Formula Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge

Yi Huang Tang

易黄汤

Also known as:

Change Yellow (Discharge) Decoction

Formula Composition

Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Qian Shi
Qian Shi
Bai Guo
Bai Guo
Huang Bo
Huang Bo
Che Qian Zi
Che Qian Zi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Strengthens the Spleen
  2. Dries Dampness
  3. Clears Heat
  4. Stops vaginal discharge

Patterns Treated

Damp-Heat, Spleen Yang Deficiency, 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 Yi Huang Tang

Main Actions

Strengthens the Spleen
Dries Dampness
Clears Heat
Stops vaginal discharge

Key TCM Concepts

Yi Huang Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Yam (Shan Yao) and Foxnut Seeds (Qian Shi) 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) strengthens the Spleen and 2) dries 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 Yi Huang Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Heat, Spleen Yang Deficiency or Spleen Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as abnormal vaginal discharge, cervicitis or cervical erosion for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Heat
  • Spleen Yang Deficiency
  • Spleen Deficiency

Common Applications

Abnormal vaginal discharge Cervicitis Cervical erosion Vaginitis Trichomoniasis Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

Ingredients in Yi Huang Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Yi Huang Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Yi Huang Tang
Shan Yao strengthens the Spleen and stabilizes the Penetrating Vessel and the Essence. It also works together with Qian Shi (Foxnut seeds) to tonify the Directing Vessel Deficiency. The 2 herbs are also able to support Body Fluids metabolism.
View herb details
Qian Shi
Qian Shi

Foxnut seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Spleen
Parts Used Dried kernels of ripe seeds
Role in Yi Huang Tang
Qian Shi tonifies the Kidneys and the Spleen and binds up the discharge. It also works with Shan Yao (Yam) to tonify the Directing Vessel Deficiency.
View herb details
Bai Guo
Bai Guo

Ginkgo nuts

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Yi Huang Tang
In general Bai Guo's main actions are as follows: "Assists the Lung Qi, stops cough and expels Phlegm. Stops leakage of Bodily Fluids."

In the context of Yi Huang Tang, it is used because it stabilizes the Lower Burner and restrains the discharge.
View herb details
Huang Bo
Huang Bo

Phellodendron bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried bark
Role in Yi Huang Tang
In general Huang Bo's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Clears Kidney Yin Deficient Heat. Applied externally or toxic Fire, especially associated with Dampness."

In the context of Yi Huang Tang, it is used because it is bitter and cooling. It enters the Kidneys and drains excessive Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner.
View herb details
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 Yi Huang 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 Yi Huang Tang, it is used because it is sweet and cooling. It removes Dampness primarily through the urine.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Yi Huang 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 yellow vaginal discharge due to Damp Heat or for patients who do not have Damp-Heat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Yi Huang 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.