Formula Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang

Er Xian Tang

二仙汤

Also known as:

Two-Immortal Decoction , Circuligo and Epimedium Combination

Formula Composition

Xian Mao
Xian Mao
Yin Yang Huo
Yin Yang Huo
Ba Ji Tian
Ba Ji Tian
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Huang Bo
Huang Bo
Zhi Mu
Zhi Mu
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
  2. Clears Empty Heat
  3. Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels

Patterns Treated

Kidney Yang Deficiency, Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang

Historical Origin

Clinical Handbook of Chinese Medical Formulas (1950 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Er Xian Tang

Main Actions

Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
Clears Empty Heat
Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels

Key TCM Concepts

Er Xian Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao) and Epimedium Herbs (Yin Yang Huo) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1950 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Yin and Yang. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys and 2) clears Empty Heat.

 

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 Er Xian Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency or Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as irregular menstruation, menopausal syndrome or perimenopausal syndrome for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney Yang Deficiency
  • Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang

Common Applications

Irregular menstruation Menopausal syndrome Perimenopausal syndrome Essential hypertension Chronix glumerulonephritis Chronic pyelonephritis Polycystic kidneys Renal vascular disease Hyperthyroid Urinary tract infection

Ingredients in Er Xian Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Er Xian Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Xian Mao
Xian Mao

Curculigo rhizomes

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Er Xian Tang
Xian Mao works together with Epimedium herb (Yin Yang Huo), the other key herb in this formula, and with Morinda root (Ba Ji Tian), a deputy herb here, to warm the Kidney Yang and tonify the Kidney Essence.
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Yin Yang Huo
Yin Yang Huo

Epimedium herbs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried aerial part
Role in Er Xian Tang
In general Yin Yang Huo's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidney Yang. Expels Wind-Damp-Cold Bi Pain. Strengthens Lung Qi and assists in expectoration."
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Ba Ji Tian
Ba Ji Tian

Morinda roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Er Xian Tang
In general Ba Ji Tian's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidney Yang. Expels Wind-Damp-Cold painful obstruction (Bi Pain)."
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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 Er Xian 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 Er Xian Tang, it is used because it moistens and nourishes the Blood and regulates the Penetrating and Governing Vessels.
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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 Er Xian Tang
Huang Bo works together with Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu), another assistant in this formula, to drain ascending Fire at the gate of vitality.
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Zhi Mu
Zhi Mu

Anemarrhena rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Er Xian Tang
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."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Er Xian Tang

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, Er Xian 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.