Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
甘薑苓朮湯 · Gān Jiāng Líng Zhú Tāng
A classical formula for cold-damp lumbar pain from Kidney-Spleen Yang deficiency (Shen Zhuo).
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Cold Accumulation
- Primary Function
- Warm the middle, drain damp, ease lumbar cold-pain
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm Spleen and drain cold-damp from the lumbar region
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for cold-damp lumbar pain from Kidney-Spleen Yang deficiency (Shen Zhuo).
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for cold-damp lumbar pain from Spleen-Kidney deficiency (Shen Zhuo), rather than thin fluid retention, Yang-deficient edema, or chronic bi with essence deficiency.
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
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Rhizoma Zingiberis (Gan Jiang) 9g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 12g
- Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) 9g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Warms the middle
- fortifies the spleen
- and leaches out dampness to treat cold-damp lumbar pain.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for cold-damp in the middle jiao and lumbar region.
- Signs and symptoms include heavy cold lumbar pain that prefers warmth, loose stools, and a deep moderate pulse.
- The coating is white and greasy.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to cold accumulating in the interior and congealing qi and blood.
- Cold causes contraction and severe pain that prefers warmth.
- Cold-damp lodged in the middle and the lumbar region produces heavy cold lumbar pain that prefers warmth.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to warm the interior, disperse cold, and relieve contraction.
- In this formula the emphasis is to warm Spleen and drain cold-damp from the lumbar region.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, Zhen Wu Tang and Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang address cold-damp or lumbar issues. Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang warms and transforms thin fluid; Zhen Wu Tang warms Kidney Yang for edema; Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang treats chronic bi with Liver-Kidney deficiency. Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang warms the middle and drains cold-damp for lumbar cold-pain (Shen Zhuo).
Clinical Differentiation
- Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang is used for cold-damp in the middle and the lumbar region: heavy cold lumbar pain that prefers warmth.
- It is distinguished from Zhen Wu Tang (kidney-yang water) and from Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (chronic bi with liver-kidney deficiency).
Safety notes: This formula is warm and drying. It is not appropriate for damp-heat or yin-deficiency lumbar pain.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang?
Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang (also called Shen Zhuo Tang) has the actions of warming the Middle, dispelling Cold, strengthening the Spleen, and leaching Dampness. It “ovens the Earth to overcome Water”: the Spleen is warmed so Cold-Damp lodged in the low back can be transformed.
Which modern conditions is Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Cold-Damp in the lumbar region, including cold heavy low-back pain that worsens in damp weather, some cold-damp sciatica, clear thin leukorrhea of Cold-Damp type, and heaviness of the lower body with a pale tongue and white greasy coating.
Is Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang suitable for a low back that feels cold and heavy, as if sitting in water?
For presentations of cold, heavy lumbar pain or a sensation of sitting in water, body heaviness, no thirst, normal appetite and uninhibited urination, a pale tongue with white coating, and a deep slow or soggy pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Shen Zhuo (Cold-Damp fixation of the low back) — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of disc herniation, fracture, or other structural spine disease.
Related Products
Nong's Shen Zhuo Tang (Kidney Fixity Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Cold-Damp in the Middle, Heavy Body & Lower Back Pain
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Chronic Bi Syndrome, Lower Back & Knee Pain with Deficiency
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Fluid Retention, Dizziness & Spleen Deficiency
Zhen Wu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney Yang Deficiency, Edema & Water Retention
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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.