Zi Yin Jiang Huo Tang — Nourish Yin & Direct Down Fire Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Zi Yin Jiang Huo Tang — “Nourish Yin and Direct Down Fire Decoction” — is a Ming-dynasty formula for Lung-Kidney Yin deficiency with empty Heat producing chronic dry cough. It addresses the classical pattern of pulmonary tuberculosis (now also seen in non-TB chronic lung disease, post-radiation lung damage, and other Yin-deficient chronic respiratory conditions).

The formula combines deep Yin-nourishing herbs (Shu Di, Sheng Di, Tian Men Dong, Mai Men Dong) with empty-Heat-clearing herbs (Zhi Mu, Huang Bai) and Blood-nourishing herbs (Dang Gui, Bai Shao) in elegant proportion. It is one of the foundational formulas in TCM pulmonology.

I prescribe Zi Yin Jiang Huo Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Zi Yin Jiang Huo Tang is prescribed for Lung-Kidney Yin deficiency with empty Heat:

• Chronic dry cough — sometimes with blood-streaked sputum
• Afternoon low-grade fever or feeling of heat
• Night sweats
• Five-palm Heat (heat in palms, soles, chest)
• Dry mouth and throat
• Bone-steaming sensation
• Hectic flushed cheeks
• Weight loss
• Tongue — red, dry, possibly peeled coat
• Pulse — thin, rapid, possibly floating empty

Key herbs

1. Shu Di Huang — nourishes Kidney Yin
2. Sheng Di Huang — cools Blood and nourishes Yin
3. Tian Men Dong — nourishes Lung-Kidney Yin
4. Mai Men Dong — nourishes Lung-Stomach Yin
5. Dang Gui — nourishes Blood
6. Bai Shao — nourishes Blood
7. Bai Zhu — tonifies Spleen so the rich tonics are absorbed
8. Chen Pi — moves Qi to prevent stagnation
9. Zhi Mu — clears empty Heat
10. Huang Bai — clears Kidney empty Heat
11. Zhi Gan Cao — harmonises

Formula actions

1. Nourishes Lung-Kidney Yin
2. Clears empty Heat (Fire from Yin deficiency)
3. Stops cough and night sweats
4. Nourishes Blood

Conditions treated

1. Chronic dry cough from Lung Yin deficiency — see best remedy for dry cough
2. Pulmonary tuberculosis (alongside conventional antibiotic treatment)
3. Post-radiation pneumonitis
4. Chronic interstitial lung disease with Yin-deficient picture
5. Bronchiectasis with dry cough and night sweats
6. Late-stage menopause with bone-steaming and night sweats — see menopausal symptoms
7. Post-COVID Yin-deficient cough — see Long COVID
8. Chronic chest infection in HIV patients
9. Chronic dry skin and night sweats in Yin-deficient patients

Cautions

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease requiring conventional antibiotic treatment. This formula is an adjunct, not a substitute.

Persistent cough, particularly with weight loss, night sweats, blood-streaked sputum or fever, needs medical assessment to exclude TB, lung cancer and other serious pathology.

Not appropriate for cold patterns or Damp-Phlegm cough.

Use cautiously in patients with weak digestion — the rich tonifying herbs can burden a weak Spleen; modify with Qi-moving herbs.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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