Formula Formulas that tonify Blood

Dang Gui Di Huang Yin

当归地黄饮

Also known as:

Angelica sinensis-Rehmannia Decoction , Tangkuei and Rehmannia Decoction , Dong quai and Rehmannia Decoction

Formula Composition

Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Du Zhong
Du Zhong
Niu Xi
Niu Xi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes Blood
  2. Tonifies Kidney and Liver Yin
  3. Regulates the menstrual cycle

Patterns Treated

Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney-Deficiency, Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency

Historical Origin

Collected Treatises of [Zhang] Jing Yue (1640 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Dang Gui Di Huang Yin

Main Actions

Nourishes Blood
Tonifies Kidney and Liver Yin
Regulates the menstrual cycle

Key TCM Concepts

Dang Gui Di Huang Yin is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Dong Quai (Dang Gui) and Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1640 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Blood. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes Blood and 2) tonifies Kidney and 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 Dang Gui Di Huang Yin is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney-Deficiency or Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as menopausal syndrome, scanty menstruation or absence of menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney-Deficiency
  • Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency

Common Applications

Menopausal syndrome Scanty menstruation Absence of menstruation

Ingredients in Dang Gui Di Huang Yin

Detailed information about each herb in Dang Gui Di Huang Yin and their roles

Kings
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
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 Dang Gui Di Huang Yin, it is used because it nourishes Blood and strengthens the Uterus.
View herb details
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

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

In the context of Dang Gui Di Huang Yin, it is used because it strongly enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence.
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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 Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
Shan Zhu Yu nourishes the Liver and restrains the leakage of Essence. It performs the latter function by inhibiting the improper dispersion and drainage through the Liver, thereby enabling the Essence to build up in the Kidneys. For this to occur, a substance with the strong, Essence building properties of the key herb (Shu Di Huang) is also required.
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Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
Shan Yao stabilizes the Essence by tonifying the Spleen. Indeed, to reinforce Essence and improve its function, the Spleen (the source of postnatal Essence) must function properly.
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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 Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
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 Dang Gui Di Huang Yin, it is used because it tonifies and warms Kidney Yang.
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Niu Xi
Niu Xi

Achyranthes roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
In general Niu Xi's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and relieves pain in the raw state. Tonic to the Liver and Kidneys and strengthens the bones and sinews. Reduces Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Regulates the flow of reckless Blood caused by either ascendant Liver Yang or Yin Deficient Fire."

In the context of Dang Gui Di Huang Yin, it is used because it nourishes the Kidneys and strengthens the back and knees.
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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 Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
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 Dang Gui Di Huang Yin, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Dang Gui Di Huang Yin

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, Dang Gui Di Huang Yin may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.