Yin-Tonifying Formulas

百合固金汤 · Bǎi Hé Gù Jīn Tāng

Bai He Gu Jin Tang

Classic formula for Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency with dryness and possible blood-streaked sputum. Used for chronic dry cough, night sweats and residual dryness after heat diseases.

View formula profile →
Last reviewed August 2026
Formula CategoryYin-Tonifying Formulas
Primary PatternYin Deficiency
Primary FunctionNourish Lung-Kidney Yin, moisten Lungs, stop cough
Primary Therapeutic PrincipleNourish Lung and Kidney Yin, moisten the Lungs and stop cough
Main HerbsLily Bulb · Raw Rehmannia Root · Prepared Rehmannia Root · Ophiopogon Tuber · Scrophularia Root · Fritillaria Bulb · Platycodon Root · Chinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Licorice Root
Classical SourceShen Zhai Yi Shu (Ming dynasty) / traditional

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for chronic Lung-Kidney Yin deficiency with a persistent dry cough, scanty or blood-streaked sputum and night sweats — a deeper, more sustained tonification than Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang, and nourishing where Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang still clears active warm-dryness.

Traditionally selected for chronic Lung-Kidney Yin deficiency with a persistent dry cough, scanty or blood-streaked sputum and night sweats — a deeper, more sustained tonification than Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang, and nourishing where Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang still clears active warm-dryness.

What Is Bai He Gu Jin Tang?

1. Classical Literature Records

Bai He Gu Jin Tang (百合固金汤), or Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal, is a classic Chinese herbal formula from the Ming-Qing tradition (notably recorded in Yi Fang Ji Jie and earlier texts such as Shen Zhai Yi Shu). It belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin, moisten the Lungs, and clear deficiency heat.

This formula is designed for Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency with rising deficiency fire—often presenting as chronic dry cough (sometimes with blood-streaked sputum), dry or sore throat, hot palms and soles, night sweats, and a red tongue with little coating. By combining Lily Bulb (Bai He) with Rehmannia (Sheng Di and Shu Di), Ophiopogon, and supporting herbs, Bai He Gu Jin Tang nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin, moistens dryness, transforms phlegm, stops coughing, and gently clears residual heat, making it a foundational remedy for long-standing dry respiratory patterns.

Bai He Gu Jin Tang

2. Respiratory System Disorders

  • Bai He Gu Jin Tang is commonly used for chronic bronchitis when patients show signs of lung-kidney yin deficiency, such as recurring dry cough, scanty sticky phlegm, dry throat and mouth, sore lower back and knees, tidal fever, and night sweats.

  • The formula nourishes lung and kidney yin, reduces coughing, and helps decrease phlegm production. It also supports lung function and improves the body’s resistance.

  • For pulmonary tuberculosis with lung-kidney yin deficiency, the formula is often applied when patients have dry cough with blood-streaked sputum, afternoon tidal fever, night sweats, flushed cheeks, and a red tongue with little coating.

  • It nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, cools the blood, and helps stop bleeding. This can relieve symptoms and support recovery of lung tissue.

  • In cases of bronchiectasis with hemoptysis due to yin deficiency, Bai He Gu Jin Tang helps nourish the lung collaterals and clear deficiency fire. The herbs Jie Geng and Gan Cao further assist in stopping cough and resolving phlegm, improving overall respiratory comfort.

Bai He Gu Jin Tang

3. Throat Disorders

  • For chronic pharyngitis with lung-kidney yin deficiency, the formula is suitable when patients experience a dry, itchy throat, mild discomfort, dry cough with little phlegm, heat in the palms and soles, and a red tongue with scanty coating.

  • It nourishes yin, clears deficiency fire, benefits the throat, and relieves cough, helping reduce throat irritation and dryness.

  • Bai He Gu Jin Tang can also serve as supportive treatment for vocal cord nodules or polyps when accompanied by yin deficiency signs such as hoarseness, dry throat, and sore lower back and knees.

  • By nourishing lung and kidney yin, it improves the local nutrition of the vocal cords and supports tissue repair while addressing the underlying deficiency pattern.

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Chief Herbs — Bai He and Sheng Di Huang

  • Bai He is sweet and slightly cold. It enters the Lung and Heart channels. Its main actions are nourishing Lung yin and calming the mind. In this formula, it serves as a chief herb by moistening the lungs and stopping cough, making it essential for Lung-yin deficiency.
  • Sheng Di Huang is sweet, bitter, and cold. It enters the Heart, Liver, and Kidney channels. It clears heat, cools the blood, and nourishes yin. Paired with Bai He, it strengthens the effect of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, so it is also a chief herb.

2. Deputy Herbs — Shu Di Huang, Mai Dong, and Xuan Shen

  • Shu Di Huang is sweet and slightly warm. It enters the Liver and Kidney channels. It strongly nourishes yin and blood, helping to replenish Liver and Kidney yin and supporting the chief herbs.
  • Mai Dong is sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cold. It enters the Heart, Lung, and Stomach channels. It nourishes Lung yin, benefits the stomach, and clears heart heat. It works together with the chief herbs to enhance the lung-moistening effect.
  • Xuan Shen is sweet, bitter, and salty, and slightly cold. It enters the Lung, Stomach, and Kidney channels. It clears heat, cools the blood, and resolves toxicity. It prevents the yin-nourishing herbs from becoming too cloying while helping to clear lingering deficiency heat.

3. Assistant Herbs — Dang Gui and Bai Shao

  • Dang Gui is sweet, acrid, and warm. It enters the Liver, Heart, and Spleen channels. It nourishes and moves blood. In this formula, it helps nourish blood while preventing the yin herbs from becoming too sticky and hard to digest.
  • Bai Shao is bitter, sour, and slightly cold. It enters the Liver and Spleen channels. It nourishes blood, astringes yin, and softens the Liver. Together with Dang Gui, it strengthens blood nourishment and helps harmonize the overall formula.
Bai He Gu Jin Tang

4. Envoy Herbs — Jie Geng and Gan Cao

  • Jie Geng is bitter, acrid, and neutral. It enters the Lung channel. It opens the Lung qi and guides the other herbs upward to the lungs, helping their effects reach the affected area directly.
  • Gan Cao is sweet and neutral. It enters the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Stomach channels. It moistens the lungs, stops cough, and harmonizes all the herbs in the formula, making the prescription more balanced and gentle.

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathomechanism

  • The main pattern treated by Bai He Gu Jin Tang is Lung and Kidney yin deficiency.
  • The Lung controls breathing, while the Kidney helps “grasp” the qi. When both organs lack yin fluids, the lungs become dry, leading to a dry cough with little phlegm, dry throat, and dry mouth.
  • Weak Kidney yin allows deficiency fire to rise, causing symptoms such as dizziness, tidal fever, night sweats, and blood-streaked sputum.
  • This pattern often develops when yin is insufficient to control yang, allowing internal heat to damage the lung channels.

2. Actions

  • Bai He Gu Jin Tang nourishes both Lung and Kidney yin while clearing deficiency fire.
  • It moistens the lungs, reduces dryness, and helps resolve phlegm to ease coughing.
  • By restoring yin fluids, the formula lowers rising deficiency fire and relieves symptoms from the root.
  • It addresses both the underlying deficiency and the resulting cough and bleeding.
Bai He Gu Jin Tang: Nourishing Yin, Moistening the Lungs and Resolving Phlegm to Stop Cough — Precision Care for Chronic Bronchitis, Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Laryngitis with Voice Loss | HJMEDICAL

3. Indications

  • This formula is suitable for Lung-Kidney yin deficiency with upward flaring of deficiency fire.
  • Common symptoms include:
    • Dry cough with scanty or blood-streaked phlegm
    • Dry and painful throat
    • Dizziness, afternoon tidal fever, and night sweats
    • Red tongue with little coating and a thin, rapid pulse
  • It is commonly used for chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and bronchiectasis when patients show this yin-deficient heat pattern.

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Nourishing Yin and Moistening the Lungs as the Core Strategy

  • The main strategy of Bai He Gu Jin Tang is to nourish yin and moisten the lungs.
  • Bai He, Mai Dong, Sheng Di Huang, Shu Di Huang, and Xuan Shen work together as the chief and deputy herbs.
  • Bai He and Mai Dong directly moisten the lungs and stop cough.
  • Sheng Di Huang, Shu Di Huang, and Xuan Shen nourish yin in the Liver and Kidney. This follows the principle of “Metal and Water generating each other,” allowing yin fluids to reach the lungs.
  • Together, they replenish lung yin, relieve dryness, and ease dry cough and dry throat.

2. Cooling the Blood and Clearing Heat to Drain Fire

  • Sheng Di Huang and Xuan Shen not only nourish yin but also cool the blood and clear heat.
  • When yin is deficient, deficiency fire tends to rise, causing dry painful throat, tidal fever, and night sweats.
  • These two herbs help clear and lower this deficiency fire, preventing it from further damaging yin fluids.
  • This action restores balance between yin and yang in the body.

3. Nourishing and Harmonising Blood to Regulate the Liver

  • Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish and harmonise the blood while softening the Liver.
  • When Kidney yin is insufficient, Liver yin can also become weak, affecting the Liver’s ability to store blood and regulate Qi flow.
  • These two herbs help nourish blood and yin, allowing Liver Qi to move smoothly.
  • They also prevent the yin-nourishing herbs from becoming too heavy or cloying, keeping the formula balanced.
Bai He Gu Jin Tang: Nourishing Yin, Moistening the Lungs and Resolving Phlegm to Stop Cough — Precision Care for Chronic Bronchitis, Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Laryngitis with Voice Loss | HJMEDICAL

4. Diffusing the Lungs, Benefiting the Throat and Dispelling Phlegm

  • Jie Geng opens the Lung channel and guides the other herbs upward so their effects reach the lungs directly.
  • It helps diffuse Lung Qi and relieve coughing and wheezing.
  • Gan Cao moistens the lungs, stops cough, and harmonises all the herbs in the formula.
  • Together, they make the formula’s action more coordinated, ensuring the lung-moistening and cough-stopping effects work effectively and smoothly.

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare Bai He Gu Jin TangSha Shen Mai Dong TangQing Zao Jiu Fei TangSang Xing Tang
Primary Function Nourish Lung-Kidney Yin, moisten Lungs, stop coughNourish Lung-Stomach Yin, generate fluidsClear Dryness, moisten Lungs, rescue Lung Yin and QiDisperse warm-dryness, moisten Lungs, stop cough
Formula Category Yin-Tonifying FormulasYin-Tonifying FormulasHeat-Clearing FormulasExterior-Releasing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern Yin DeficiencyYin DeficiencyLung HeatWind-Heat
Main Conditions Dry Cough, Yin Deficiency Constitution, Night SweatsDry Cough, Yin Deficiency Constitution, Dry Mouth & ThroatDry Cough, Sore Throat, Dry Mouth & ThroatDry Cough, Dry Mouth & Throat, Sore Throat
Main Herbs Lily Bulb · Raw Rehmannia Root · Prepared Rehmannia Root · Ophiopogon Tuber · Scrophularia Root · Fritillaria Bulb · Platycodon Root · Chinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Licorice RootGlehnia Root · Ophiopogon Tuber · Fragrant Solomonseal Rhizome · Mulberry Leaf · Trichosanthes Root · White Hyacinth Bean · Licorice RootMulberry Leaf · Gypsum · Ophiopogon Tuber · Donkey-hide Gelatin · Black Sesame Seed · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Loquat Leaf · Ginseng Root · Licorice RootMulberry Leaf · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Glehnia / Adenophora Root · Thunberg Fritillaria Bulb · Prepared Soybean · Gardenia Peel · Pear Peel
Classical Source Shen Zhai Yi Shu (Ming dynasty) / traditionalWen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, Qing dynasty)Yi Men Fa Lu (Qing dynasty, Yu Chang)Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, Qing dynasty)

How to tell them apart

Bai He Gu Jin Tang strongly nourishes Lung-Kidney Yin. Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang is milder for Lung-Stomach Yin. Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang clears warm-dryness with some nourishing. Sang Xing Tang is for early exterior warm-dryness.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications for Bai He Gu Jin Tang

1. For Severe Cough

  • Add Xing Ren and Chuan Bei Mu to strengthen the cough-relieving and phlegm-resolving effects.
  • Xing Ren helps descend Lung qi to stop coughing and wheezing.
  • Chuan Bei Mu clears heat, resolves phlegm, and moistens the lungs.
  • Together, they work with the original formula to relieve stubborn coughing more effectively and allow phlegm to be expelled smoothly.

2. For Marked Haemoptysis

  • Add Bai Mao Gen, Xian He Cao, and Ce Bai Ye to enhance the blood-cooling and bleeding-stopping actions.
  • Bai Mao Gen cools the blood and stops bleeding without causing stasis.
  • Xian He Cao astringes to stop bleeding while also tonifying the body.
  • Ce Bai Ye cools the blood, stops bleeding, and helps resolve phlegm.
  • These herbs help control bleeding quickly and prevent further loss of yin and blood.

3. For Pronounced Tidal Fever and Night Sweats

  • Add Zhi Mu and Huang Bai to clear deficiency fire and relieve steaming sensations.
  • Zhi Mu clears heat, drains fire, and nourishes yin.
  • Huang Bai clears heat and resolves toxicity while dispelling deficiency heat.
  • Together, they strengthen the formula’s ability to lower rising fire, reduce night sweats and tidal fever, and restore yin-yang balance.
Bai He Gu Jin Tang

4. For Severe Lung-Yin Deficiency with Dry Cough and No Phlegm

  • Increase the dosage of Bai He, and add Bei Sha Shen and Yu Zhu to strongly nourish Lung yin.
  • Bei Sha Shen nourishes yin, clears the lungs, and generates fluids.
  • Yu Zhu moistens dryness and helps relieve thirst.
  • These additions focus on deeply moistening the lungs, easing the dry cough, and gradually restoring normal lung function.

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Research

  • Modern studies show that the herbs in Bai He Gu Jin Tang have multiple beneficial effects.
  • Bai He contains polysaccharides that can help regulate the immune system and improve the body’s resistance.
  • Sheng Di Huang and Shu Di Huang contain rehmannia polysaccharides that may help regulate blood sugar and blood lipids while supporting cardiovascular health.
  • Mai Dong has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce tissue inflammation.
  • Xuan Shen contains compounds with antibacterial and antiviral effects, helping to inhibit the growth of certain pathogens.
  • These findings provide scientific support for the formula’s use in treating lung and throat conditions.

2. Clinical Efficacy Studies

  • Clinical research has confirmed the effectiveness of Bai He Gu Jin Tang in treating respiratory diseases.
  • In chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis, the formula can reduce coughing, phlegm production, and hemoptysis while improving lung function and overall quality of life.
  • For throat disorders such as chronic pharyngitis and vocal cord nodules, it helps relieve dryness, discomfort, and hoarseness.
  • Studies show that Bai He Gu Jin Tang is particularly suitable for patients with lung-kidney yin deficiency patterns, offering stable and lasting results with relatively few side effects.
Bai He Gu Jin Tang

3. Formulation Improvements and Innovation

  • To make the formula more convenient and effective, researchers have developed new dosage forms.
  • In addition to traditional decoctions and modern concentrated granules, Bai He Gu Jin Tang is now available as oral liquids and capsules.
  • These new forms maintain the original therapeutic effects while improving stability, ease of use, and patient compliance.
  • Some modern Chinese medicine preparations have also drawn inspiration from the formulation principles of Bai He Gu Jin Tang to create more targeted treatments, supporting the ongoing modernization of traditional herbal medicine.

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Restrictions & Constitutional Considerations

While taking Bai He Gu Jin Tang, avoid spicy, greasy, and other stimulating foods (e.g., chili, fried foods, strong tea, coffee), smoking, and alcohol, which generate internal heat and aggravate yin‑deficiency fire or irritate the throat/lungs.

Use cautiously in spleen‑stomach deficiency‑cold or phlegm‑damp obstruction—its cooling, yin‑nourishing herbs may weaken spleen‑stomach yang and worsen bloating or loose stools; adjust the formula or add spleen‑strengthening, dampness‑resolving herbs under physician guidance.

2. Special Populations

Use Bai He Gu Jin Tang with caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, the elderly, and the frail—consider fetal/infant exposure and adjust dosing for age and weight; administer only under a qualified physician’s supervision to ensure safety and appropriate modification.

Questions About Bai He Gu Jin Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Bai He Gu Jin Tang?
Bai He Gu Jin Tang has the actions of nourishing the Yin of the Lung and Kidney, moistening the Lung, transforming phlegm, and stopping cough. It also clears deficiency Heat and helps cool the Blood to address blood-streaked sputum.
Q2: Which modern diseases is Bai He Gu Jin Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency with deficiency Fire, including chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis with blood-streaked sputum, chronic pharyngitis or laryngitis, pulmonary tuberculosis (as an adjunct), and post-viral or chronic dry cough.
Q3: Is Bai He Gu Jin Tang suitable for improving dry cough with blood-streaked sputum?
For presentations of dry cough (possibly with sticky or blood-streaked sputum), dry or sore throat, afternoon tidal fever, night sweats, hot palms and soles, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency with rising deficiency Fire — TCM commonly applies Bai He Gu Jin Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Q4: Who should not take Bai He Gu Jin Tang?
Those with exterior pathogenic patterns (Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat), Phlegm-Dampness with copious sputum, Spleen deficiency with loose stools, or Yang deficiency are generally not suitable. The formula is rich, moistening, and cooling; misuse can trap exterior pathogens or worsen Dampness and digestive weakness. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.
Q5: Why is the formula named “Preserve the Metal”?
In Five-Element theory the Lung corresponds to Metal. The formula nourishes Lung Yin (and the supporting Kidney Yin) to “solidify” or preserve the Metal, preventing further damage from deficiency Fire and restoring the Lung’s moistening and descending functions.
Q6: Can Bai He Gu Jin Tang help with chronic dry throat or hoarseness?
Yes, when these symptoms arise from Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency with deficiency Fire scorching the throat. The formula moistens the Lung, generates fluids, and clears residual Heat, supporting relief of dryness and irritation when the pattern matches.
Q7: What are the main ingredients of Bai He Gu Jin Tang?
The classical formula includes Bai He (Lily bulb) to nourish Lung Yin and stop cough, Sheng Di Huang and Shu Di Huang to nourish Kidney and Lung Yin and cool Blood, Mai Men Dong and Xuan Shen to further nourish Yin and clear Heat, Bei Mu and Jie Geng to transform phlegm and benefit the throat, and Dang Gui, Bai Shao, and Gan Cao to nourish Blood and harmonize.
Q8: Is Bai He Gu Jin Tang suitable for long-term use?
It may be used for a course under professional supervision for chronic Yin deficiency patterns. Because many ingredients are rich and cloying, digestive function should be monitored; if Spleen weakness or loose stools appear, the formula may need modification or temporary discontinuation.
Q9: How does Bai He Gu Jin Tang address both the root and the branch?
It nourishes the root (Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency) while simultaneously addressing the branch symptoms of dry cough, phlegm, throat dryness, and deficiency Fire. This dual approach makes it effective for chronic dry cough patterns where both the underlying deficiency and the manifesting symptoms need attention.
Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Bai He Gu Jin Tang?
Avoiding spicy, drying, or excessively heating foods and environments, maintaining moderate humidity, resting adequately, and protecting the respiratory tract from irritants help support Yin restoration. Professional medical monitoring remains essential, especially when bleeding or chronic respiratory disease is present.

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?
TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.
What are concentrated herbal granules?
Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.
How should I take these products?
Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.
Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?
Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.
Are your products authentic?
Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.
Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?
HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.
Can I take more than one formula at the same time?
Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.
Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.
Do these products replace medical treatment?
No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.
Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

Not sure which formula is right for you?

Take the AI Assessment

最新文章

Login

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account yet?
Create account

Bai He Gu Jin Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Lung & Kidney Yin Deficiency with Dryness