Formula Formulas that promote Qi movement

Wu Yao Tang

乌药汤

Also known as:

Lindera Decoction

Formula Composition

Wu Yao
Wu Yao
Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu
Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang
Sha Ren
Sha Ren
Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo
Bing Lang
Bing Lang
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
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King
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Pacifies the Liver
  2. Moves Qi
  3. Stops pain
  4. Nourishes Liver Blood
  5. Eliminates Stagnation

Patterns Treated

Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation

Historical Origin

Secrets from the Orchid Chamber (1336 AD )

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wu Yao Tang

Main Actions

Pacifies the Liver
Moves Qi
Stops pain
Nourishes Liver Blood
Eliminates Stagnation

Key TCM Concepts

Wu Yao Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Lindera Roots (Wu Yao) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1336 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote Qi movement. Its main actions are: 1) pacifies the Liver and 2) moves 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 Wu Yao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation or Qi Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as absence of menstruation, irregular menstruation or late menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Qi And Blood Stagnation
  • Liver Qi Stagnation
  • Qi Stagnation

Common Applications

Absence of menstruation Irregular menstruation Late menstruation Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

Ingredients in Wu Yao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Wu Yao Tang and their roles

Kings
Wu Yao
Wu Yao

Lindera roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Wu Yao Tang
Wu Yao smoothes the flow of Qi, disperses Cold, and alleviates pain. It directs rebellious Qi downward to help relieve Excess symptoms in the chest, disperses Cold to address the cause of the Stagnation, and alleviates pain to treat the symptoms. If Wu Yao is better at directing the Qi downward, Xiang Fu is better at raising and lifting the Qi. If the former is better at eliminating Cold, the latter is better at resolving constraint due to emotional factors. Their combination thus addresses the blockage of Qi within both the Qi and Blood levels, releases constraint from both the Liver and Gallbladder, directs rebellious Qi in the chest and abdomen downward, and warms the flow of Qi, which has been slowed by pathogenic Cold.
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Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu

Coco-grass rhizomes

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Wu Yao Tang
Xiang Fu specifically treats disorders due to Qi blockage, but also enters the Blood aspect to move Blood that has become static due to Qi Stagnation. It also pacify the Liver and stop pain. Its combination with Wu Yao addresses the blockage of Qi within both the Qi and Blood levels.
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Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang

Costus roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Wu Yao Tang
Mu Xiang is bitter and acrid. It promotes the movement of Qi and stops pain. It focuses on the Qi dynamic of the Middle Burner, the Spleen and the Stomach, because of its focal role in the ascent and descent of Qi. Together with Sha Ren, it reduces distention and alleviates pain while also strengthening the Spleen. Because Qi moves not just the Blood but also the Body Fluids, Qi Stagnation is widely accompanied by Dampness and water accumulation. This conjunction of symptoms, often found in premenstrual syndrome, is effectively addressed by this combination of herbs.
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Sha Ren
Sha Ren

Amomum fruits

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Wu Yao Tang
Sha Ren is acrid, warm and aromatic. It promotes the movement of Qi and transforms Dampness. It focuses on the Qi dynamic of the Middle Burner, the Spleen and the Stomach, because of its focal role in the ascent and descent of Qi. Together with Mu Xiang, it reduces distention and alleviates pain while also strengthening the Spleen.
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Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo

Corydalis tubers

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried tuber
Role in Wu Yao Tang
In general Yan Hu Suo's main actions are as follows: "Moves the Blood, breaks Blood Stagnation and reduces associated pain. Regulates Stagnant Qi and reduces associated pain."

In the context of Wu Yao Tang, it is used because it moves the Qi to invigorate the Blood, regulating the menses and alleviating pain.
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Bing Lang
Bing Lang

Areca nuts

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Wu Yao Tang
In general Bing Lang's main actions are as follows: "Destroys parasites. Regulates Qi circulation. Promotes urination."

In the context of Wu Yao Tang, it is used because it pacifies the Liver, move Qi, eliminate Stagnation and stop pain.
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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 Wu Yao Tang
Gan Cao is sweet, cool and relaxing. It serves as envoy to moderate the acrid and warming actions of the other herbs and harmonizes the diverse functions of the various ingredients.
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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 Wu Yao 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 Wu Yao Tang, it is used because it nourishes and invigorate Blood.
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Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Wu Yao Tang
In general Chuan Xiong's main actions are as follows: "Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches."

In the context of Wu Yao Tang, it is used because it nourishes and invigorates Blood.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wu Yao 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, Wu Yao 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.