Formula Formulas that rescue devastated Yang

Shen Fu Tang

参附汤

Also known as:

Ginseng Aconite Root Decoction , Ginseng Aconitum Decoction , Ginseng and Aconite Accessory Root Decoction

Formula Composition

Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Zhi Fu Zi
Zhi Fu Zi
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Restores Yang
  2. Strongly tonifies the source Qi
  3. Saves Qi from collapsing due to devastated Yang

Patterns Treated

Heart Yang Collapsing, Collapse of Yang

Historical Origin

Classified Compilation of Medical Prescriptions (1445 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shen Fu Tang

Main Actions

Restores Yang
Strongly tonifies the source Qi
Saves Qi from collapsing due to devastated Yang

Key TCM Concepts

Shen Fu Tang is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1445 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that rescue devastated Yang. Its main actions are: 1) restores Yang and 2) strongly tonifies the source 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 Shen Fu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heart Yang Collapsing or Collapse of Yang. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as cardiac failure, myocardial infarction or cardiogenic shock for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heart Yang Collapsing
  • Collapse of Yang

Common Applications

Cardiac failure Myocardial infarction Cardiogenic shock Postpartum hemorrhage Abnormal uterine bleeding Hypovolemic shock

Ingredients in Shen Fu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Shen Fu 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 Shen Fu Tang
Ren Shen Ginseng Radix is sweet and warm and it strongly tonifies the Heart and Lungs Qi, It also enriching the Body Fluids.
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Zhi Fu Zi
Zhi Fu Zi

Prepared aconite

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Spleen
Parts Used Processed daughter root
Role in Shen Fu Tang
Zhi Fu Zi It is warm and it strengthens the true Yang at the Gate of Vitality (Ming Men). Together with Ginseng, it assists the Spleen which is responsible for food and Body Fluids' transformation to Qi. It also support Qi circulating.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shen Fu Tang

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

Contraindications

It should only be used for acute conditions and should not be used long term as the formula has a very strong tonifying effect. As soon as the Yang and Qi is restored and the acute situation has passed, the formula should be changed according to the new body condition. If not, excessive use can cause Fire and hurts Yin and Blood.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shen Fu 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.