Ba Zhen Tang八珍汤
Eight-Treasure Decoction (Tangkuei & Ginseng Eight Combination)
Ingredients8 herbs
Indications
Dual deficiency of qi and blood: production has fallen behind consumption, so neither the qi that moves nor the blood that nourishes is sufficient. The formula treats both halves at once instead of choosing between them — qi is tonified so blood can be generated, blood is nourished so qi has somewhere to attach.
Clinical Manifestations
- Fatigue with a pale or sallow, lustreless complexion
- Convalescence after illness, surgery or blood loss
- Dizziness, palpitations and breathlessness on exertion
- Late, scanty, pale menstruation
- Poor appetite with reduced strength and a soft voice
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Cold from marked yang deficiency — add Huang Qi 黄芪 and Rou Gui 肉桂 — the Shi Quan Da Bu Tang 十全大补汤 direction
- Ren Shen unavailable or too warming — substitute Dang Shen 党参 at a higher dose
- Palpitations and poor sleep predominate — add Suan Zao Ren 酸枣仁 and Yuan Zhi 远志
- The rich herbs cause fullness and loose stools — add Chen Pi 陈皮 or Sha Ren 砂仁
Contraindications
Not for an unresolved exterior invasion, nor for damp-heat or food stagnation — tonifying while a pathogen is present holds it in. The rich blood herbs are hard on a very weak Spleen; bloating and loose stools mean the formula needs adjusting rather than continuing.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Widely used in and after pregnancy to support qi and blood, but only under practitioner supervision — the small dose of blood-moving Chuan Xiong makes self-prescribing inappropriate.
Related Formulas
References
Source Rui Zhu Tang Jing Yan Fang 《瑞竹堂经验方》 · Yuan dynasty
- Classical source (public domain) — composition per the standard textbook record.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.