Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas

蠲痹湯 · Juān Bì Tāng

Juan Bi Tang

A classical formula for wind-damp bi of the limbs and joints with pain, stiffness and limited range of motion.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryWind-Damp Dispelling Formulas

Primary PatternDampness

Primary FunctionDispel wind-damp, move Qi and blood, stop bi pain

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleDispel wind-damp and unblock the channels

Main HerbsNotopterygium Root · Pubescent Angelica Root · Cinnamon Twig · Mulberry Twig · Chinese Angelica Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome · Frankincense · Aucklandia / Costus Root

Classical SourceClassical TCM formulary

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for wind-damp bi of the limbs with pain and stiffness, rather than chronic deficient bi, exterior head-body heaviness, or damp swelling bi.

Overview

What Is Juan Bi Tang?

1. Background of Origins

Juan Bi Tang (蠲痹汤), or Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction, is a classical Song-dynasty formula from Yang Shiying’s Yang Shi Jia Cang Fang (Yang Family Formulas). It belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Wind-Damp and relieve Bi syndrome (painful obstruction).

This formula addresses Wind-Damp Bi syndrome accompanied by Qi and Blood deficiency, in which external Wind and Dampness obstruct the channels and joints while underlying deficiency allows the pathogens to linger. Typical signs include joint and muscle pain, body aches, stiffness or heaviness in the limbs, difficulty with movement, pain that may worsen with damp or windy weather, a pale tongue, and a wiry or moderate pulse.

Combining Qiang Huo and Fang Feng as the chief herbs to expel Wind-Damp from the channels and exterior, Jiang Huang to invigorate Blood, move Qi, and relieve pain in the joints, Huang Qi to tonify Qi and strengthen the exterior, Dang Gui and Bai Shao to nourish and invigorate Blood while softening the sinews, and Zhi Gan Cao with Sheng Jiang to harmonize and assist in dispersing pathogens, Juan Bi Tang effectively dispels Wind-Damp, unblocks the channels, and relieves painful obstruction while supporting the body’s upright Qi.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often experience joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that noticeably worsens in cold weather—a textbook match for Wind-Cold-Dampness Bi. By driving out the cold, clearing dampness, and improving blood flow, Juan Bi Tang helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve joint function, especially in the early to middle stages.

3. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis typically involves joint pain and limited mobility that easily flares up during weather changes. This formula regulates local blood and Qi circulation, clears out environmental pathogens, and boosts nutritional supply directly to the joints. This approach can significantly ease daily discomfort and improve the patient's overall quality of life.

4. Frozen Shoulder

Also known as shoulder periarthritis, this condition brings severe shoulder pain, stiffness, and tight muscles. The ingredients in Juan Bi Tang specifically help unblock the meridians around the shoulder area. By warming the tissues, clearing dampness, and moving the blood, it effectively eases muscle tension and expands the shoulder's range of motion.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

If cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis) causes neck pain, stiffness, and upper limb numbness due to wind, cold, and dampness blocking the meridians, this formula can be a great fit. It regulates energy and blood flow in the neck, relieves muscle spasms, and helps ease the uncomfortable numbness radiating down the arms.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbal formulas are structured like a well-organized team. Here is how the ingredients in Juan Bi Tang work together:

1. King Herb: Qiang Huo

The "King" or chief herb targets the main cause of the issue.

Properties: Qiang Huo has a strong scent and a warm, drying nature. It is famous for its ability to dispel wind and cold.
Function: Think of it as the vanguard of the formula. It specifically targets wind, cold, and dampness trapped in the body's surface and muscles. For early-stage joint pain (known as Bi syndrome in TCM), Qiang Huo clears out these external pathogens, bringing significant relief.

2. Minister Herb: Fang Feng

The "Minister" acts as the chief deputy, assisting the King herb.

Properties: Fang Feng is mildly warm, sweet, and pungent. It is another powerful herb for dispelling wind.
Function: It doesn't just drive out wind; it also overcomes dampness to relieve pain. By teaming up with Qiang Huo, it creates a powerful synergy to clear pathogens from your meridians and ease joint discomfort.

3. Assistant Herbs: Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong

The "Assistants" support the main herbs and treat secondary symptoms.

Dang Gui: This herb is highly valued for nourishing and moving the blood, as well as relieving pain. It ensures that your meridians receive proper nutrition, preventing your muscles and joints from becoming weak due to poor circulation.
Chuan Xiong: Known for moving blood and promoting Qi (energy) circulation, it is excellent at stopping pain.
Together: They work in perfect harmony—one nourishes while the other moves—ensuring that blood flow is restored to support the King and Minister herbs in relieving pain.

4. Courier Herb: Gan Cao

The "Courier" or guide herb harmonizes the entire formula.

Properties: Gan Cao (Licorice root) is sweet and neutral. It tonifies the Spleen and boosts core energy.
Function: In Juan Bi Tang, it acts as a peacemaker. It blends the effects of all the different herbs, preventing them from clashing and softening any harsh properties. This makes the final decoction balanced, gentle, and easier on the stomach.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. The Underlying Pathology

In TCM, Bi syndrome (which translates to painful obstruction, often resembling arthritis) happens when the body's defensive energy is temporarily weak.

The Invasion: This weakness allows environmental factors—specifically Wind, Cold, and Dampness—to sneak into the body.
The Blockage: These elements get trapped in the meridians and joints, causing a "traffic jam" that stops Qi and blood from flowing smoothly.
The Result: This blockage leads to the classic symptoms of muscle and joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Juan Bi Tang is specifically designed to clear this "traffic jam."

2. Core Effects

Juan Bi Tang works through three primary actions:

Dispelling Wind and Cold: It actively drives cold and wind pathogens out of the muscles and meridians.
Clearing Dampness and Unblocking Meridians: It removes heavy, stagnant dampness, allowing energy pathways to open up.
Nourishing and Moving Blood: By boosting blood circulation, it resolves the stagnation that is causing the pain.

3. Primary Uses

Juan Bi Tang is primarily used to manage Wind-Cold-Dampness Bi Syndrome.

Key Symptoms: It targets joint and limb pain, swelling, and stiffness (trouble bending or stretching).
Specific Characteristics: The pain it treats usually has a fixed location, gets worse in cold weather, and feels better with heat. Some people may also experience numbness in the skin.
Affected Areas: Whether the pain is in the upper limbs, lower limbs, shoulders, back, or hips, this formula can be highly effective as long as the symptoms match this specific wind-cold-dampness pattern.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Dispelling Wind and Cold

Qiang Huo and Fang Feng are the heavy hitters for driving out wind and cold. When paired together, their effectiveness is significantly boosted.

Qiang Huo excels at clearing wind and cold from the body's surface and muscles.
Fang Feng works to unblock meridians throughout the entire body. Together, they quickly resolve early-stage Bi syndrome symptoms like chills, fever, and acute pain by clearing out these external environmental triggers.

2. Clearing Dampness and Unblocking Meridians

Interestingly, this formula doesn't rely on herbs specifically meant to drain fluids. Instead, it uses teamwork:

The wind-dispelling action of Qiang Huo and Fang Feng naturally helps to dry up dampness.
The blood-moving properties of Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong improve fluid metabolism. This collaboration effectively dissipates trapped dampness, reduces joint swelling, and significantly improves flexibility for stiff, aching joints.

3. Nourishing and Moving Blood

The pairing of Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong perfectly demonstrates the TCM strategy of treating blood to relieve pain.

Dang Gui replenishes the blood, providing deep nourishment to the meridians, muscles, and joints.
Chuan Xiong gets the blood and Qi (energy) moving, breaking up painful blockages. They work hand-in-hand to restore depleted energy and resolve poor circulation, tackling the underlying weakness that allowed the pain to settle in.

4. Harmonizing the Ingredients

Gan Cao (Licorice root) plays the crucial role of the peacekeeper. It softens the harsh, dispersing nature of Qiang Huo and Fang Feng so they don't exhaust the body's foundational energy. Simultaneously, it coordinates with the blood-nourishing herbs, ensuring the entire Juan Bi Tang formula works smoothly, gently, and effectively as a unified treatment.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Juan Bi Tang	Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang	Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang	Yi Yi Ren Tang
Primary Function	Dispel wind-damp, move Qi and blood, stop bi pain	Dispel wind-damp, stop bi pain, tonify Liver and Kidney, nourish Qi and blood	Dispel wind-damp, release exterior, stop pain	Dispel wind-damp, resolve swelling, ease bi pain
Formula Category	Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas	Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas	Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas	Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Dampness	Dampness	Dampness	Dampness
Main Conditions	Joint Discomfort, Muscular Stiffness, Shoulder Discomfort	Low Back Pain, Joint Discomfort, Numbness in Limbs	Headache, Neck Pain, Joint Discomfort, Edema	Joint Discomfort, Muscular Stiffness, Edema
Main Herbs	Notopterygium Root · Pubescent Angelica Root · Cinnamon Twig · Mulberry Twig · Chinese Angelica Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome · Frankincense · Aucklandia / Costus Root	Pubescent Angelica Root · Taxillus / Mulberry Mistletoe · Eucommia Bark · Achyranthes Root · Asarum / Wild Ginger · Large-Leaf Gentian Root · Poria / Hoelen · Cinnamon Bark · Saposhnikovia Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome · Ginseng Root · Licorice Root · Chinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Prepared Rehmannia Root	Notopterygium Root · Pubescent Angelica Root · Ligusticum Root · Saposhnikovia Root · Vitex Fruit · Chuanxiong Rhizome · Licorice Root	Coix Seed / Job's Tears · Atractylodes Rhizome · Notopterygium Root · Pubescent Angelica Root · Saposhnikovia Root · Ephedra Herb · Cinnamon Twig · Chinese Angelica Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome · Licorice Root
Classical Source	Classical TCM formulary	Classical TCM formulary	Li Dongyuan school / classical	Classical TCM formulary

How to tell them apart

Juan Bi Tang, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang and Yi Yi Ren Tang dispel wind-damp. Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang tonifies more for chronic deficient bi; Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang targets exterior wind-damp with heavy head; Yi Yi Ren Tang drains damp swelling. Juan Bi Tang dispels wind-damp and unblocks the channels for limb and joint bi with stiffness.

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

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Juan Bi Tang

In TCM practice, formulas are rarely one-size-fits-all. Practitioners often modify the base formula of Juan Bi Tang to perfectly match a patient's specific symptoms:

1. For Severe Pain

If the cold and pain are particularly intense, practitioners may add Zhi Chuan Wu and Zhi Cao Wu.

Function: These warm herbs have a powerful ability to expel wind-dampness, scatter cold, and stop pain.
Safety Note: Because of their strong nature, they require highly specific traditional preparation methods and careful dosing by a professional to ensure they are used safely.

2. For Heavy Dampness

When dampness is the main issue—presenting as notably swollen, heavy, and sluggish joints—Cang Shu and Yi Yi Ren can be added.

Cang Shu strongly dries out dampness and supports the digestive system.
Yi Yi Ren gently drains excess fluid from the body.
Together: They effectively clear out systemic dampness and noticeably reduce joint swelling.

3. For Obvious Blood Stasis

If there are signs of blood stasis—like pain that is sharp, fixed in one specific spot, or accompanied by visible bruising—Tao Ren and Hong Hua are commonly included.

Function: These two herbs are a classic pairing for invigorating blood flow and breaking up stasis, ensuring that poor circulation doesn't keep the pain locked in place.

4. For Concurrent Qi Deficiency

If the patient is generally weak, easily fatigued, or has a weak constitution, Huang Qi and Dang Shen are added.

Function: These herbs tonify Qi (vital energy) and strengthen the Spleen. By boosting the body's foundational immunity and strength, they help the body push out the external pathogens and speed up recovery.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Actions

Modern scientific studies have taken a closer look at the ingredients in Juan Bi Tang and found multiple active pharmacological effects:

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Wind-dispelling herbs like Qiang Huo and Fang Feng demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, helping to calm down the redness, swelling, and heat associated with joint inflammation.
Circulation Boost: Blood-nourishing herbs like Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong have been shown to improve overall blood circulation. By increasing local blood flow to the joints, they deliver essential nutrients that promote the repair of damaged tissues.

2. Clinical Efficacy Observations

A large volume of modern clinical research backs up the traditional use of Juan Bi Tang.

Symptom Relief: In observational studies of patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, treatment with this formula significantly improved joint pain, swelling, and overall mobility.
Clinical Markers: Furthermore, blood tests often show measurable drops in inflammatory markers, such as the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Rheumatoid Factor, indicating systemic improvement.

3. Dosage Form Improvements

To make the formula easier to take and to improve patient compliance, modern manufacturing has updated how Juan Bi Tang is delivered.

Modern Options: While traditional boiled teas (decoctions) are still used, you can now find this formula processed into concentrated granules, capsules, and tablets.
Benefits: These modern formats maintain the clinical efficacy of the raw herbs while offering a much more convenient option for long-term daily use.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Herbal Preparation and Dietary Restrictions

When using a modified Juan Bi Tang containing processed Chuanwu and Caowu, ensure that these toxic herbs have been properly prepared and are used only at appropriate doses to prevent poisoning.

Avoid raw, cold, greasy, spicy, and other irritating foods, which may worsen cold-dampness, impair digestion, or aggravate symptoms.

2. Contraindications and Allergies

Pregnant women should not use Juan Bi Tang, as its blood-invigorating and wind-dispelling ingredients may harm the fetus. Patients allergic to any ingredients, such as Qianghuo or Fangfeng, should also avoid the formula to prevent allergic reactions.

Available Products

Where to Get It

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Juan Bi Tang (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

HJMEDICAL Nong's Juan Bi Tang (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $44.83

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica & Loranthus) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

Nong's Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica & Taxillus) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $56.60

Hoi Tin Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang (Notopterygium Damp-Overcoming) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $33.28

Nong's Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang (Notopterygium Decoction for Overcoming Dampness) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $75.86

FAQ

Questions About Juan Bi Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Juan Bi Tang?

Juan Bi Tang has the actions of dispelling Wind, eliminating Dampness, relieving painful obstruction (Bi), and invigorating Blood to stop pain. It addresses Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens lodged in the channels and joints while supporting the movement of Qi and Blood.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Juan Bi Tang suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Wind-Cold-Damp Bi, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of Cold-Damp type, frozen shoulder, neck and shoulder stiffness, sciatica or lower-back and leg pain, and myofascial or joint pain that worsens in cold or damp weather.

Q3: Is Juan Bi Tang suitable for improving joint and muscle pain, stiffness, and numbness from Wind-Cold-Damp?

For presentations of aching, heavy, or stiff joints and muscles (especially neck, shoulders, arms, back, or legs), numbness, restricted movement, pain that worsens with cold or damp weather and improves with warmth, a pale or normal tongue with white coating, and a floating, moderate, or wiry pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Wind-Cold-Damp Bi — TCM commonly applies Juan Bi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard rheumatological or orthopedic evaluation.

Q4: Who should not take Juan Bi Tang?

Those with Heat Bi (hot, red, swollen joints), Yin-deficiency Heat, or pure internal deficiency without external Wind-Damp pathogens are generally not suitable. The formula is acrid, warming, and dispersing; it can worsen Heat patterns or further deplete Yin. Caution is advised in pregnancy. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why does this formula combine Wind-Damp-dispelling herbs with Blood-invigorating and Qi-moving herbs?

Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens obstruct the channels, causing pain and impaired movement of Qi and Blood. Herbs such as Qiang Huo, Du Huo, Qin Jiao, and Hai Feng Teng dispel the external pathogens; Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Ru Xiang, and related herbs invigorate Blood and move Qi so that the obstruction is cleared and pain is relieved. Some versions also include tonifying elements to support the body’s resistance when Qi and Blood are relatively weak.

Q6: Can Juan Bi Tang be used for both upper-body (shoulder, neck, arm) and whole-body Bi pain?

Yes. Classical and modern applications cover Wind-Cold-Damp Bi affecting the neck, shoulders, arms, back, and lower limbs. Modifications can emphasize upper or lower body (for example, adjusting guiding herbs), but the core strategy of dispelling Wind-Damp and invigorating Blood remains the same when the pattern matches.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Juan Bi Tang?

Common versions include Wind-Damp-dispelling herbs such as Qiang Huo, Du Huo, Qin Jiao, Sang Zhi, and Hai Feng Teng; Blood-invigorating and Qi-moving herbs such as Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Ru Xiang, and Mu Xiang; warming and channel-unblocking herbs such as Gui Zhi or Gui Xin; and Zhi Gan Cao to harmonize. Some related formulas also incorporate Huang Qi and Jiang Huang for Qi support and upper-limb pain.

Q8: Is Juan Bi Tang suitable for long-term use?

It may be used for a course of treatment in chronic Wind-Cold-Damp Bi under professional supervision. Because the formula is dispersing and warming, continuous long-term use without monitoring is not ideal, especially if Heat signs or Yin deficiency begin to appear. The formula should be adjusted as the pattern evolves.

Q9: How does Juan Bi Tang differ from formulas for Heat Bi or pure deficiency Bi?

Heat Bi formulas (such as those clearing Damp-Heat from the channels) are used for hot, red, swollen, painful joints. Pure tonifying formulas address Bi pain mainly from Qi-Blood or Liver-Kidney deficiency without prominent external pathogens. Juan Bi Tang specifically targets external Wind-Cold-Damp obstruction, often with concurrent mild Qi-Blood stagnation, and is warming rather than cooling or purely tonifying.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Juan Bi Tang?

Keeping the affected joints and body warm, avoiding cold and damp exposure, gentle movement or appropriate exercise to promote circulation, and reducing cold or raw foods help the formula dispel Wind-Damp and relieve Bi pain. Persistent joint swelling, severe pain, or progressive stiffness should be properly evaluated by a healthcare professional.

FAQ

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.

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