Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan — Emperor of Heaven’s Special Pill to Tonify the Heart

On this page

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

Overview

Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan is the most comprehensive formula in Chinese herbal medicine for nourishing Heart and Kidney Yin, tonifying Blood and calming the Shen. While Suan Zao Ren Tang addresses insomnia from Liver Blood deficiency, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan addresses the deeper pattern where both Heart Yin and Kidney Yin are insufficient, producing a disconnection between the Heart and Kidney (Heart and Kidney not communicating) and allowing Heart Fire to rise and disturb the Shen. It is particularly suited to insomnia in overworked, chronically stressed adults and in perimenopausal women.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Heart and Kidney Yin deficiency with Heart-Kidney disharmony, characterised by: persistent insomnia (difficulty staying asleep and vivid or disturbing dreams), palpitations, anxiety and mental restlessness, forgetfulness, night sweats, dry mouth and throat at night, heat sensations in the palms and soles, a red tongue tip, and a thin, rapid pulse.

Key herbs

1. Sheng Di Huang (raw Rehmannia root) — nourishes Kidney Yin and cools Blood; the principal herb (in a large dose)
2. Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza root) — nourishes and invigorates Heart Blood; cools Blood Heat; calms the Shen
3. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root) — tonifies Qi to support the production of Yin and Blood
4. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus root) — nourishes Lung and Heart Yin and clears Empty Fire
5. Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis fruit) — astringes the Heart Qi; prevents further leakage of vital substances
6. Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus spinosa seed) — nourishes Heart Blood and calms the Shen; the most important herb for insomnia
7. Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus orientalis seed) — nourishes Heart Blood, calms the Shen and moistens the intestines
8. Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia root) — promotes communication between the Heart and Kidney; calms the Shen

Conditions treated

1. Insomnia — particularly vivid dreams, waking in the night and difficulty returning to sleep from Heart-Kidney disharmony
2. Anxiety and palpitations from Heart and Kidney Yin deficiency
3. Menopausal insomnia, night sweats and anxiety — one of the primary formulas for the Heart-Kidney disharmony pattern of menopause
4. Poor memory and cognitive decline from insufficient Yin nourishing the Heart
5. Burnout with prominent insomnia, night sweats and palpitations

A rich, nourishing formula — can burden digestion in patients with significant Spleen deficiency. Not suitable for Damp or Phlegm accumulation.

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.