Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang — Tonify the Yang to Restore Five-Tenths

On this page

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

What is Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang?

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (“Tonify the Yang to Restore Five-Tenths Decoction”) is the classical Chinese formula for stroke recovery, devised by Wang Qing Ren in his 1830 work Yi Lin Gai Cuo. The name reflects Wang’s observation that stroke causes patients to lose “half” of their function (hemiplegia) — this formula restores it. The formula is unique in TCM in using an extraordinarily high dose of Huang Qi (typically 120 g) to drive a small constellation of Blood-moving herbs. Modern research demonstrates that the formula improves cerebral blood flow, reduces ischaemic injury and supports neurological recovery after stroke.

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for Qi deficiency with Blood stasis obstructing the channels, characterised by: hemiplegia or paralysis (typically post-stroke), facial deviation, slurred speech, drooling, hemiparesis, urinary incontinence, a pale tongue, and a slow, thin pulse. The pattern reflects insufficient Qi to drive Blood through the channels, with the resulting stagnation manifesting as paralysis.

Key herbs

1. Huang Qi (Astragalus root) — 120 g; the dominant herb at five times the dose of all others combined; tonifies Qi to drive Blood
2. Dang Gui (tail) — 6 g; tonifies and moves Blood
3. Chi Shao (red peony) — 4.5 g; invigorates Blood and clears Heat
4. Di Long (earthworm) — 3 g; unblocks the channels and opens the collaterals
5. Chuan Xiong (ligusticum) — 3 g; moves Blood and Qi
6. Tao Ren (peach kernel) — 3 g; breaks Blood stasis
7. Hong Hua (carthamus) — 3 g; invigorates Blood

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Qi
2. Invigorates Blood and moves the Blood vessels
3. Unblocks the channels and collaterals
4. Resolves Blood stasis

Conditions treated

1. Post-stroke rehabilitation — hemiplegia, hemiparesis, dysphasia
2. Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy) in the recovery phase
3. Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease — cognitive decline, post-stroke depression
4. Peripheral nerve injury and peripheral neuropathy with weakness
5. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy — substantial modern evidence base
6. Spinal cord injury recovery (specialist supervision)
7. Sequelae of traumatic brain injury with weakness

Cautions

Not used during the acute stroke phase — only in the recovery phase after the patient has stabilised. Avoid in active haemorrhage, untreated hypertension and in pregnancy. Use cautiously with anticoagulants — tell your medical team. 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.