Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Da Bu Yuan Jian

大补元煎

Also known as:

Great Tonifying the Original (Qi) Decoction , Great Tonify the Primal Decoction

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Du Zhong
Du Zhong
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Yin and Blood
  2. Nourishes Qi and Yang

Patterns Treated

Blood Deficiency

Historical Origin

Collected Treatises of [Zhang] Jing-Yue (1624 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Da Bu Yuan Jian

Main Actions

Tonifies Yin and Blood
Nourishes Qi and Yang

Key TCM Concepts

Da Bu Yuan Jian is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1624 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies Yin and Blood and 2) nourishes Qi and Yang.

 

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 Yuan Jian is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as late menstruation or uterine prolapse for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Blood Deficiency

Common Applications

Late menstruation Uterine prolapse

Ingredients in Da Bu Yuan Jian

Detailed information about each herb in Da Bu Yuan Jian and their roles

Kings
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 Yuan Jian
Shu Di huang tonifies the true Yin of the five Yin Organs. It is necessary to use Shu Di huang to treat Yin Deficiency of the 12 Meridians. When the Yin is Deficient and fire ascends, it cannot be directed downward sufficiently without the heaviness of Shu Di huang. Due to Yin deficiency, restless movement cannot be sedated sufficiently without the stillness of Shu Di huang. And hardness and tension due to Yin Deficiency cannot be relaxed sufficiently without the sweetness of Shu Di huang.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Da Bu Yuan Jian
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 Da Bu Yuan Jian, it is used because it tonifies Qi in general and the Original Qi in particular.
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Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Da Bu Yuan Jian
In general Shan Yao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Tonifies the Lung Qi and nourishes the Lung Yin. Nourishes the Kidneys and consolidates Jing."

In the context of Da Bu Yuan Jian, it is used because it benefits the Yin and tonifies the Spleen which is the source of the postnatal constitution.
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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 Da Bu Yuan Jian
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 Da Bu Yuan Jian, it is used because it nourishes Blood.
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Du Zhong
Du Zhong

Eucommia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Da Bu Yuan Jian
In general Du Zhong's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys. Calms ascendant Liver Yang (hypertension/high blood pressure). Calms a restless fetus."

In the context of Da Bu Yuan Jian, it is used because it tonifies Kidney Yang and strengthen the back.
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Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu

Cornelian cherries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe sarcocarp
Role in Da Bu Yuan Jian
Shan Zhu Yu nourishes Yin, Blood and Essence and strengthen Liver and Kidneys. Here it works synergistically with the chief herb Prepared rehmannia.
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Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi

Goji berries

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Da Bu Yuan Jian
Gou Qi Zi nourishes Yin, Blood and Essence and strengthen Liver and Kidneys. Here it works synergistically with the chief herb Prepared rehmannia.
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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 Da Bu Yuan Jian
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 Da Bu Yuan Jian, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Da Bu Yuan Jian

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, Da Bu Yuan Jian may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.