Formula Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness

San Ren Tang

三仁汤

Also known as:

Three Seeds Decoction

Formula Composition

Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Bai Dou Kou
Bai Dou Kou
Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren
Tong Cao
Tong Cao
Dan Zhu Ye
Dan Zhu Ye
Hua Shi
Hua Shi
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Damp-Heat
  2. Disseminates the Qi
  3. Facilitates the Qi mechanisms

Patterns Treated

Dampness in the Gallbladder

Historical Origin

Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases (1798 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of San Ren Tang

Main Actions

Clears Damp-Heat
Disseminates the Qi
Facilitates the Qi mechanisms

Key TCM Concepts

San Ren Tang is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), Cardamon Fruits (Bai Dou Kou) and Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1798 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness. Its main actions are: 1) clears Damp-Heat and 2) disseminates the Qi.

 

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 San Ren Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Dampness in the Gallbladder. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as typhoid, pyelonephritis or hepatitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Dampness in the Gallbladder

Common Applications

Typhoid Pyelonephritis Hepatitis Brucellosis Gastritis Colitis Bacillary dysentery

Ingredients in San Ren Tang

Detailed information about each herb in San Ren Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in San Ren Tang
Xing Ren it dredges the Lung Qi, opens what is clogged, and facilitates the downward-directing of Qi and Fluids
View herb details
Bai Dou Kou
Bai Dou Kou

Cardamon fruits

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Fruits
Role in San Ren Tang
Bai Dou Kou transforms turbid Dampness and revives the Spleen. It also treats the Upper Burner by spreading Qi in the chest.
View herb details
Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren

Job's tears

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe kernel
Role in San Ren Tang
Yi Yi Ren leaches out Dampness through the urine. It also treats the Middle Burner by strengthening the Spleen.
View herb details
Tong Cao
Tong Cao

Tetrapanax piths

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried stem pith
Role in San Ren Tang
Tong Cao resolves Dampness by promoting urination and it clears Heat. It also assists in opening and directing Lung Qi downward.
View herb details
Dan Zhu Ye
Dan Zhu Ye

Lophatherum herbs

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Small Intestine, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem and leaf
Role in San Ren Tang
Dan Zhu Ye resolves Dampness by promoting urination and it clears Heat. It also vents pathogenic Heat through the Exterior.
View herb details
Hua Shi
Hua Shi

Talc

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Stomach
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in San Ren Tang
Hua Shi resolves Dampness by promoting urination and it clears Heat. It is also able to resolve Summer-Heat.
View herb details
Hou Pu
Hou Pu

Houpu Magnolia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Role in San Ren Tang
In general Hou Pu's main actions are as follows: "Moves Rebellious Qi downward, dries Dampness and relieves Food Stagnation. Transforms Phlegm and redirects Rebellious Qi of the Lung."

In the context of San Ren Tang, it is used because it treats epigastric and abdominal distention due to Dampness or Phlegm.
View herb details
Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in San Ren Tang
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of San Ren Tang, it is used because it treats epigastric and abdominal distention due to Dampness or Phlegm.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for San Ren Tang

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

Contraindications

Only indicated for Damp-Warmth or Damp-Heat disorders where Dampness is prominent.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, San Ren 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.