Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
越婢加術湯 · Yuè Bì Jiā Zhú Tāng
A classical Shang Han formula for wind-edema with exterior signs, sweating and Spleen damp.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, clear heat, fortify Spleen, drain damp
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Induce sweating to release exterior and drain damp edema
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical Shang Han formula for wind-edema with exterior signs, sweating and Spleen damp.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for wind-edema with exterior signs and Spleen damp, when Bai Zhu’s Spleen-fortifying action is needed beyond plain Yue Bi 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
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
Classical Composition
- Herba Ephedrae (Ma Huang) 9g
- Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao) 18g
- Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) 9g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Sheng Jiang) 9g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 6g
- Fructus Jujubae (Da Zao) 5pcs
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Induces sweating
- promotes urination
- and fortifies the spleen to disperse edema.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for wind-water edema with spleen dampness.
- Signs and symptoms include swelling, fever, and inhibited urination.
- The coating is white and greasy.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to externally contracted wind-cold that fetters the exterior and constrains lung qi.
- Wind-water at the exterior with spleen dampness produces edema, fever and inhibited urination; bai zhu strengthens the transporting function.
Clinical presentation
- Wei yang is obstructed, the interstices close, and the lung fails to diffuse, producing aversion to cold, absence of sweating, body aches and a superficial tight pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to induce sweating to release the exterior and diffuse the lung.
- In this formula the emphasis is to induce sweating to release exterior and drain damp edema.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang, Yue Bi Tang, Wu Ling San and Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang all treat edema. Yue Bi Tang induces sweating for wind-edema; Wu Ling San transforms Qi and drains water; Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang tonifies Qi while draining damp. Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang adds Bai Zhu to Yue Bi Tang to fortify the Spleen while releasing exterior and draining damp.
Clinical Differentiation
- Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang is used for wind-water edema with spleen dampness.
- Bai Zhu is added to Yue Bi Tang to strengthen transportation.
- It is distinguished from Yue Bi Tang (more exterior wind-water) and from Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (qi-deficient wind edema).
Safety notes: This formula induces sweating and leaches water. It is not appropriate for yin-deficiency edema or for deficiency exteriors with profuse sweating.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang?
Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang has the actions of releasing the exterior, dispersing Wind, promoting urination, reducing edema, clearing Heat, and strengthening the Spleen to dry dampness. It is a modification of Yue Bi Tang with the addition of Bai Zhu.
Which modern conditions is Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang commonly applied to?
In modern TCM clinical practice it is frequently used for patients whose pattern differentiation matches Wind-Water or damp accumulation with Heat, including acute nephritis with edema, early nephrotic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis with swelling, and certain damp-heat skin conditions such as eczema.
Is Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang suitable for treating edema?
For presentations of facial or generalized edema, body heaviness, reduced urination, aversion to wind, and possible mild fever or thirst — when pattern differentiation confirms Wind-Water with Spleen dampness — TCM commonly applies Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical evaluation.
Related Products
Nong's Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang (Ephedra and Gypsum Plus Atractylodes Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Edema, Facial Swelling & Exterior Excess
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Edema, Sweating & Wind-Damp
Wu Ling San: Classic TCM Formula for Water Retention, Edema & Urinary Difficulty
Browse all classical formulas →
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.