Formula Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge

Wan Dai Tang

完带汤

Also known as:

End Discharge Decoction , Ending Vaginal Discharge Decoction

Formula Composition

Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu
Che Qian Zi
Che Qian Zi
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Chai Hu
Chai Hu
Jing Jie
Jing Jie
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies the Middle Burner
  2. Removes Dampness
  3. Stops vaginal discharge
  4. Strengthens the Spleen

Patterns Treated

Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, Spleen Deficiency

Historical Origin

Fu Qing Zhu's Gynecology (1826 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wan Dai Tang

Main Actions

Tonifies the Middle Burner
Removes Dampness
Stops vaginal discharge
Strengthens the Spleen

Key TCM Concepts

Wan Dai Tang is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) and Yam (Shan Yao) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1826 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies the Middle Burner and 2) removes Dampness.

 

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 Wan Dai Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus or Spleen Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as abnormal vaginal discharge, preeclampsia or otitis media for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
  • Spleen Deficiency

Common Applications

Abnormal vaginal discharge Preeclampsia Otitis media Tinnitus Impotence Subdural hematoma Rhinitis Chronic gastritis Hepatitis Colitis Chronic bacillary dysentery Chronic pyelonephritis Nephritis Proteinuria

Ingredients in Wan Dai Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Wan Dai Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Wan Dai Tang
Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen, tonifies Qi, removes Dampness, and builds up the Essence. Bai Zhu and Shan Yao (Yam) work collaboratively. They enters the extraordinary Vessels and support the Girdle Vessel in securing the Channels.
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Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Wan Dai Tang
Shan Yao strengthens the Spleen, tonifies Qi, removes Dampness, and builds up the Essence. It works collaboratively with Bai Zhu to support the Girdle Vessel in securing the Channels.
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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 Wan Dai 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 Wan Dai Tang, it is used because it strongly tonifies Qi and strengthens the Spleen.
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Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu

Black atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used The dried rhizome
Role in Wan Dai Tang
In general Cang Zhu's main actions are as follows: "Dries Damp and tonifies the Spleen. Relieves the Exterior for invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp. Relieves Wind-Damp painful obstruction. Dries Damp for either Damp-Cold or Damp-Heat when combined with the correct herbs. Clears the eyes and improves sight."

In the context of Wan Dai Tang, it is used because it is very effective in removing Dampness.
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Che Qian Zi
Che Qian Zi

Plantain seeds

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Wan Dai Tang
In general Che Qian Zi's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and clears Heat. Stops diarrhea by expelling water through urination. Brightens the eyes, used in combination either for Deficiency or Heat. Reduces inflammation of infections. Arrests cough and expectorates Phlegm."

In the context of Wan Dai Tang, it is used because it releases Dampness through the urine. It should be wine fried.
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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 Wan Dai Tang
Bai Shao softens the Liver and regulates the Spleen. It allows the Liver Qi to spread in a manner that it strengthens rather than constrains Spleen function.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Wan Dai Tang
In general Chen Pi's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs."

In the context of Wan Dai Tang, it is used because it moves and regulates the Spleen Qi to ensure that the tonifying function will not cause Stagnation.
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Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Wan Dai Tang
Chai Hu works with other herbs in tonifying Qi and facilitates rising clear Yang. It also assists Spleen function and balances the downward-moving nature of these herbs that releases Dampness.
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Jing Jie
Jing Jie

Japanese catnip

Temperature Neutral
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Aerial portion and flowers, or the spikes only (in which case it is called Jing Jie Sui)
Role in Wan Dai Tang
In general Jing Jie's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold or Heat depending on the other herbs used. Releases the Exterior for measles. Stops bleeding. Abates swellings."

In the context of Wan Dai Tang, it is used because it smooths Qi and Blood interaction and thereby harmonize the Liver and the Spleen. .
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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 Wan Dai Tang
Gan Cao assists the chief herbs in tonifying the Middle Burner and harmonizes the actions of the other ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wan Dai 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 sticky, dark yellow, bloody and foul smelling vaginal discharge as well as yellow tongue coating and a wiry pulse. Contraindicated for patients with Liver Heat or Liver Damp Heat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Wan Dai 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.