Formula Formulas that tonify Qi

Bu Fei Tang

补肺汤

Also known as:

Tonify the Lungs Decoction

Formula Composition

Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Huang Qi
Huang Qi
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi
Zi Wan
Zi Wan
Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Augments the Qi
  2. Stabilizes the Exterior

Patterns Treated

Lung Qi Deficiency

Historical Origin

Everlasting Categorization of Inscribed Formulas (1331 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Bu Fei Tang

Main Actions

Augments the Qi
Stabilizes the Exterior

Key TCM Concepts

Bu Fei Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1331 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi. Its main actions are: 1) augments the Qi and 2) stabilizes the Exterior.

 

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 Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lung Qi Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza or emphysema for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lung Qi Deficiency

Common Applications

Pulmonary tuberculosis Influenza Emphysema Polyuria Asthma Allergic sinusitis Facial edema Upper respiratory tract infections Urinary incontinence Common cold Chronic bronchitis Hay fever Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Allergic rhinitis Enuresis

Ingredients in Bu Fei Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bu Fei Tang
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."

In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it works synergistically with Milkvetch root to tonify the Qi and fortify the Protective Qi.
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Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bu Fei Tang
In general Huang Qi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Wei Qi and stops perspiration. Tonifies the Spleen Qi and the Yang Qi of the Earth Element. Tonifies the Qi and Blood. Expels pus and assists in the healing of wounds. Helps to regulate water metabolism in the body and reduce edema."

In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it works synergistically with Ginseng to tonify the Qi and fortify the Protective Qi.
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Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra berries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Bu Fei Tang
In general Wu Wei Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidneys and preserves the Essence. Astringes the Lung Qi and stops coughing. Retains Bodily Fluids and encourages their production. Tonifies the Heart and calms the spirit (Shen)."

In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it preserves the Lung Qi and helps the Kidneys grasp the Qi.
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Zi Wan
Zi Wan

Aster roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Bu Fei Tang
In general Zi Wan's main actions are as follows: "Relieves Phlegm and stops cough."

In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it moistens the Lungs and stops the coughing.
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Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi

Mulberry bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root bark
Role in Bu Fei Tang
In general Sang Bai Pi's main actions are as follows: "Clears heat from the lung, relieves asthma and induce urination to disperse swelling"

In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it descends the Lung Qi.
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Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Bu Fei Tang
In general Shu Di huang's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys."

In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it tonifies the Essence and the lower and basal aspects of the body.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Bu Fei Tang

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Bu Fei 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.