Zhen Wu Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
真武汤 · Zhēn Wǔ Tāng
Classic formula for Kidney Yang deficiency with water flooding, presenting with edema, heavy limbs, abdominal pain, diarrhea and cold extremities. Named after the mythical True Warrior who controls water.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yang-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yang Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Warm Yang, promote urination, transform water
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm Yang, promote urination and transform water-damp
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
Classic formula for Kidney Yang deficiency with water flooding, presenting with edema, heavy limbs, abdominal pain, diarrhea and cold extremities. Named after the mythical True Warrior who controls water.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Yang deficiency allows water to flood, with edema, heaviness and palpitations, warming Yang to transform fluids — a stronger warming strategy than Wu Ling San, and opposite in emphasis to Zhu Ling Tang, which clears Damp-Heat while protecting Yin.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Zhen Wu Tang | Wu Ling San | Zhu Ling Tang | Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Warm Yang, promote urination, transform water | Promote urination, drain Dampness, warm Yang | Promote urination, clear Heat, nourish Yin | Warm Middle Yang, restore collapsed Yang, strengthen Spleen |
| Formula Category | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Yang Deficiency | Dampness | Damp-Heat | Yang Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Edema ·Abdominal Pain ·Cold Limbs ·Diarrhea | Edema ·Frequent Urination ·Damp Constitution | Edema ·Frequent Urination ·Yin Deficiency Constitution | Abdominal Pain ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort ·Cold Limbs |
| Main Herbs | Prepared Aconite Accessory Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger | Alisma Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Polyporus ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Cinnamon Twig | Polyporus ·Poria / Hoelen ·Alisma Rhizome ·Talcum ·Donkey-hide Gelatin | Prepared Aconite Accessory Root ·Dried Ginger ·Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Honey-fried Licorice |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang / San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun (Song dynasty) |
Clinical Perspective
Zhen Wu Tang warms Yang to transform water. Wu Ling San promotes urination with milder warming. Zhu Ling Tang addresses Damp-Heat with Yin injury. Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang focuses more on Middle Yang deficiency without prominent edema.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Zhen Wu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney Yang Deficiency, Edema & Water Retention
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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.