Formula Formulas that tonify Blood

Bu Gan Tang

补肝汤

Also known as:

Tonify the Liver Decoction

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Suan Zao Ren
Suan Zao Ren
Mu Gua
Mu Gua
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies and regulates the Blood
  2. Nourishes the Liver Yin

Patterns Treated

Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Interior Wind, Liver Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition (1742 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Bu Gan Tang

Main Actions

Tonifies and regulates the Blood
Nourishes the Liver Yin

Key TCM Concepts

Bu Gan Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) and White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1742 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Blood. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies and regulates the Blood and 2) nourishes the Liver Yin.

 

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 Gan Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Interior Wind. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as photophobia, anemia or headache for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Liver Blood Deficiency
  • Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
  • Interior Wind
  • Liver Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Photophobia Anemia Headache Amenorrhea Late menstruation Paresthesia Parkinson's disease Tinnitus Neurasthenia Scanty menstruation Dandruff Insomnia Neurosis Hypotension AIDS

Ingredients in Bu Gan Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
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 Gan Tang
Shu Di huang has a very strong tonifying effect on the Liver and Kidneys and is said to nourish the Yin of the Blood.
View herb details
Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bu Gan Tang
Bai Shao helps reduce the muscle spasms caused by Blood Deficiency and it is particularly well-suited to treat abdominal pain. Together with Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di huang), it has a strong tonifying effect on the Blood.
View herb details
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bu Gan Tang
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Bu Gan Tang, it is used because it enters the Liver and Heart to tonify and invigorate the Blood.
View herb details
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Bu Gan Tang
Chuan Xiong invigorates the flow of Blood through the vessels, alleviates symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision and pain.
View herb details
Suan Zao Ren
Suan Zao Ren

Jujube seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Bu Gan Tang
In general Suan Zao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Heart Yin and calms the spirit. Contains Fluid leakage."

In the context of Bu Gan Tang, it is used because it nourishes the Heart Yin and calms the Mind. .
View herb details
Mu Gua
Mu Gua

Flowering quince

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried nearly-ripe fruit
Role in Bu Gan Tang
In general Mu Gua's main actions are as follows: "Relaxes the sinews by increasing the flow of both Blood and Qi. Assists the function of the Stomach and expels Dampness. Facilitate lactation."

In the context of Bu Gan Tang, it is used because it relaxes the sinews by increasing the flow of both Blood and Qi. .
View herb details
Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Bu Gan Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Bu Gan Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the actions of all other ingredients of the formula.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Bu Gan 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 Gan 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.