Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Yi Wei Tang

益胃汤

Also known as:

Benefit the Stomach Decoction , Augment the Stomach Decoction，

Formula Composition

Di Huang
Di Huang
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Bei Sha Shen
Bei Sha Shen
Yu Zhu
Yu Zhu
Bing Tang
Bing Tang
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Strengthen the Stomach
  2. Creates Body Fluids

Patterns Treated

Stomach Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases (1798 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Yi Wei Tang

Main Actions

Strengthen the Stomach
Creates Body Fluids

Key TCM Concepts

Yi Wei Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Unprepared Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang) and Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1798 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) strengthen the Stomach and 2) creates Body Fluids.

 

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 Wei Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Stomach Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic gastritis or diabetes for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Stomach Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Chronic gastritis Diabetes

Ingredients in Yi Wei Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Di Huang
Di Huang

Unprepared Rehmannia

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Yi Wei Tang
Sheng Di Huang is sweet, cooling and moistening. It addresses both the root (Yin Deficiency) and the branch (internal Heat) of the pattern this formula targets.
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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 Wei Tang
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."

In the context of Yi Wei Tang, it is used because it is sweet, cooling and moistening. It is used both for Yin Deficiency and internal Heat.
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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 Wei Tang
Bei Sha Shen enters the Stomach Channel. It directs the action of the king herbs more specifically to the Stomach.
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Yu Zhu
Yu Zhu

Angular solomon's seal roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Yi Wei Tang
In general Yu Zhu's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Yin of the Lung and Stomach. Generates Fluids and extinguishes Wind. Stop thirsty."

In the context of Yi Wei Tang, it is used because it directs the actions of the king herbs specifically to the Stomach.
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Bing Tang
Bing Tang

Rock sugar

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Lungs
Parts Used The whole thing
Role in Yi Wei Tang
Bing Tang moistens the Lungs and strengthen the Stomach. It is a primarily sweet substance for moderating the actions of the other herbs.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Yi Wei 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 Dampness obstructing the Middle Burner, which manifests as focal distention and a greasy tongue coating.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Yi Wei 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.