Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Gui Shao Di Huang Tang

归芍地黄汤

Also known as:

Angelica Paeonia Rehmannia Decoction , Dong quai Mudan peony bark Rehmannia Decoction

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi
Ze Xie
Ze Xie
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes Blood
  2. Nourishes Yin

Patterns Treated

Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Blood and Kidney Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Symptom, Cause, Pulse, and Treatment (1706 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Gui Shao Di Huang Tang

Main Actions

Nourishes Blood
Nourishes Yin

Key TCM Concepts

Gui Shao Di Huang Tang is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1706 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes Blood and 2) nourishes 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 Gui Shao Di Huang Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency or Liver Blood and Kidney Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as absence of menstruation, menopausal syndrome or menstrual cramps for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
  • Liver Blood and Kidney Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Absence of menstruation Menopausal syndrome Menstrual cramps

Ingredients in Gui Shao Di Huang Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Gui Shao Di Huang Tang 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 Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
In general Shu Di huang's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys."

In the context of Gui Shao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin.
View herb details
Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
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 Gui Shao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin.
View herb details
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu

Cornelian cherries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe sarcocarp
Role in Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
In general Shan Zhu Yu's main actions are as follows: "Preserves and tonifies the Kidney, Liver and Essence. Stops sweating and benefits the Yang and Qi. Assists menstruation and stops bleeding."

In the context of Gui Shao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin.
View herb details
Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi

Mudan peony bark

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Root barks
Role in Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
In general Mu Dan Pi's main actions are as follows: "Cools the Blood, activates Blood circulation and resolves Blood stasis."

In the context of Gui Shao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin.
View herb details
Ze Xie
Ze Xie

Water plantain

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys
Parts Used Dried tuber
Role in Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
In general Ze Xie's main actions are as follows: "Causes urination and removes Damp-Heat"

In the context of Gui Shao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin.
View herb details
Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Gui Shao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin.
View herb details
Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
In general Bai Shao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain."

In the context of Gui Shao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it nourishes Blood.
View herb details
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Gui Shao Di Huang 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 Gui Shao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it nourishes Blood.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Gui Shao Di Huang 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, Gui Shao Di 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.