Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Yi Guan Jian

一贯煎

Also known as:

Linking Decoction

Formula Composition

Di Huang
Di Huang
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi
Bei Sha Shen
Bei Sha Shen
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chuan Lian Zi
Chuan Lian Zi
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Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Enriches the Yin
  2. Spreads the Liver Qi

Patterns Treated

Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Continuation of Famous Physicians' Cases Organized by Categories (1770)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Yi Guan Jian

Main Actions

Enriches the Yin
Spreads the Liver Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Yi Guan Jian is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula.

 

Invented in 1770, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) enriches the Yin and 2) spreads the Liver 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 Yi Guan Jian is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Yin Deficiency or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver cancer pain for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Liver Qi Stagnation
  • Liver Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Chronic active hepatitis Cirrhosis Liver cancer pain Costochondritis Peptic ulcer Essential hypertension Hypertension during pregnancy Addison's disease Thrombocytopenic purpura Pulmonary tuberculosis Diabetes mellitus Chronic orchitis Restless leg syndrome Nervous exhaustion Chronic hepatitis Chronic gastritis Gastric ulcers Duodenal ulcers Intercostal neuralgia Neurasthenia

Ingredients in Yi Guan Jian

Detailed information about each herb in Yi Guan Jian and their roles

Di Huang
Di Huang

Unprepared Rehmannia

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Yi Guan Jian
In general Sheng Di Huang's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat by Cooling Blood. Tonifies Yin by promoting Fluid production. Soothes the Heart by calming Blazing Fire. Cools and nourishes."
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Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi

Goji berries

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Yi Guan Jian
In general Gou Qi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Yin of the Liver and Yin of the Kidneys. Brightens the eyes. Moistens the Lungs."
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Bei Sha Shen
Bei Sha Shen

Glehnia roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Yi Guan Jian
In general Bei Sha Shen's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes Lung Yin and stops cough. Nourishes Stomach Yin and generates Fluids."
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Yi Guan Jian
In general Mai Dong's main actions are as follows: "Replenishes Yin Essence and promotes secretions. Lubricates and nourishes the Stomach. Soothes the Lung. Nourishes the Heart."
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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 Yi Guan Jian
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."
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Chuan Lian Zi
Chuan Lian Zi

Sichuan chinaberries

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Liver, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Yi Guan Jian
In general Chuan Lian Zi's main actions are as follows: "Clears Damp Heat. Circulates Qi. Relieves chest, epigastric and abdominal pains. Expels parasites."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Yi Guan Jian

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

Contraindications

This formula is strictly not recommended for pain and distention caused by Dampness or Phlegm, as it could significantly exacerbate the situation.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Yi Guan Jian may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.