Bā Zhēn Tāng
Bā Zhēn Tāng (八珍汤, “Eight Treasure Decoction”) comes from Zheng Ti Lei Yao (1529 CE). Tonifies Qi and Blood simultaneously.
Main action
Tonifies Qi and Blood simultaneously
Combination of Si Jun Zi Tang (four gentlemen) and Si Wu Tang (four substances), the pillars of Qi and Blood in TCM.
Indications
- extreme fatigue
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Paleness
- hair loss
- Scanty irregular menstruation
- Tongue
- Pale, dry, fine coating
- Pulse
- Fine and weak or weak in all positions
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rén Shēn 人参 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 9g | Tonifies the primordial Qi |
| Bái Zhú 白术 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Tones spleen, eliminates moisture |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, calms mind |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo 炙甘草 | Minister (臣 chén) | 6g | Harmonizes, tonifies Qi |
| Shú Dì Huáng 熟地黄 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 12g | Nourishes Blood, tonifies Kidney Yin |
| Dāng Guī 当归 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourishes and moves the Blood |
| Bái Sháo 白芍 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourishes Blood, calms the Liver |
| Chuān Xiōng 川芎 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Moves Qi and Blood, avoids stagnation |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Decoction with fresh ginger 3 slices and Date 5 pieces. Boil 40 min, take 2 times/day
Classical modifications
Add: Huang Qi (黄芪) 12g, Rou Gui (肉桂) 3g → Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (十全大补汤)
Current uses being studied
- Post-operative anemia
- Post-chemotherapy fatigue
- deficiency amenorrhea
- Postpartum recovery
Precautions
- Do not use with fullness, heat or stagnation
- May be difficult to digest: add Chen Pi if bloating
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 八珍汤
- English name
- Eight Treasure Decoction
- Source
- Zheng Ti Lei Yao (1529 CE)
- Dynasty
- Ming
- Category
- Tonify Qi and Blood
- Constitutions
- Qi Deficiency Constitution
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
