Ba Zhen Tang — Eight Treasure Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Ba Zhen Tang — the Eight Treasure Decoction — is formed by combining the two most fundamental deficiency-tonifying formulas in TCM: Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), which tonifies Qi, and Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), which nourishes Blood. Together, the eight herbs address simultaneous Qi and Blood deficiency — one of the most common patterns in clinical practice, particularly in women. The formula dates to the Song Dynasty and has been in continuous clinical use for over 800 years.

TCM pattern

Ba Zhen Tang is prescribed for Qi and Blood deficiency, characterised by pale or sallow complexion, fatigue and lassitude, shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations, dizziness, poor appetite, scanty or irregular menstruation, a pale tongue with thin white coating, and a thin, weak pulse. This pattern arises from chronic illness, post-partum depletion, excessive menstrual blood loss, poor diet or overwork.

Key herbs

1. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root) — powerfully tonifies Yuan Qi and Spleen and Lung Qi; the principal Qi-tonifying herb
2. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome) — tonifies Spleen Qi and dries Dampness
3. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — tonifies Spleen Qi, resolves Dampness and calms the Heart-Mind
4. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza root) — tonifies Qi and harmonises the formula
5. Shu Di Huang (prepared Rehmannia root) — the principal Blood-nourishing herb; nourishes Liver and Kidney Blood and Yin
6. Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora root) — nourishes Blood and softens the Liver
7. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis root) — nourishes and invigorates Blood; essential in all Blood-tonifying formulas
8. Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome) — invigorates Blood and moves Qi; prevents the tonifying herbs from causing stagnation

Conditions treated

1. Chronic fatigue syndrome and post-viral exhaustion where Blood deficiency is prominent alongside Qi depletion
2. Irregular menstrual cycle, scanty periods or amenorrhoea from Blood and Qi deficiency
3. Post-partum recovery — one of the most widely used formulas in Chinese obstetric medicine for rebuilding Qi and Blood after delivery
4. Recovery from surgery, serious illness or significant blood loss
5. Insomnia and anxiety where Blood deficiency leaves the Heart insufficiently nourished
6. Anaemia and pale complexion from iron deficiency or chronic disease

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.