Juan Bi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
蠲痹湯 · Juān Bì Tāng
A classical formula for wind-damp bi of the limbs and joints with pain, stiffness and limited range of motion.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Dampness
- Primary Function
- Dispel wind-damp, move Qi and blood, stop bi pain
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Dispel wind-damp and unblock the channels
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for wind-damp bi of the limbs and joints with pain, stiffness and limited range of motion.
Therapeutic Principle
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.
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
佐/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
當歸Dang Gui9g
Chinese Angelica Root- nourishes and and gently invigorates blood
川芎Chuan Xiong6g
Chuanxiong Rhizome- moves blood and qi and reaches the head and channels
乳香Ru Xiang6g
Frankincense- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
木香Mu Xiang6g
Aucklandia / Costus Root- moves qi in the middle jiao and intestines and relieves pain
Classical Composition
- Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii (Qiang Huo) 9g
- Radix Angelicae Pubescentis (Du Huo) 9g
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 6g
- Mori Ramulus (Sang Zhi) 12g
- Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Dang Gui) 9g
- Rhizoma Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) 6g
- Olibanum (Ru Xiang) 6g
- Radix Aucklandiae (Mu Xiang) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Dispels wind-damp
- moves qi and blood
- and relieves painful obstruction.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for wind-damp obstructing the channels of the limbs and nape.
- Signs and symptoms include sore, heavy joints that worsen with weather change.
- The coating is white and greasy.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to dampness obstructing the middle jiao or channels.
- Dampness is heavy and lingering; it impedes qi movement and produces fullness, heaviness, loose stools or edema.
- Wind-damp obstructing the channels of the limbs and nape produces sore, heavy joints that worsen with weather change.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to leach out dampness, awaken the spleen, and move qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to dispel wind-damp and unblock the channels.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
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.
Clinical Differentiation
- Juan Bi Tang is used for wind-damp obstructing the channels of the limbs and nape, worse with weather change.
- It is distinguished from Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang (upper-body damp) and from Yi Yi Ren Tang (damp bi with more spleen dampness).
Safety notes: This formula dispels wind-damp. It is not appropriate for yin-deficiency heat bi or for blood-deficiency wind without damp.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Juan Bi Tang (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Juan Bi Tang (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Juan Bi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome, Joint Pain & Numbness
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Chronic Bi Syndrome, Lower Back & Knee Pain with Deficiency
Yi Yi Ren Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome, Swollen Joints & Heaviness
Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Damp Bi, Heavy Body, Headache & Joint Pain
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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.