Ba Zhen Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
八珍汤 · Bā Zhēn Tāng
The classic dual Qi-Blood tonic formed by combining Si Jun Zi Tang and Si Wu Tang. It addresses concurrent Qi and Blood deficiency presenting with fatigue, pale or sallow complexion, poor appetite, palpitations and irregular menstruation.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Qi and Blood
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify Qi and nourish Blood
- Classical Source
- Zheng Ti Lei Yao (Xue Ji, Ming dynasty) / derived from Si Jun Zi Tang + Si Wu Tang
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The classic dual Qi-Blood tonic formed by combining Si Jun Zi Tang and Si Wu Tang. It addresses concurrent Qi and Blood deficiency presenting with fatigue, pale or sallow complexion, poor appetite, palpitations and irregular menstruation.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for concurrent Qi and Blood deficiency without marked cold or sinking — the balanced base from which Shi Quan Da Bu Tang departs by adding warming tonification, while remaining broader than the pure Qi focus of Si Jun Zi Tang or the pure Blood focus of Si Wu Tang.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
人參Ren Shen10g
Ginseng Root- powerfully supplements the original qi
白朮Bai Zhu10g
White Atractylodes Rhizome- fortifies and invigorates spleen-stomach
茯苓Fu Ling10g
Poria / Hoelen- invigorates the spleen and percolates dampness
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
熟地黃Shu Di Huang12g
Prepared Rehmannia Root- nourishes yin and supplements the blood
當歸Dang Gui9g
Chinese Angelica Root- nourishes and invigorates blood
白芍Bai Shao9g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood to harmonize ying
川芎Chuan Xiong6g
Chuanxiong Rhizome- promotes qi and invigorates blood
Classical Composition
- Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen) 1 liang (30g)
- Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Bai Zhu) 1 liang (30g)
- Poria (Fu Ling) 1 liang (30g)
- Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui) 1 liang (30g)
- Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan Xiong) 1 liang (30g)
- Paeoniae Radix Alba (Bai Shao) 1 liang (30g)
- Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shu Di Huang) 1 liang (30g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 1 liang (30g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Boosts qi and supplements blood.
Indications
- Ba Zhen Tang is intended for a syndrome of qi and blood deficiency marked by pale or withered-yellow complexion, dizziness, auditory vertigo, lassitude of the four limbs, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, palpitations, and decreased food intake.
- The tongue is pale with a thin, white coating and the pulse is thready, weak or deficient, big, and weak.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Patterns suitable for this formula are mostly those caused by delayed treatment in chronic illnesses, dysfunction following a disease, or massive blood loss.
- The disease is located in the heart, spleen, and liver.
- The heart governs the blood while the liver stores the blood.
- Therefore, the treatment must supplement both qi and blood.
Clinical presentation
- The complexion, dizziness, auditory vertigo, palpitation, pale tongue with a thin, white coating, and a thready pulse all indicate heart and liver blood deficiency.
- The complexion, lack of strength in the four limbs, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, poor appetite, and deficient forceless pulse indicate spleen qi deficiency as it governs transportation and transformation of food into qi and blood.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to tonify Qi and nourish Blood.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Ba Zhen Tang is the foundational dual Qi-Blood tonic. Si Jun Zi Tang addresses pure Qi deficiency; Si Wu Tang addresses pure Blood deficiency. Shi Quan Da Bu Tang adds Huang Qi and Rou Gui for stronger warming and Qi tonification. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang focuses on raising sunken Middle Qi rather than simultaneous Blood nourishment.
Clinical Differentiation
- Ba Zhen Tang is commonly used for patterns of qi and blood deficiency.
- This clinical pattern is marked by shortness of breath, debilitation, vertigo, palpitations, pale tongue, thin, weak pulse.
Safety notes: This formula is enriching. It is not appropriate for exterior patterns, food stagnation, or damp-heat with a thick greasy coating.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Ba Zhen Tang?
Ba Zhen Tang has the actions of tonifying Qi and nourishing Blood. It is the classic formula formed by combining Si Jun Zi Tang (to tonify Qi) and Si Wu Tang (to nourish Blood), used for simultaneous deficiency of both Qi and Blood.
Which modern diseases is Ba Zhen Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Qi and Blood deficiency, including anemia, post-illness or post-surgical recovery, postpartum weakness, chronic fatigue with dual deficiency, and menstrual irregularities due to insufficient Qi and Blood.
Is Ba Zhen Tang suitable for improving pale complexion, fatigue, and dizziness?
For presentations of pale or sallow complexion, dizziness or blurred vision, fatigue, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, palpitations, poor appetite, a pale tongue, and a thin weak pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms dual Qi and Blood deficiency — TCM commonly applies Ba Zhen Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
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Related Articles
Ba Zhen Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Dual Qi & Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Blood Deficiency, Pale Complexion & Menstrual Issues
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Qi & Blood Deficiency with Cold
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Qi Deficiency & Middle Qi Sinking
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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.