Formula Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify

Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang

增液承气汤

Also known as:

Increase the Fluids and Order the Qi Decoction

Formula Composition

Xuan Shen
Xuan Shen
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Di Huang
Di Huang
Da Huang
Da Huang
Mang Xiao
Mang Xiao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Generates Body Fluids
  2. Nourishes the Yin
  3. Unblocks the bowels
  4. Drains Heat

Patterns Treated

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 Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang

Main Actions

Generates Body Fluids
Nourishes the Yin
Unblocks the bowels
Drains Heat

Key TCM Concepts

Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1798 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) generates Body Fluids and 2) nourishes the Yin.

 

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 Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as acute infectious diseases, high fever or constipation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Acute infectious diseases High fever Constipation Hemorrhoids Renal failure

Ingredients in Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Xuan Shen
Xuan Shen

Ningpo figwort roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
Xuan Shen removes hot and cold accumulations in the abdomen. The combination of Dwarf lilyturf root and Ningpo figwort root helps in nourishing the Yin, generate Body Fluids and promote bowel movement.
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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 Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
Mai Dong removes Qi Stagnation in the epigastrium caused by overeating. It also helps in digesting food and regulating the Middle Burner. The combination of Dwarf lilyturf root and Ningpo figwort root helps in nourishing the Yin, generate Body Fluids and promote bowel movement.
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Di Huang
Di Huang

Unprepared Rehmannia

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
Sheng Di Huang promotes defecation and urination. It also eliminates harbored food from the Stomach. It helps the key herbs in nourishing the Yin, generate Body Fluids and promote bowel movement.
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Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
In general Da Huang's main actions are as follows: "Drains Excess Heat and eliminates Dampness, especially when in the Bright Yang stage according to the Six Stages Theory. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding. Invigorates Blood, breaks up Stasis and relieves pain. Clears Heat and toxins from Excess. Applied topically for Hot sores and Blood Stasis."

In the context of Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang, it is used because it softens hardness, drains the Heat, and cleans the Stomach and Intestines.
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Mang Xiao
Mang Xiao

Mirabilites

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Salty
Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used The rock crushed as a powder
Role in Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
In general Mang Xiao's main actions are as follows: "Purges Stagnation in the Intestines caused by Heat and Dryness, Cools Heat and abates swelling"

In the context of Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang, it is used because it softens hardness, drains the Heat, and cleans the Stomach and Intestines.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang

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

Contraindications

The formula is only recommended for a pattern that combines Yin Fluids Deficiency with an accumulation of dry stools in the Intestines. Although this formula is gentle in comparison to the strong formulas that clear Heat accumulation, it should nevertheless be used with caution.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Zeng Ye Cheng Qi 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.