Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang — Increase the Fluids and Order the Qi Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang is from Wu Jutong’s Wen Bing Tiao Bian (1798) and is essentially Zeng Ye Tang with Da Huang and Mang Xiao added — combining gentle Yin-nourishing fluids with strong cooling purgation. It addresses severe dry constipation from Yin deficiency with residual Heat — the picture where dry, hard stools refuse to pass because the intestines lack moisture and there is residual Heat from a recent febrile illness.

I prescribe Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang is prescribed for dry stool retention from Yin deficiency with residual Heat:

• Severe constipation with hard dry stools — that have not moved for several days
• Dry mouth, thirst
• Mild low-grade fever
• Restlessness
• Following recent febrile illness (the classical setting)
• Tongue — dry, red, possibly with peeled coat or thick yellow coat
• Pulse — thin, rapid, or thin and forceful

Key herbs

1. Xuan Shen — nourishes Yin and cools Blood
2. Mai Men Dong — nourishes Lung-Stomach Yin
3. Sheng Di Huang — nourishes Yin
4. Da Huang — purges Heat downward
5. Mang Xiao — softens hard stool and clears Heat

Formula actions

1. Increases fluids and nourishes Yin
2. Purges dry stool
3. Clears residual Heat
4. Lubricates the intestines

Conditions treated

1. Severe constipation after febrile illness with dry hard stools
2. Constipation in elderly Yin-deficient patients
3. Post-operative ileus with dry stool
4. Constipation from chronic medication use (alongside addressing the cause)
5. Constipation in chemotherapy patients with Yin damage
6. Refractory chronic constipation with Yin deficiency — see constipation

Cautions

Contains Da Huang and Mang Xiao — strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.

Not for chronic long-term use; use only to break a refractory episode, then switch to gentler Yin-nourishing or fluid-supporting strategies.

Not appropriate for cold-pattern or Spleen-Qi-deficient constipation.

Persistent constipation needs medical assessment to exclude bowel obstruction and colorectal pathology.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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