Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang — Tonify Blood Decoction

On this page

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

What is Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang?

Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (“Dang Gui Tonify Blood Decoction”) is one of the most elegant formulas in the Chinese pharmacopoeia — just two herbs in a 5:1 ratio of Huang Qi to Dang Gui. Devised by Li Dong Yuan in the 13th century, the formula treats severe Blood deficiency by tonifying the Qi that generates Blood. Modern pharmacological research confirms that the synergy between the two herbs produces effects greater than either herb alone, with documented haematopoietic, immune-modulating and angiogenic activity. The formula is the classical first-line treatment for anaemia, postnatal recovery, recovery from chemotherapy, and Blood deficiency presenting with fatigue and pallor.

Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for Qi and Blood deficiency with deficiency Heat, characterised by: pallor, fatigue that worsens with activity, dizziness, palpitations, a low-grade fever that comes and goes, thirst with a preference for warm drinks, a pale tongue with thin coating, and a flooding, large but empty pulse. The pattern often arises after blood loss (heavy menses, childbirth, surgery), chronic illness or chemotherapy.

Key herbs

1. Huang Qi (Astragalus root) — 30 g; tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi, generates Blood through its Qi-tonifying action, lifts Yang
2. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis root) — 6 g; tonifies and invigorates Blood, harmonises Blood

The 5:1 ratio of Huang Qi to Dang Gui is the defining feature — it reflects the TCM principle that “Qi is the commander of Blood; Blood is the mother of Qi”, and that strong Qi tonification is needed to drive Blood production.

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Qi to generate Blood
2. Nourishes Blood
3. Clears deficiency Heat (the floating Yang that arises when Blood cannot anchor Qi)

Conditions treated

1. Iron-deficiency anaemia (alongside iron supplementation)
2. Anaemia of chronic disease
3. Postnatal anaemia and recovery
4. Recovery from heavy menstruation
5. Recovery from chemotherapy — including chemotherapy-induced leucopenia and neutropenia
6. Recovery from radiation therapy
7. Persistent low ferritin in vegetarians and women of reproductive age
8. Chronic fatigue with pale tongue and fatigue worse on exertion
9. Non-healing wounds — the formula has documented angiogenic and tissue-regenerating effects

Cautions

Avoid in true Heat patterns and Yin deficiency with marked Heat. Use cautiously in pregnancy — refer to a qualified practitioner. 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.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.