Yu Ye Tang — Jade Fluid Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Comparisons with related formulas
7. Modifications
8. Cautions

Overview

Yu Ye Tang — Jade Fluid Decoction — was developed by the great early-20th-century physician Zhang Xichun (1860–1933) in his Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu. Zhang Xichun was famous for integrating classical Chinese medicine with emerging Western medical science, and this formula is one of his signature creations specifically for the pattern of xiao ke — the classical Chinese term for diabetes mellitus.

Zhang Xichun’s insight was that diabetes in middle-aged adults often presents not as pure Yin deficiency (as classical texts described) but as combined Qi and Yin deficiency with the Spleen failing to lift fluids upward to be transformed. The formula therefore combines Qi-tonifying herbs (Huang Qi, Shan Yao) with Yin-nourishing herbs (Zhi Mu, Tian Hua Fen, Ge Gen, Wu Wei Zi) and the unique Ji Nei Jin (chicken gizzard lining), which Zhang considered essential for transforming food into usable Qi and reducing pathological transformation into sugar.

Yu Ye Tang remains one of the most-used TCM formulas for type 2 diabetes in modern Chinese hospitals, used alongside conventional glucose-lowering medication. Modern research has demonstrated effects on fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity and the diabetic thirst-urination-hunger triad.

I prescribe Yu Ye Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan, integrated with the patient’s conventional diabetes management.

TCM pattern

Yu Ye Tang is prescribed for Qi and Yin deficiency in xiao ke (diabetes):

• Intense thirst with desire for cold drinks
• Frequent urination with large volumes of clear urine
• Increased appetite with weight loss (or stable weight)
• Fatigue, lassitude, lack of energy
• Dry mouth and throat
• Sweet taste in the mouth
• Tiredness after eating
• Slow-healing wounds
• Tingling and numbness in the feet (early diabetic neuropathy)
• Dry, itchy skin
• Tongue — red body, dry, possibly with peeled coat; sometimes with thick coat in mixed patterns
• Pulse — thin, slightly rapid, possibly weak

Key herbs

1. Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita) — chief; tonifies Spleen, Lung and Kidney; nourishes Yin without burdening digestion; the most important single herb for xiao ke
2. Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) — tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi to assist fluid transformation
3. Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) — clears Heat and nourishes Yin
4. Ji Nei Jin (chicken gizzard lining) — transforms food stagnation; Zhang Xichun’s key innovation for xiao ke
5. Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis) — astringes leakage of fluids and Qi
6. Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes kirilowii root) — clears Heat and generates fluids; specifically reduces thirst
7. Ge Gen (kudzu root, Pueraria lobata) — raises Spleen Yang to lift fluids and generate fluids in the upper body

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Qi (Spleen and Lung)
2. Nourishes Yin
3. Generates fluids and stops thirst
4. Astringes fluid leakage through urination
5. Reduces pathological transformation into sugar

Conditions treated

1. Type 2 diabetes mellitus with Qi and Yin deficiency pattern — see type 2 diabetes and how to lower blood sugar naturally
2. Pre-diabetes / impaired glucose tolerance
3. Diabetes insipidus with profuse urination
4. Polyuria of other causes with fluid leakage and fatigue
5. Diabetic neuropathy — tingling, numbness, burning feet (early stage)
6. Postpartum thirst and fatigue with Qi-Yin depletion
7. Recovery after febrile illness with persistent thirst, fatigue and urination
8. Hyperthyroidism with thirst, weight loss and Qi-Yin deficiency picture — see hyperthyroidism
9. Chronic fatigue with prominent thirst — particularly post-viral and post-COVID

Comparisons with related formulas

• Yu Quan Wan — simpler diabetes formula for Lung-Stomach Yin deficiency with prominent thirst.
• Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang — for upper xiao ke with intense thirst, high fever, profuse sweating and Qi-Yin damage from heat.
• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan — for Kidney Yin deficiency with lower xiao ke (frequent urination, lower back ache).
• Sheng Mai San — for Qi and Yin deficiency from heat injury, particularly in cardiovascular presentations.
• Xiao Ke Fang — classical formula for upper xiao ke with prominent thirst.

Modifications

• For pronounced thirst, increase Tian Hua Fen and add Mai Men Dong and Shi Hu
• For pronounced fatigue, increase Huang Qi and add Tai Zi Shen
• For early diabetic neuropathy, add Dan Shen and Ji Xue Teng to move Blood
• For diabetic retinopathy, add Gou Qi Zi and Ju Hua
• For diabetic nephropathy, combine with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
• For Damp-Heat overlay (metabolic syndrome with fatty liver), add Cang Zhu and Huang Bai
• For yeast/Candida overlay with itching, add Bi Xie and Tu Fu Ling

Cautions

This formula is a complementary support for diabetes, not a substitute for prescribed medication. Never stop or reduce insulin or oral hypoglycaemic medication without medical advice. Monitor blood glucose regularly during herbal treatment as the formula may modify glycaemic control.

The formula contains Ji Nei Jin (chicken gizzard lining), an animal product. Vegetarian patients can request substitution with alternative food-transforming herbs (Mai Ya, Shen Qu).

Always inform your diabetes team that you are taking Chinese herbs so that medication can be adjusted if needed. Tell your Chinese herbalist about all diabetes medications, including insulin.

Not appropriate during acute infection or febrile illness without modification.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.