Formula Formulas that regulate Blood

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang

补阳还五汤

Also known as:

Tonify the Yang to Restore Five Decoction , Tonify the Yang to Restore Five Tenths Decoction

Formula Composition

Huang Qi
Huang Qi
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Chi Shao
Chi Shao
Tao Ren
Tao Ren
Hong Hua
Hong Hua
Di Long
Di Long
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Qi
  2. Invigorates Blood
  3. Unblocks the channels

Historical Origin

Correction of Errors among Physicians (1830 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang

Main Actions

Tonifies Qi
Invigorates Blood
Unblocks the channels

Key TCM Concepts

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1830 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that regulate Blood. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies Qi and 2) invigorates Blood.

 

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.

 

From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as poststroke hemiplegia, cerebrovascular disease or poliomyelitis sequelae for instance.

Ingredients in Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
Huang Qi strongly tonifies the original Qi. Its dosage is five times bigger than all the other herbs combined, which shows the clear purpose of this formula.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bu Yang Huan Wu 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 Yang Huang Wu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and harmonize the Nutritive Qi.
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Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
In general Chuan Xiong's main actions are as follows: "Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches."

In the context of Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and harmonize the Nutritive Qi.
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Chi Shao
Chi Shao

Red peony roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
In general Chi Shao's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood, relieves pain and reduces swelling. Cools the Blood and the Liver."

In the context of Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and harmonize the Nutritive Qi.
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Tao Ren
Tao Ren

Peach kernels

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Large Intestine, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
In general Tao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing."

In the context of Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, removes Blood stagnation, and unblocks the Channels.
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Hong Hua
Hong Hua

Safflowers

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried flower
Role in Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
In general Hong Hua's main actions are as follows: "Moves Stagnant Blood and regulates menses. Relieves pain caused by Blood Stasis."

In the context of Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, removes Blood stagnation, and unblocks the Channels.
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Di Long
Di Long

Earthworms

Temperature Cold
Taste Salty
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Spleen, Liver
Parts Used Dried body of the worm
Role in Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
Di Long invigorates Blood, removes Blood stagnation, and unblocks the Channels. This herb is particularly helpful for unblocking and invigorating the Channels and Collaterals. It also assists the key herb Milkvetch root in Qi circulation around the body.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Bu Yang Huan Wu 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 having a wind stroke and with a big, forceful or firm, wiry and forceful pulse. It should also not be used during pregnancy or for someone with Yin Deficiency due to Blood Heat. Finally, it is not for patients with hemorrhage as most of the herbs here invigorate Blood.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Bu Yang Huan Wu 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.