounts.
  • Pregnant women, children, people with abnormal liver or kidney function, and those taking multiple medications must use it under professional guidance.
  • The specific product package insert, approval information, and contraindications must be checked. It must not be prepared independently according to the traditional formula.