Yue Bi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
越婢湯 · Yuè Bì Tāng
A classical formula for wind-edema with aversion to wind, edema and mild heat signs.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, clear heat, drain damp edema
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Induce sweating to release wind-edema and clear mild heat
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- —
Formula Overview
A classical formula for wind-edema with aversion to wind, edema and mild heat signs.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for wind-edema with aversion to wind and mild heat, rather than Qi-deficiency damp edema, pure water retention, or Lung-heat wheezing.
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 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 to release the exterior and promotes urination to disperse edema.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for wind edema with an exterior pattern.
- Signs and symptoms include sudden swelling of the face and limbs, aversion to wind, and absence of sweating.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is superficial.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to externally contracted wind-cold that fetters the exterior and constrains lung qi.
- Wind edema with an exterior pattern produces sudden swelling of the face and limbs, aversion to wind and absence of sweating.
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 wind-edema and clear mild heat.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Yue Bi Tang, Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang, Wu Ling San and Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang can all involve edema or exterior patterns. Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang tonifies Qi while draining damp; Wu Ling San transforms Qi and drains water; Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang clears Lung heat with wheezing. Yue Bi Tang induces sweating to release wind-edema with mild heat signs.
Clinical Differentiation
- Yue Bi Tang is used for wind edema with an exterior pattern: sudden swelling of the face and limbs, aversion to wind and absence of sweating.
- It is distinguished from Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang (added spleen transportation) and from Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (lung heat wheezing rather than edema).
Safety notes: This formula induces sweating. It is not appropriate for yin-deficiency or yang-deficiency edema, nor for exteriors that already sweat copiously.
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 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
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang: Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula for Cough, Wheezing, and Lung Heat
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.