Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Da Bu Yin Wan

大补阴丸

Also known as:

Great Tonifying the Yin Pill

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Gui Ban
Gui Ban
Huang Bo
Huang Bo
Zhi Mu
Zhi Mu
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Enriches the Yin
  2. Directs fire downward

Patterns Treated

Collapse of Yin

Historical Origin

Essential Teachings of [Zhu] Dan-Xi (1481 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Da Bu Yin Wan

Main Actions

Enriches the Yin
Directs fire downward

Key TCM Concepts

Da Bu Yin Wan is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) and Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1481 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) enriches the Yin and 2) directs fire downward.

 

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 Da Bu Yin Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Collapse of Yin. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as tuberculosis, bronchiectasis or diabetes mellitus for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Collapse of Yin

Common Applications

Tuberculosis Bronchiectasis Diabetes mellitus Hyperthyroid Nervous exhaustion

Ingredients in Da Bu Yin Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Da Bu Yin Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

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

In the context of Da Bu Yin Wan, it is used because it is a very effective herb for enriching and tonifying the Liver and Kidneys.
View herb details
Gui Ban
Gui Ban

Tortoise plastrons

Temperature Cool
Taste Salty, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Carapace and plastron
Role in Da Bu Yin Wan
In general Gui Ban's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Yin and holds down the Yang. Strengthens the Kidneys and strengthens the bones. Cools the Blood, stops uterine bleeding. Nourishes the Heart. Promotes Healing."

In the context of Da Bu Yin Wan, it is used because it nourishes the Yin and weighs down the floating Yang Fire.
View herb details
Huang Bo
Huang Bo

Phellodendron bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried bark
Role in Da Bu Yin Wan
In general Huang Bo's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Clears Kidney Yin Deficient Heat. Applied externally or toxic Fire, especially associated with Dampness."

In the context of Da Bu Yin Wan, it is used because it quells Kidney Fire.
View herb details
Zhi Mu
Zhi Mu

Anemarrhena rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Da Bu Yin Wan
In general Zhi Mu's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and Fire from the Qi level. Clears Heat and Fire from the Lung and Stomach. Clears Heat and tonifies the Yin."

In the context of Da Bu Yin Wan, it is used because it clears Heat, enriches the Lungs, and generates Fluids.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Da Bu Yin Wan

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

Contraindications

Use with caution in patients with poor appetite and loose stools. It is contraindicated in cases of Fire from Excess.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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