Zeng Ye Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
增液汤 · Zēng Yè Tāng
A Wen Bing formula for constipation from fluid deficiency after heat disease, when the Intestines lack moisture rather than when there is excess heat accumulation requiring purge.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yin-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yin Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Enrich Yin, generate fluids, moisten the Intestines
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Increase body fluids to moisten dry Intestines and relieve constipation
- Classical Source
- Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, 1798)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A Wen Bing formula for constipation from fluid deficiency after heat disease, when the Intestines lack moisture rather than when there is excess heat accumulation requiring purge.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for dry constipation after heat when fluids are depleted — moistening rather than purging, and more Intestine-focused than general Lung-Stomach Yin tonics.
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
麥冬Mai Dong24g
Ophiopogon Tuber- sweet-cold in nature increases the fluids to moisten dryness
生地黃Sheng Di Huang24g
Raw Rehmannia Root- sweet
- bitter and cold in nature
- enriches yin to moisten dryness
Classical Composition
- Scrophulariae Radix (Xuan Shen) 1 liang (30g)
- Ophiopogonis Radix (Mai Dong) 8 qian (24g)
- Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Di) 8 qian (24g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Increases body fluids to moisten dryness.
Indications
- Zeng Ye Tang is indicated for yangming warm-febrile disease with fluid inadequacy and constipation.
- The symptoms are constipation and thirst.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is red and dry, and the pulse is thin and rapid or deep and forceless.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Constipation as a symptom of yangming warm-febrile disease is commonly caused by the binding of heat or drying up of fluids.
- For an excess pattern with intense heat and binding of heat, Da Cheng Qi Tang should be selected to drastically purge and preserve yin.
- However, in cases where yin and body fluids have already been severely damaged due to heat and dryness, “the boat cannot steer because there is no water; the dry and accumulated stool cannot be discharged” as stated in《Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases》.
- The constipation that is treated by this formula is caused by febrile disease which consumes fluids and leads to yin deficiency and drying of the fluids that moisten the intestines and facilitate the passage of stool.
- As yin fluids become depleted, they are unable to rise to the mouth, causing thirst.
Clinical presentation
- A dry, red tongue and thin, rapid pulse reflect internal heat from yin deficiency and a deep and forceless pulse indicates interior deficiency.
Treatment strategy
- In this condition, it is necessary to employ the therapeutic method of “increasing the fluids to float the boat”.
- The appropriate therapeutic method is to increase body fluids in order to moisten dryness.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Zeng Ye Tang moistens the Intestines for fluid-deficiency constipation. Mai Men Dong Tang and Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang nourish Lung-Stomach Yin with more cough focus. Yu Nv Jian clears Stomach heat and nourishes Yin for toothache and gingival heat.
Clinical Differentiation
- Zeng Ye Tang is a common formula prescribed to treat constipation caused by intestinal dryness and fluid depletion.
- It is also a primary formula to treat yin deficiency and fluid depletion caused by internal damage.
- This clinical pattern is marked by constipation, thirst, dry and red tongue, thin, rapid or deep and forceless pulse.
Safety notes: This formula generates fluids. It is not appropriate for constipation from cold bind or from qi deficiency without dryness.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Zeng Ye Tang?
Zeng Ye Tang has the actions of nourishing Yin, generating fluids, moistening the Intestines, and unblocking the bowels. It embodies the classical principle of “increasing the water to float the boat” (增水行舟), replenishing deficient fluids so that dry stool can move naturally without harsh purgation.
Which modern diseases is Zeng Ye Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Yin and fluid deficiency with intestinal dryness, including constipation following febrile illness or in the elderly, chronic dry throat or pharyngitis, recurrent oral dryness or ulcers of Yin-deficient type, and supportive care in certain Yin-deficient presentations such as dry mouth syndromes.
Is Zeng Ye Tang suitable for improving dry, hard constipation with thirst and a dry red tongue?
For presentations of dry, difficult-to-pass stools, thirst or dry mouth and throat, a dry red tongue, and a thin rapid or deep forceless pulse — especially after a Warm-febrile disease has consumed fluids, and without marked abdominal fullness or severe pain — TCM commonly applies Zeng Ye Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Zeng Ye Tang (Increase the Fluids Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Zeng Ye Tang: Increasing Body Fluids to Relieve Intestinal Dryness and Severe Constipation
Yu Nu Jian: Classic TCM Formula for Stomach Heat with Yin Deficiency, Toothache & Thirst
Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Lung & Stomach Yin Deficiency & Dryness
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.