Mai Men Dong Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
麦门冬汤 · Mài Mén Dōng Tāng
A Jin Gui formula for Lung and Stomach Yin deficiency with rebellious Qi, presenting with short, dry cough, phlegm that is hard to expectorate, dry throat and nausea or vomiting of foam.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yin-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yin Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Nourish Lung-Stomach Yin, descend rebellious Qi
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Enrich Yin of the Lung and Stomach and direct counterflow downward
- Classical Source
- Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A Jin Gui formula for Lung and Stomach Yin deficiency with rebellious Qi, presenting with short, dry cough, phlegm that is hard to expectorate, dry throat and nausea or vomiting of foam.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for dry cough with foamy sputum and nausea from Lung-Stomach Yin deficiency — combining moistening with descending, rather than pure dryness-clearing or pure Kidney-nourishing formulas.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Mai Men Dong Tang | Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Nourish Lung-Stomach Yin, descend rebellious Qi | Nourish Lung-Stomach Yin, generate fluids | Nourish Yin, clear Lung heat, resolve toxin, benefit the throat | Nourish Lung-Kidney Yin, moisten Lungs, stop cough |
| Formula Category | Yin-Tonifying Formulas | Yin-Tonifying Formulas | Yin-Tonifying Formulas | Yin-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Yin Deficiency | Yin Deficiency | Yin Deficiency | Yin Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Dry Cough ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Nausea ·Poor Appetite | Dry Cough ·Yin Deficiency Constitution ·Dry Mouth & Throat | Sore Throat ·Dry Cough ·Dry Mouth & Throat | Dry Cough ·Yin Deficiency Constitution ·Night Sweats |
| Main Herbs | Ophiopogon Tuber ·Pinellia Rhizome ·Ginseng Root ·Licorice Root ·Non-glutinous Rice | Glehnia Root ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Fragrant Solomonseal Rhizome ·Mulberry Leaf ·Trichosanthes Root | Raw Rehmannia Root ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Scrophularia Root ·Fritillaria Bulb ·Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark | Lily Bulb ·Raw Rehmannia Root ·Prepared Rehmannia Root ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Scrophularia Root |
| Classical Source | Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, Qing dynasty) | Chong Lou Yu Yao (Zheng Meijian, Qing dynasty) | Shen Zhai Yi Shu (Ming dynasty) / traditional |
Clinical Perspective
Mai Men Dong Tang nourishes Lung-Stomach Yin and descends counterflow. Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang focuses more on dry cough from dryness. Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang clears dryness-heat for diphtheria-type sore throat. Bai He Gu Jin Tang nourishes Lung-Kidney Yin for dry cough with blood-tinged phlegm.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Mai Men Dong Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Lung & Stomach Yin Deficiency with Dry Cough
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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.