Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
当归六黄汤 · Dāng Guī Liù Huáng Tāng
A classical formula for night sweats (and sometimes spontaneous sweating) due to Yin deficiency with fire, combining Yin-nourishing, heat-clearing and exterior-securing herbs.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yin-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yin Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Nourish Yin, clear heat, consolidate the exterior, stop sweating
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Enrich Yin, clear deficiency heat and secure the exterior
- Classical Source
- Lan Shi Mi Cang (Li Dongyuan, Jin dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for night sweats (and sometimes spontaneous sweating) due to Yin deficiency with fire, combining Yin-nourishing, heat-clearing and exterior-securing herbs.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for night sweats from Yin deficiency with fire — stronger heat-clearing than pure Yin tonics, and more Yin-nourishing than pure exterior-securing formulas.
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
當歸Dang Gui6g
Chinese Angelica Root- nourishes yin
- nourishes blood
- and keep yin in the interior
生地黃Sheng Di Huang6g
Raw Rehmannia Root- nourishes yin
- nourishes blood
- and keep yin in the interior
熟地黃Shu Di Huang6g
Prepared Rehmannia Root- nourishes yin
- nourishes blood
- and keep yin in the interior
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
黃連Huang Lian6g
Coptis Rhizome- drains fire to save yin and prevent heat from harassing the interior
黃芩Huang Qin6g
Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap- boosts qi to consolidate wei
- consolidates the exterior to arrest sweating coupled with dang gui and shu di huang to boost qi and nourish blood
黃柏Huang Bai6g
Phellodendron Bark- drains fire to save yin and prevent heat from harassing the interior
佐/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
Classical Composition
- Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui) 6g
- Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Di Huang) 6g
- Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin) 6g
- Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (Huang Bai) 6g
- Coptidis Rhizoma (Huang Lian) 6g
- Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shu Di Huang) 6g
- Astragali Radix (Huang Qi) 12g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Nourishes yin
- drains fire
- consolidates the exterior
- and arrests sweating.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for night sweating caused by yin deficiency and intense fire.
- The symptoms are night sweating with fever, red complexion, vexation, thirst and dry lips, dry stool, dark urine, a red tongue body with a yellow coating, and a rapid pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This is a pattern of night sweating caused by yin deficiency and intense fire.
- The phase of the heart is fire, and the phase of the kidney is water.
- Normally, fire and water are coordinated with each other, and the heart and kidney interact with each other in a harmonious relationship.
- If the kidney yin becomes deficient, the kidney water fails to coordinate with the heart fire.
- The fire of heart will then intensify because of the lack of water, causing the pattern of yin deficiency and intense fire.
- The fire will become more intense as more yin is consumed over time.
- Yin will not be able to stay inside as the intense fire forces fluids to leak outward, causing night sweating with fever.
- Deficiency-heat flames up causing a red complexion and vexation.
- Yin and fluids are consumed, which leads to thirst and dry lips, dry stool, and dark urine.
- The characteristic features of the pattern are deficiency of yin and blood, intense heart fire, outward leaking of yin forced by fire, and damage to the wei qi.
Clinical presentation
Tongue & pulseA red tongue with a yellow coating, and a rapid pulse are signs of interior heat.
Treatment strategy
- Therefore, the therapeutic method is to nourish yin and blood, clear heat and drain fire, and boost qi to consolidate the exterior.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang addresses Yin-deficiency fire night sweats with both clearing and securing. Yu Ping Feng San consolidates the exterior for Qi-deficient spontaneous sweating. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan nourish Kidney Yin (with heat-clearing in the latter) without the same focus on stopping sweat.
Clinical Differentiation
- Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang is a commonly used formula applicable for night sweating caused by yin deficiency and intense fire.
- This clinical pattern is marked by night sweating, red complexion, vexation and thirst, red tongue body, and a rapid pulse.
Safety notes: Do not use the formula for patterns of yin deficiency without intense fire, or for patients with poor digestion and thin, unformed stools caused by deficiency of the spleen and stomach.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang?
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang has the actions of nourishing Yin, draining Fire, consolidating the exterior, and stopping sweating. It is classically regarded as a key formula for night sweats caused by Yin deficiency with intense internal Fire.
Which modern diseases is Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Yin deficiency with vigorous Fire, including severe menopausal or perimenopausal night sweats and hot flashes, hyperthyroidism with Heat signs, supportive care for tuberculosis night sweats, and certain diabetes presentations with Yin-deficient Fire.
Is Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang suitable for improving night sweats with flushed face and irritability?
For presentations of pronounced night sweats (often soaking the bedding), facial flushing, irritability or restlessness, dry mouth and lips, dry stools, dark urine, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Yin deficiency with intense Fire — TCM commonly applies Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Nong's Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang (Angelica Six-Yellow Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Night Sweats, Yin Deficiency with Fire
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Yu Ping Feng San: Classic TCM Formula for Wei Qi Deficiency, Spontaneous Sweating & Frequent Colds
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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.