Formula Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness

Mai Men Dong Tang

麦门冬汤

Also known as:

Dwarf lilyturf Decoction , Ophiopogonis Decoction , Ophiopogon combination

Formula Composition

Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Jing Mi
Jing Mi
Da Zao
Da Zao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
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Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes the Stomach
  2. Generates Body Fluids
  3. Directs Rebellious Qi downward

Patterns Treated

Lung Yin Deficiency, Stomach Yin Deficiency, Stomach Deficiency

Historical Origin

Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (220 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Mai Men Dong Tang

Main Actions

Nourishes the Stomach
Generates Body Fluids
Directs Rebellious Qi downward

Key TCM Concepts

Mai Men Dong Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes the Stomach and 2) generates Body Fluids.

 

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 Mai Men Dong Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency, Stomach Yin Deficiency or Stomach Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as morning sickness, lung atrophy or laryngitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lung Yin Deficiency
  • Stomach Yin Deficiency
  • Stomach Deficiency

Common Applications

Morning sickness Lung atrophy Laryngitis Pertussis Bronchiectasis Pneumonia Acute bronchitis Chronic bronchitis Asthma Hypertension Diabetes Peptic ulcers Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia Radiation therapy side effects

Ingredients in Mai Men Dong Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Mai Men Dong Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Mai Men Dong Tang
Mai Dong clears Heat caused due to Stomach Deficiency and generates Body Fluids in the Stomach and Lungs. It is very useful in treating Lung atrophy. Together with Ginseng it is an especially powerful combination to rise the Qi and Yin in the Lungs and Stomach.
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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 Mai Men Dong Tang
Ren Shen tonifies Qi, generates Body Fluids, and rises the Qi as well as Yin. With Mai Men Dong (Dwarf lilyturf) it makes an especially powerful combination to rise the Qi and Yin in the Lungs and Stomach.
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Jing Mi
Jing Mi

Rice sprouts

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Seed kernels
Role in Mai Men Dong Tang
In general Jing Mi's main actions are as follows: "Replenishes Qi and tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Eliminates thirst. Stops diarrhea."

In the context of Mai Men Dong Tang, it is used because it work closely with the king and deputy herbs to tonify the Stomach Qi and generate Body Fluids.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Mai Men Dong Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."

In the context of Mai Men Dong Tang, it is used because it work closely with the king and deputy herbs to tonify the Stomach Qi and generate Body Fluids.
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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 Mai Men Dong Tang
Gan Cao it has a relatively strong action in tonifying the Stomach. It can also improves the throat issue often encountered by patients who suffer from the patterns solved by this formula.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Mai Men Dong Tang
Ban Xia facilitates the Stomach Qi flow and guides the Qi downward. The warm, acrid, drying nature of this herb is moderated by the moistening herbs in the formula and by its relatively low dosage. In fact, adding a small amount of this acrid, dispersing herb to the formula will assist in the distribution of nourishment from the Middle Burner to the Upper Burner, and redirect the Qi, thereby facilitating the replenishment of Body Fluids in the Lungs.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Mai Men Dong Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for patients with Dampness or Lung atrophy due to Cold from Deficiency. Use with caution if there is high fever and irritability.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Mai Men Dong 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.