Formula Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency

Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang

当归六黄汤

Also known as:

Tangkuei and Six-Yellow Decoction

Formula Composition

Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Di Huang
Di Huang
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Huang Bo
Huang Bo
Huang Qi
Huang Qi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Enriches the Yin
  2. Drains Fire
  3. Stabilizes the Exterior
  4. Stops sweating

Patterns Treated

Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Secrets from the Orchid Chamber (1336 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang

Main Actions

Enriches the Yin
Drains Fire
Stabilizes the Exterior
Stops sweating

Key TCM Concepts

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

 

Invented in 1336 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency. Its main actions are: 1) enriches the Yin and 2) drains Fire.

 

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 Liu Huang Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as tuberculosis, diabetes or hyperthyroidism for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Tuberculosis Diabetes Hyperthyroidism Perimenopausal syndrome Nervous exhaustion

Ingredients in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Dang Gui nourishes the Blood and increases the Body Fluids, which are then able to lubricate the Intestines and moisten the dry stools.
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Di Huang
Di Huang

Unprepared Rehmannia

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Sheng Di Huang sweet, bitter, and cooling. It is also particularly useful in treating Empty Heat from Yin Deficiency. It enriches and nourishes the Yin Fluids, Blood, and Essence. The combination of prepare and unprepared Rehmannia nourishes water, which enables it to control the Fire.
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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 Liu Huang Tang
Shu Di huang enriches and nourishes the Yin Fluids, Blood, and Essence. The combination of prepare and unprepared Rehmannia nourishes water, which enables it to control the Fire.
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Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
In general Huang Lian's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat especially in the Lower Burner. Eliminates Fire toxicity especially when there is associated Dampness. Acts as a sedative by eliminating Heart Fire. Eliminates Stomach Fire. Expel parasites"

In the context of Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang, it is used because it drains Fire from the Heart.
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Huang Qin
Huang Qin

Baikal skullcap roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Huang Qin , with the other deputies herb, it relieves irritability and drains Fire to remove the cause of damage to the Yin.
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Huang Bo
Huang Bo

Phellodendron bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried bark
Role in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Huang Bo , with the other deputies herb, it relieves irritability and drains Fire to remove the cause of damage to the Yin.
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Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Huang Qi augments the Qi and stabilize the Exterior. This prevents excessive sweating from causing further injury to the Yin and Yang. It also protects the Stomach Qi from the actions of the other herbs. When combined with Dong Quai and Prepared rehmannia, it is a powerful herb in nourishing the Qi and Blood. When the Qi and Blood flourish, the Interstices and pores tighten, and it is more difficult for sweat to improperly escape.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang

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

Contraindications

Used with caution and in modified form, if at all, in cases with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Dang Gui Liu Huang 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.