Yi Yi Ren Tang — Coix Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Yi Yi Ren Tang — the “Coix Decoction” — is a classical formula for Wind-Damp-Cold Bi syndrome (obstruction syndrome of the joints) where Damp is the dominant pathogenic factor. The chief herb Yi Yi Ren (coix seed) drains Damp from the muscles and joints; the supporting herbs add wind-dispersing (Ma Huang, Gui Zhi), Damp-drying (Cang Zhu), Blood-moving (Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong) and pain-relieving actions.

It is one of the most widely used classical formulas for arthritis with prominent swelling, joint heaviness and stiffness aggravated by damp weather.

I prescribe Yi Yi Ren Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Yi Yi Ren Tang is prescribed for Wind-Damp-Cold Bi syndrome with prominent Damp:

• Joint pain with heaviness
• Joint swelling
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning
• Worse with damp and cold weather
• Better with warmth and movement
• Pain that moves between joints
• Body heaviness
• Tongue — pale or slightly purplish, white greasy coat
• Pulse — floating, slow, slippery

Key herbs

1. Yi Yi Ren (coix seed, Coix lacryma-jobi) — chief; drains Damp from muscles and joints
2. Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea) — dries Damp
3. Ma Huang (small dose) — releases the surface and disperses Wind-Cold
4. Gui Zhi — warms the channels
5. Dang Gui — nourishes and moves Blood
6. Chuan Xiong — moves Blood and Qi
7. Sheng Jiang, Gan Cao — harmonise

Formula actions

1. Disperses Wind-Damp-Cold from the channels
2. Drains Damp
3. Warms the channels
4. Moves Blood and relieves pain

Conditions treated

1. Rheumatoid arthritis with damp-cold pattern — see rheumatoid arthritis
2. Osteoarthritis with prominent swelling and morning stiffness
3. Reactive arthritis
4. Polymyalgia rheumatica in cold-damp pattern
5. Fibromyalgia with cold-damp pattern — see fibromyalgia
6. Chronic muscle and joint stiffness aggravated by damp weather
7. Frozen shoulder with cold-damp pattern — see frozen shoulder
8. Sciatica with cold-damp pattern — see sciatica

Cautions

Contains Ma Huang — not appropriate in pregnancy, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, cardiac arrhythmias or with stimulants. Always declare to your medical team.

Not appropriate for hot-pattern arthritis with red, hot, swollen joints.

Not appropriate for Yin-deficient joint pain.

Inflammatory arthritis needs rheumatology diagnosis and monitoring; herbs are an adjunct to disease-modifying treatment.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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