Formula Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness

Zhen Wu Tang

真武汤

Also known as:

True Warrior Decoction , Black Warrior Decoction , Vitality Combination

Formula Composition

Zhi Fu Zi
Zhi Fu Zi
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
  2. Eliminates Dampness

Patterns Treated

Spleen Yang Deficiency, Oedema, Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency, Exterior Cold invading the Interior

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Zhen Wu Tang

Main Actions

Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
Eliminates Dampness

Key TCM Concepts

Zhen Wu Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness. Its main actions are: 1) warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys and 2) eliminates 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 Zhen Wu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Spleen Yang Deficiency, Oedema or Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as congestive heart failure, chronic glomerulonephritis or hyperaldosteronism for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Spleen Yang Deficiency
  • Oedema
  • Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency
  • Exterior Cold invading the Interior

Common Applications

Congestive heart failure Chronic glomerulonephritis Hyperaldosteronism Hypothyroidism Ascites from cirrhosis Meniere's disease Pelvic inflammatory disease Rheumatoid arthritis Hypertension Orthostatic hypotension Basilar insufficiency Osteoarthritis Sciatica Lumbar disc disease Piriformis syndrome Trigeminal neuralgia Postconcussion headache

Ingredients in Zhen Wu Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Zhi Fu Zi
Zhi Fu Zi

Prepared aconite

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Spleen
Parts Used Processed daughter root
Role in Zhen Wu Tang
Zhi Fu Zi tonifies the Fire at the Gate of Vitality, restores the Kidney Yang, and thereby enables the Kidneys to resume their function of transforming water.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Zhen Wu Tang
Bai Zhu works together with Poria-Cocos mushroom (Fu Ling), another deputy herb here, to strengthen the Spleen and promote urination.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Zhen Wu Tang
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Zhen Wu Tang, it is used because it drains through the urine the Dampness and pathogenic water that has been retained in the body.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Zhen Wu Tang
Bai Shao preserves the Yin and alleviates pain. It prevents the dry, hot herbs that promote urination from injuring the Yin.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Zhen Wu Tang
Sheng Jiang warms and dispels the pathogenic water and thereby strengthens the actions of the deputy herbs. It disseminates the Lung Qi, warms the Stomach, and assists Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), the key herb in this formula, by dispelling the Dampness that has overflowed into the flesh and skin.
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Safety & Contraindications

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