Tiān Wáng Bǔ Xīn Dān
Tiān Wáng Bǔ Xīn Dān (天王补心丹, “Emperor of Heaven's Special Pill to Tonify the Heart”) comes from She Sheng Mi Pou (1638 CE). Nourishes the Yin of the Heart and Kidney, calms the Mind, tones Blood.
Main action
Nourishes the Yin of the Heart and Kidney, calms the Mind, tones Blood
One of the most complete formulas to nourish the Yin of the Heart. Treats 'lack of communication between Heart and Kidney' — when water (Kidney) does not rise to cool the fire (Heart).
Indications
- Severe insomnia
- Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory leak
- dry mouth
- Oral ulcers
- Tongue
- Red, little coating
- Pulse
- Fine and fast
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shēng Dì Huáng 生地黄 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 15g | Nourishes Yin, cools blood, communicates Heart and Kidney |
| Mài Dōng 麦冬 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourishes Heart and Lung Yin |
| Tiān Mén Dōng 天冬 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourishes Kidney and Lung Yin |
| Suān Zǎo Rén 酸枣仁 | Minister (臣 chén) | 12g | Nourishes Heart, calms Mind, treats insomnia |
| Bǎi Zǐ Rén 柏子仁 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourish Heart, calm Mind |
| Yuǎn Zhì 远志 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Calm Mind, communicate Heart and Kidney |
| Dān Shēn 丹参 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Moves Blood, cools, calms Mind |
| Dāng Guī 当归 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Nourish Heart Blood |
| Rén Shēn 人参 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Tones Qi, calms Mind |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Calm Mind, Strengthen Spleen |
| Jié Gěng 桔梗 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Guide the formula to the Heart and Lung |
| Wǔ Wèi Zǐ 五味子 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Astrige Fluids, Calm Mind |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Pill: 9g, 2-3 times/day. Decoction: boil 35 min. Take with cinnabar heart (Zhu Sha) according to classic formulation
Current uses being studied
- Psychiatric insomnia
- Generalized anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism with palpitations
- Severe burnout
Precautions
- Classical formulation includes Zhu Sha (cinnabar, mercury): omitted in modern use
- Avoid in Yang deficiency or weak digestion
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 天王补心丹
- English name
- Emperor of Heaven's Special Pill to Tonify the Heart
- Source
- She Sheng Mi Pou (1638 CE)
- Dynasty
- Ming
- Category
- Calm the Shen
- Constitutions
- Yin 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.
