Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang

人参当归汤

Also known as:

Ginseng Angelica Decoction , Ginseng Dong quai Decoction

Formula Composition

Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Rou Gui
Rou Gui
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Qi and Blood
  2. Nourishes Yin

Patterns Treated

Heart Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Golden Mirror of Medicine (1742 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang

Main Actions

Tonifies Qi and Blood
Nourishes Yin

Key TCM Concepts

Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Dong Quai (Dang Gui) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1742 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies Qi and 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 Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heart Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as postpartum depression for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heart Yin Deficiency

Ingredients in Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."

In the context of Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang, it is used because it tonifies the original Qi.
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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 Ren Shen Dang Gui 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 Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang, it is used because it nourishes Blood. Blood is a Yin element.
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Rou Gui
Rou Gui

Cinnamon bark

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
Rou Gui promotes Qi and Blood creation. Despite its Hot nature which would normally worsen Yin Deficiency (since Yin is Cold in nature), a small quantity in the formula acts as a 'spark' to promote the generation of Blood and Yin.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ren Shen Dang Gui 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 Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang, it is used because it nourishes Blood.
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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 Ren Shen Dang Gui 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 Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang, it is used because it nourishes Blood.
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
In general Mai Dong's main actions are as follows: "Replenishes Yin Essence and promotes secretions. Lubricates and nourishes the Stomach. Soothes the Lung. Nourishes the Heart."

In the context of Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang, it is used because it nourishes Yin.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ren Shen Dang Gui 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, Ren Shen Dang Gui 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.