Yu Zhu Mai Men Dong Tang — Solomon’s Seal and Ophiopogon Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Yu Zhu Mai Men Dong Tang — Solomon’s Seal and Ophiopogon Decoction — is a focused Yin-nourishing formula recorded in Wu Jutong’s Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases, 1798 CE). It is derived from the broader Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang by removing Sang Ye, Bai Bian Dou and Tian Hua Fen, narrowing its focus from generalised Lung and Stomach Yin depletion to Stomach-Yin deficiency specifically. The result is a sweet, cool, moistening formula ideal for the residual Stomach-Yin damage that follows a febrile illness, prolonged dry-cough illness, or aggressive use of drying herbs. It is one of the most useful prescriptions for the modern presentation of post-viral dry mouth, dry stools and a peeled red tongue.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Stomach-Yin deficiency with dryness, characterised by: dry mouth and dry throat (worse at night); thirst with no desire to drink, or thirst with a preference for small sips of cool water; dry stools or constipation; mild epigastric burning; hunger without appetite; a red, peeled or cracked tongue with little or no coating in the centre; and a thready, slightly rapid pulse.

Key herbs

1. Yu Zhu (Polygonatum odoratum rhizome, Solomon’s seal) — nourishes Stomach and Lung Yin; generates fluids; not greasy
2. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus tuber) — nourishes Stomach Yin, clears Heat from the Stomach and Lungs and generates fluids
3. Sha Shen (Glehnia littoralis root) — nourishes Stomach and Lung Yin
4. Gan Cao (licorice root) — harmonises and tonifies

Formula actions

1. Nourishes Stomach Yin
2. Generates fluids
3. Clears Stomach Heat
4. Moistens dryness

Conditions treated

1. Post-febrile Stomach-Yin damage with dry mouth, dry stools and peeled tongue
2. Atrophic gastritis with reduced gastric secretions and Yin-deficient picture
3. Chronic dry constipation from Stomach-Yin deficiency
4. Recovery from long COVID and other post-viral states with persistent dryness
5. Post-chemotherapy or post-radiotherapy Stomach-Yin depletion
6. Dry mouth and Sjogren-like dryness when the pattern is Stomach-Yin deficient
7. Hunger without appetite from Stomach-Yin deficiency
8. Reflux disease with Yin-deficient dryness and red peeled tongue

Cautions

Not appropriate for Spleen-Yang deficiency with cold and loose stools, or for Damp patterns where dryness would be counterproductive. 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.

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