Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Tiao Gan Tang

调肝汤

Also known as:

Regulating the Liver Decoction

Formula Composition

Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
E Jiao
E Jiao
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Ba Ji Tian
Ba Ji Tian
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin

Patterns Treated

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

Historical Origin

Fu Qing Zhu's Gynecology (1827 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Tiao Gan Tang

Main Actions

Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin

Key TCM Concepts

Tiao Gan Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Dong Quai (Dang Gui) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1827 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main action is that it nourishes Kidney and Liver 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 Tiao Gan 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 or menstrual cramps for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

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

Common Applications

Absence of menstruation Menstrual cramps

Ingredients in Tiao Gan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Tiao Gan Tang and their roles

Kings
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Tiao Gan 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 Tiao Gan Tang, it is used because it nourishes and invigorates Blood.
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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 Tiao Gan 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 Tiao Gan Tang, it is used because it nourishes and moves Blood.
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Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Tiao Gan 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 Tiao Gan Tang, it is used because it tonifies Stomach and Kidneys.
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E Jiao
E Jiao

Donkey-hide gelatin

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Solid glue prepared from the dried or fresh skin of donkeys
Role in Tiao Gan Tang
In general E Jiao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies and nourishes Blood. Stops bleeding. Moistens and lubricates Yin."

In the context of Tiao Gan Tang, it is used because it nourishes Blood.
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Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu

Cornelian cherries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe sarcocarp
Role in Tiao Gan 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 Tiao Gan Tang, it is used because it nourishes Liver-Yin.
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Ba Ji Tian
Ba Ji Tian

Morinda roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Tiao Gan Tang
In general Ba Ji Tian's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidney Yang. Expels Wind-Damp-Cold painful obstruction (Bi Pain)."

In the context of Tiao Gan Tang, it is used because it tonifies Kidney Yang and Kidney Essence.
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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 Tiao Gan Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Tiao Gan Tang, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Tiao Gan 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, Tiao Gan 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.