Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Bu Fei E Jiao Tang

补肺阿胶汤

Also known as:

Tonify the Lungs Decoction with Ass-Hide Gelatin

Formula Composition

E Jiao
E Jiao
Ma Dou Ling
Ma Dou Ling
Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Niu Bang Zi
Niu Bang Zi
Nuo Mi
Nuo Mi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes the Yin
  2. Controls coughing
  3. Stops bleeding
  4. Tonifies the Lungs

Patterns Treated

Lung Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Craft of Medicinal Treatment for Childhood Disease Patterns (1119 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Bu Fei E Jiao Tang

Main Actions

Nourishes the Yin
Controls coughing
Stops bleeding
Tonifies the Lungs

Key TCM Concepts

Bu Fei E Jiao Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1119 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes the Yin and 2) controls coughing.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Bu Fei E Jiao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis or pulmonary tuberculosis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lung Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Chronic bronchitis Bronchiectasis Pulmonary tuberculosis Chronic pharyngitis

Ingredients in Bu Fei E Jiao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Bu Fei E Jiao Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
E Jiao
E Jiao

Donkey-hide gelatin

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Solid glue prepared from the dried or fresh skin of donkeys
Role in Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
In general E Jiao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies and nourishes Blood. Stops bleeding. Moistens and lubricates Yin."

In the context of Bu Fei E Jiao Tang, it is used because it nourishes the Yin and tonifies the Lungs, stops the bleeding, and nourishes the Blood.
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Ma Dou Ling
Ma Dou Ling

Aristolochia fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Fruits
Role in Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
In general Ma Dou Ling's main actions are as follows: "Opens the Lungs and transforms Phlegm. Clears Heat in the Lungs so as to treat cough caused by Heat or Deficiency. Lowers blood pressure for hypertension."

In the context of Bu Fei E Jiao Tang, it is used because it clears Heat and stops the coughing.
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Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
In general Xing Ren's main actions are as follows: "Stops cough and wheezing caused by either Heat or Cold. Lubricates the Intestines and relieves constipation."

In the context of Bu Fei E Jiao Tang, it is used because it descends the Lung Qi and calms the wheezing.
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Niu Bang Zi
Niu Bang Zi

Greater burdock fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
In general Niu Bang Zi's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Heat. Allows the release of toxicity from the surface and clears Heat. Reduces swelling and clears pathogenic Heat. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieves sore throat."

In the context of Bu Fei E Jiao Tang, it is used because it spreads the Lung Qi and unblocks areas of congestion in the throat.
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Nuo Mi
Nuo Mi

Glutinous rice

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used The seeds
Role in Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
Nuo Mi tonifies the Spleen and benefit the Lungs. The combination of Glutinous rice and Liquorice cultivates the earth (Spleen) to generate metal (Lungs) in order to tonify the Lungs and preventsthe other herbs from disrupting the digestive process.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
Gan Cao tonifies the Spleen and benefit the Lungs. The combination of Glutinous rice and Liquorice cultivates the earth (Spleen) to generate metal (Lungs) in order to tonify the Lungs and preventsthe other herbs from disrupting the digestive process.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Bu Fei E Jiao Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for patients with Lung Deficiency without Heat, when there is any cold in the Exterior, or when there in internal Phlegm.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Bu Fei E Jiao Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.