Yang-Tonifying Formulas

陽和湯 · Yáng Hé Tāng

Yang He Tang

A classical formula for yin-type sores and cold abscesses from yang deficiency and blood weakness with cold coagulation.

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Last reviewed September 2026
Formula CategoryYang-Tonifying Formulas
Primary PatternYang Deficiency
Primary FunctionWarm Yang, nourish blood, disperse cold, unblock stagnation
Primary Therapeutic PrincipleWarm yang and nourish blood to disperse yin-cold and open stagnation
Main HerbsPrepared Rehmannia Root · Cinnamon Bark · Ephedra Herb · Deer Antler Glue · White Mustard Seed · Blast-fried Ginger · Licorice Root
Classical SourceMing-Qing classical formulary

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for yin-type sores or cold abscesses from Yang deficiency and cold coagulation, rather than yang-type heat toxin abscesses or plain Qi-blood deficiency.

Traditionally selected for yin-type sores or cold abscesses from Yang deficiency and cold coagulation, rather than yang-type heat toxin abscesses or plain Qi-blood deficiency.

What Is Yang He Tang?

1. Background of Origins

Yang He Tang (阳和汤), or Yang-Harmonizing Decoction, is a classical Qing-dynasty formula from Wang Hongxu’s Wai Ke Zheng Zhi Quan Sheng Ji (Life-Saving Manual of Diagnosis and Treatment of External Diseases). It belongs to the category of formulas that warm Yang, nourish Blood, disperse Cold, and unblock stagnation.

This formula addresses Yin-type sores (Yin Ju) and cold abscesses caused by Yang deficiency with Cold congealing and Phlegm stagnation in the channels, flesh, or bones. Typical signs include flat, diffuse swellings or hard nodules that are neither red nor hot, aching pain without fever, normal or pale skin over the lesion, cold extremities, a pale tongue with white coating, and a deep thin pulse.

Combining a large dose of Shu Di Huang as the chief herb to nourish Blood and Yin, Lu Jiao Jiao to warm Yang, replenish Essence, and strengthen sinews and bones, Rou Gui and Pao Jiang to warm the channels and dispel deep Cold, Bai Jie Zi to transform cold Phlegm and disperse nodules, a small dose of Ma Huang to open the pores and allow the tonics to penetrate, and Gan Cao to harmonize and resolve toxicity, Yang He Tang effectively warms Yang, nourishes Blood, disperses congealed Cold, and resolves chronic cold-type swellings.

Yang He Tang

2. Surgical Yin-Type Abscesses

In traditional practice, Yang He Tang is the go-to formula for deep, non-red, cold sores (Yin-type abscesses).

  • Flowing Phlegm (Liu Tan): In its early stages, this condition presents as a dull, lingering ache in the bones or joints without any redness or heat. The formula helps stop its progression by warming the area and restoring flow.
  • Crane-Knee Wind (He Xi Feng): This refers to severe knee swelling accompanied by muscle wasting in the thighs and calves. The formula helps warm the joints, stop the pain, and bring vital blood flow back to the starved muscles.
  • Bone-Attached Abscess (Tie Gu Ju): For deep, bone-level pain with diffuse swelling and no change in skin color, this formula is traditionally used to effectively relieve the "bone-chilling" pain and slowly dissipate the lump.
Yang He Tang

3. Other Cold-Stagnation Conditions

Because its core function is to melt away cold and restore circulation, Yang He Tang is also adapted for other issues caused by cold stagnation.

  • Cold Bi Syndrome (Joint Pain): For severe joint and limb pain that feels "frozen." The pain typically gets much worse in cold weather and feels better with a heating pad. The formula warms the joints and stops the pain.
  • Cold-Type Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps): For painful periods caused by a lack of Yang energy and trapped cold. Symptoms usually include severe cramps that improve with a hot water bottle, dark purple menstrual blood with clots, a pale tongue, and a slow pulse. The formula warms the uterus, clears the stagnation, and relieves the cramps.

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Yang He Tang formula uses a highly structured approach to treat deep-seated, cold-type ailments. Here is how the herbs work together:

1. King Herb: Shu Di Huang

The "King" herb addresses the root cause of the condition.

  • Properties: Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) is mildly warm and sweet. It is deeply nourishing for the Liver and Kidney meridians.
  • Function: It plays the crucial role of nourishing Yin and replenishing the blood. Yin-type abscesses (deep, non-red, cold sores) usually stem from a lack of Yin and blood, combined with internal cold. Shu Di Huang acts as a heavy, foundational builder, providing the deep nutrition the body needs to anchor Yang energy and heal from the inside out.

2. Minister Herb: Lu Jiao Jiao

The "Minister" herb closely assists the King in achieving its goal.

  • Properties: Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue) is warm, sweet, and salty.
  • Function: It strongly tonifies Kidney Yang and replenishes essence and blood. When paired with Shu Di Huang, they create a perfect Yin-Yang balance. While the King builds the blood, the Minister sparks the Yang energy needed to melt away stagnant cold. It is rich and nourishing, but warm rather than drying.

3. Assistant Herbs: Rou Gui and Jiang Tan

The "Assistants" support the primary herbs and target specific symptoms.

  • Rou Gui: This herb (Cinnamon Bark) is powerfully hot. It dives deep to warm Kidney Yang, scatter cold, and relieve pain.
  • Jiang Tan: This is dried ginger that has been charred. It is excellent for warming the digestive system, scattering cold, and stopping bleeding.
  • Together: These two warm the meridians and unblock "frozen" energy. Yin-type abscesses are characterized by cold stagnation and poor blood flow. By warming the area, these herbs improve local circulation and significantly relieve pain.
Yang He Tang

4. Courier Herbs: Ma Huang and Bai Jie Zi

The "Couriers" or guide herbs direct the medicine to the right place and harmonize the formula.

  • Ma Huang: This herb (Ephedra) opens the pores and pushes the internal cold outward to be released. It also gets the lung energy moving, which helps circulate blood.
  • Bai Jie Zi: (White Mustard Seed) specifically targets cold phlegm and helps dissipate hard nodules underneath the skin.
  • Together: They act as pathfinders. They draw the warming, nourishing effects of Yang He Tang directly to the subcutaneous tissues, joints, and deep abscesses, breaking up cold phlegm and restoring healthy flow.

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. The Underlying Pathology

The main issue Yang He Tang treats is Yin-cold stagnation.

  • The Mechanism: When the body lacks Yang (warming) energy, internal cold develops. This cold "freezes" in the muscles and meridians, blocking the flow of Qi and blood.
  • The Symptoms: Unlike typical infections, this results in deep, diffuse swellings. The skin color remains normal (not red), the area feels cool to the touch, and the pain is deep and dull rather than sharp and throbbing.

2. Core Effects

The main goal of Yang He Tang is to warm Yang, tonify blood, scatter cold, and unblock stagnation. By using rich, blood-building herbs alongside highly warming ones, the formula provides the physical building blocks for recovery while simultaneously melting away the cold blockages that caused the disease.

Yang He Tang

3. Primary Uses

Yang He Tang is the classic remedy for Yin-type abscesses (Yin Ju).

  • Key Indicators: It is used when a patient has a flat, diffuse swelling that doesn't come to a head, no redness, no heat, a pale tongue, and an absence of thirst.
  • Common Conditions: In historical TCM texts, it was commonly used for deep bone and joint issues. This includes conditions described traditionally as "flowing phlegm" (often related to joint tuberculosis, where the swelling is slow and produces clear fluid rather than thick pus), "crane-knee wind" (severe knee swelling with muscle wasting in the legs), and deep abscesses attached to the bones.

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Combining Yin-Nourishing and Yang-Warming

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yang He Tang is a masterpiece of balancing opposite forces.

  • The Foundation: Shu Di Huang and Lu Jiao Jiao work closely together to deeply nourish the Yin and replenish the blood. They act as the physical building blocks for recovery.
  • The Spark: At the same time, Rou Gui and Jiang Tan warm up Kidney Yang and scatter internal cold, while Ma Huang and Bai Jie Zi warm the meridians to dissolve phlegm.
  • The Synergy: This combination reflects the TCM concept that Yin and Yang depend on each other. When Yin and blood are abundant, Yang energy has a place to anchor. When Yang energy is strong, the body can generate more Yin and blood. Together, they clear out cold energy and restore healthy circulation to treat deep, cold nodules.

2. Treating Qi and Blood Together

This formula does not just force circulation; it builds the resources needed for proper flow.

  • Nourishing: Herbs like Shu Di Huang and Lu Jiao Jiao provide the material basis by building up the blood.
  • Moving: Herbs like Rou Gui, Jiang Tan, Ma Huang, and Bai Jie Zi act as the driving force, unblocking meridians and pushing Qi and blood to circulate freely.
  • The Result: By treating both Qi (energy) and blood simultaneously, the local tissues around the deep abscess receive better nutrition and oxygenation. In TCM, when Qi and blood flow smoothly, pain stops and hard lumps naturally melt away.
Yang He Tang

3. Guiding the Herbs to the Source (Courier Effect)

TCM formulas often use "courier" herbs to deliver the medicine exactly where it is needed.

  • Ma Huang: This herb opens up the body's exterior (the pores), allowing trapped cold energy to escape from the surface.
  • Bai Jie Zi: This herb is famous for traveling right under the skin and outside the membranes. It aggressively warms and melts "cold phlegm," breaking up deep blockages.
  • Precision: By acting as guides, these two herbs ensure that the heavy, nourishing, and warming properties of Yang He Tang are directed specifically to the deep, localized abscesses. This highly targeted approach is a hallmark of advanced TCM formula design.

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare Yang He TangXian Fang Huo Ming YinDang Gui Si Ni TangShi Quan Da Bu Tang
Primary Function Warm Yang, nourish blood, disperse cold, unblock stagnationClear heat, resolve toxin, reduce swelling, invigorate blood, stop painWarm channels, nourish Blood, disperse ColdTonify Qi and Blood, warm Yang
Formula Category Yang-Tonifying FormulasHeat-Clearing FormulasBlood-Tonifying FormulasQi-Tonifying Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern Yang DeficiencyDamp-HeatBlood DeficiencyQi Deficiency
Main Conditions Joint Discomfort, Cold Limbs, Fatigue & Low EnergyFever, Sore ThroatCold Limbs, Joint Discomfort, Low Back PainFatigue & Low Energy, Poor Appetite, Spontaneous Sweating, Cold Limbs
Main Herbs Prepared Rehmannia Root · Cinnamon Bark · Ephedra Herb · Deer Antler Glue · White Mustard Seed · Blast-fried Ginger · Licorice RootAngelica Dahurica Root · Fritillaria Bulb · Saposhnikovia Root · Red Peony Root · Chinese Angelica Root · Licorice Root · Gleditsia Thorn · Trichosanthes Root · Frankincense · Myrrh · Honeysuckle Flower · Tangerine PeelChinese Angelica Root · Cinnamon Twig · White Peony Root · Asarum / Wild Ginger · Tetrapanax Pith · Jujube / Chinese Date · Honey-fried LicoriceGinseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Honey-fried Licorice · Prepared Rehmannia Root · Chinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome · Astragalus Root · Cinnamon Bark
Classical Source Ming-Qing classical formularyMing-Qing classical formularyShang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)

How to tell them apart

Yang He Tang, Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin, Dang Gui Si Ni Tang and Shi Quan Da Bu Tang address sores or cold deficiency. Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin clears heat toxin for yang-type abscesses; Dang Gui Si Ni Tang warms channels for cold extremities; Shi Quan Da Bu Tang broadly tonifies Qi and blood. Yang He Tang warms Yang, nourishes blood and disperses cold for yin-type sores and cold abscesses.

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

Clinical Modifications for Yang He Tang

In clinical practice, a TCM practitioner will often adjust the base formula to match the specific needs of the individual patient. Here are a few common ways this formula is modified:

1. For Severe Yang Deficiency

If a patient shows strong signs of a "cold" constitution (extreme lack of Yang energy), the practitioner will boost the formula's warming power.

  • Adjustments: The dosage of Rou Gui and Jiang Tan can be increased.
  • Additions: A highly warming herb like Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite) is often added. Fu Zi is purely hot and helps strongly boost Yang energy across the heart, spleen, and kidneys, quickly driving out the deep-seated cold.

2. For Severe Qi and Blood Deficiency

When the patient is extremely depleted and lacks basic energy and nourishment, the formula needs more building blocks.

  • Adjustments: The amounts of Shu Di Huang and Lu Jiao Jiao may be increased.
  • Additions: Herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) are frequently added. Huang Qi is excellent for boosting Qi and lifting energy, while Dang Gui is a premier herb for nourishing and moving the blood. Together, they significantly strengthen the body's foundational reserves.
Yang He Tang

3. For Heavy Cold Phlegm

If there are prominent hard nodules or deep, stubborn fluid accumulations (what TCM calls "cold phlegm"), the formula needs more power to break them down.

  • Additions: Herbs such as Ban Xia and Tian Nan Xing might be included. Both of these are known for their ability to dry up dampness, dissolve stubborn phlegm, and shrink hard lumps, making the treatment of deep abscesses much more effective.

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Effects

Modern scientific studies have begun to explore how this traditional formula works from a biomedical perspective:

  • Immune Regulation: The nourishing herbs like Shu Di Huang and Lu Jiao Jiao have been shown to help regulate immune function and boost the body's natural resistance.
  • Improved Circulation: The warming herbs like Rou Gui and Jiang Tan help dilate blood vessels. This increases local blood flow, bringing much-needed nutrients and oxygen to the affected tissues.
  • Anti-inflammatory Action: Ingredients like Ma Huang and Bai Jie Zi exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, which help reduce local swelling and relieve pain. The formula as a whole may also help regulate the endocrine and nervous systems.

2. Clinical Observations

Numerous clinical studies have documented the effectiveness of this formula for its intended uses:

  • Symptom Relief: Observations show it can effectively shrink lumps, reduce localized pain, and improve general symptoms of Yang deficiency, such as chronic fatigue and cold intolerance.
  • Integrative Care: Compared to some standalone therapies, utilizing this formula has shown advantages in lowering recurrence rates. Furthermore, combining it with modern medical treatments (like surgery or standard medications) can often enhance overall effectiveness and shorten recovery times.
Yang He Tang

3. Improvements in Formulation

Thanks to modern technology, the way patients take this medicine has evolved:

  • Modern Forms: Beyond the traditional method of boiling raw herbs into a tea (decoction), it is now available in more convenient forms like concentrated granules, pills, and capsules.
  • Quality Control: These new formats not only make the medicine easier to take but also improve its shelf stability. Enhanced quality control standards and testing methods help ensure the safety, consistency, and clinical reliability of the formula today.

Safety Considerations

1. Caution After Ulceration and Contraindications

Yang He Tang is mainly intended for un ulcerated yin-type abscesses. Use it cautiously if the lesion has already ruptured, as treatment may require heat-clearing, detoxifying, and pus-draining methods. It should not be used by individuals with yin deficiency and heat, as its warming nature may worsen symptoms such as fever, dry throat, and dry mouth.

2. Dietary Guidance

While taking Yang He Tang, eat a light diet and avoid spicy, greasy, raw, and cold foods, which may reduce effectiveness or aggravate symptoms. Prefer warm, easily digestible foods such as millet or Chinese yam porridge.

Questions About Yang He Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Yang He Tang?
Yang He Tang has the actions of warming Yang, tonifying Blood, dispersing Cold, and unblocking stagnation. It is designed for deep, cold, Yin-type swellings and stagnation caused by Yang deficiency allowing Cold and Phlegm to congeal in the flesh, sinews, and bones.
Q2: Which modern diseases is Yang He Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Yang deficiency with Cold stagnation, including cold-type chronic osteomyelitis or bone lesions, chronic cold lymphadenitis or nodules, rheumatoid or osteoarthritic pain of Cold-deficiency type, thromboangiitis obliterans, fibrocystic breast changes with cold nodules, and other deep, non-red, non-hot swellings or chronic cold Bi patterns.
Q3: Is Yang He Tang suitable for improving flat, cold swellings or aching without heat?
For presentations of diffuse, flat swelling without a distinct head, skin color unchanged (not red), aching or dull pain without local heat, no thirst, a pale tongue with white coating, and a deep thin or slow pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Yin-type Cold stagnation from Yang and Blood deficiency — TCM commonly applies Yang He Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard surgical, orthopedic, or medical evaluation of swellings or joint disease.
Q4: Who should not take Yang He Tang?
Those with Yang-type (hot, red, swollen, painful) sores or abscesses, Yin deficiency with Heat signs, or long-standing already ulcerated sores are generally not suitable. Classical sources also caution against its use in breast cancer. The formula is strongly warming and tonifying; it will aggravate Heat patterns. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.
Q5: Why is this formula named “Yang He” (Yang-Harmonizing)?
The name evokes the image of warm sunlight dispersing yin cold and darkness. By warming Yang, nourishing Blood, and gently opening the channels, the formula allows congealed Cold and Phlegm to disperse, restoring the harmonious flow of Yang Qi to areas that have become cold, stagnant, and swollen.
Q6: Can Yang He Tang address both deep cold abscesses and cold-type joint or soft-tissue stagnation?
Yes. The same underlying pattern of Yang deficiency with Cold and Phlegm stagnation can manifest as Yin-type sores (such as bone or deep soft-tissue lesions) or as chronic cold Bi, Crane’s-knee wind, or cold nodules. When the local signs are cold, pale, and non-inflammatory and the systemic picture is Yang-deficient, the formula is applicable.
Q7: What are the main ingredients of Yang He Tang?
The classical formula features a large dose of Shu Di Huang to nourish Blood and Yin; Lu Jiao Jiao to tonify Yang and Essence; small amounts of Rou Gui and Jiang Tan (charred ginger) to warm the channels and disperse Cold; Bai Jie Zi to transform Cold-Phlegm and disperse nodules; a light dose of Ma Huang to open the channels and assist dispersion; and Gan Cao to harmonize. The balance of heavy tonification with light opening is essential.
Q8: Is Yang He Tang suitable for long-term use?
It may be used for a course of treatment in chronic Yang-deficiency Cold-stagnation patterns under professional supervision. Because it contains warming and mildly dispersing herbs (including Ma Huang), duration and dose should be monitored, and the formula adjusted if Heat signs appear or the pattern changes. It is not intended for indefinite continuous use without reassessment.
Q9: How does Yang He Tang differ from formulas for hot toxic sores or pure Cold-Damp Bi?
Hot toxic sore formulas clear Heat and resolve Toxicity for red, swollen, painful, rapidly progressing lesions. Pure Cold-Damp Bi formulas primarily dispel external Cold-Damp without the strong Blood and Yang tonification of Yang He Tang. Yang He Tang specifically targets deep Yin-type Cold stagnation rooted in Yang and Blood deficiency, combining tonification with gentle warming and dispersion.
Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Yang He Tang?
Keeping the body and affected areas warm, avoiding cold exposure and cold foods, adequate rest to support Yang, and a nourishing rather than raw or cooling diet help the formula warm Yang and disperse Cold stagnation. Any persistent swelling, bone or joint lesion, or non-healing cold abscess requires proper medical and specialist evaluation.

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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Yang He Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Yin-Type Sores, Cold Abscesses & Deficiency Cold