Zhu Ling Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
猪苓汤 · Zhū Líng Tāng
Shang Han Lun formula for water retention with Heat and Yin injury, presenting with urinary difficulty, thirst, and possible fever or restlessness. Differs from Wu Ling San by adding Yin-nourishing and Heat-clearing actions.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Damp-Heat
- Primary Function
- Promote urination, clear Heat, nourish Yin
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Promote urination, clear Heat and nourish Yin
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
Shang Han Lun formula for water retention with Heat and Yin injury, presenting with urinary difficulty, thirst, and possible fever or restlessness. Differs from Wu Ling San by adding Yin-nourishing and Heat-clearing actions.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Damp-Heat obstructs urination and Yin has already been injured, draining while moistening — a cooler, Yin-protecting counterpart to Wu Ling San's warmer Yang-supporting approach, and quite unlike Zhen Wu Tang, which warms Yang for edema of deficiency origin.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Zhu Ling Tang | Wu Ling San | Zhen Wu Tang | Da Cheng Qi Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Promote urination, clear Heat, nourish Yin | Promote urination, drain Dampness, warm Yang | Warm Yang, promote urination, transform water | Strongly purge Heat accumulation and constipation |
| Formula Category | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Purgative Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Damp-Heat | Dampness | Yang Deficiency | Stomach Heat |
| Main Conditions | Edema ·Frequent Urination ·Yin Deficiency Constitution | Edema ·Frequent Urination ·Damp Constitution | Edema ·Abdominal Pain ·Cold Limbs ·Diarrhea | Constipation ·Bloating ·Abdominal Pain ·Fever |
| Main Herbs | Polyporus ·Poria / Hoelen ·Alisma Rhizome ·Talcum ·Donkey-hide Gelatin | Alisma Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Polyporus ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Cinnamon Twig | Prepared Aconite Accessory Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger | Rhubarb Root and Rhizome ·Mirabilite / Glauber's Salt ·Magnolia Bark ·Immature Bitter Orange |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Zhu Ling Tang drains Damp-Heat while protecting Yin. Wu Ling San is more for cold-type water amassment with Yang support. Zhen Wu Tang warms Yang for edema from Yang deficiency. Da Cheng Qi Tang purges solid Heat accumulation.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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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.
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