Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang: A Classic Formula for Relieving Pain from Damp-Heat
Hongji Medical- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang comes from Yi Xue Qi Yuan (The Origin of Medicine), created by the famous Jin Dynasty physician Zhang Yuansu. This classic Chinese medicine formula is used to treat damp-heat bi syndrome, particularly conditions caused by damp-heat buildup in the body, combined with external wind or wind-dampness turning into heat.
In Yi Xue Qi Yuan, Zhang Yuansu explains that Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang treats symptoms like “damp-heat causing limb and joint pain, heavy shoulders and back, chest and rib discomfort, widespread body pain, and swollen, unbearable pain in the lower legs.”
The formula includes herbs like Dang Gui, Qiang Huo, Fang Feng, Cang Zhu, Bai Zhu, Ze Xie, Zhu Ling, Yin Chen Hao, Huang Qin, Ku Shen, Zhi Mu, Sheng Ma, Ge Gen, Ren Shen, and Gan Cao.
Formula Explanation of Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang
Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang’s herbs are organized according to the Chinese medicine principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy”:
Monarch Herb: Dang Gui. This herb nourishes and activates blood, regulates menstruation, and relieves pain. It balances qi and blood, improving circulation to ease pain, as if “plucking away” discomfort, which inspires the formula’s name.
Supporting Herbs: Qiang Huo, Fang Feng, Cang Zhu, Bai Zhu. Qiang Huo (bitter and pungent) clears dampness from joints, while Fang Feng (sweet, pungent, and warm) disperses dampness in the channels, both expelling wind-cold and relieving pain from surface dampness. Cang Zhu and Bai Zhu strengthen the spleen and dry dampness, targeting dampness trapped in the spleen.
Assistant Herbs: Yin Chen Hao, Huang Qin, Ku Shen, Zhi Mu. Yin Chen Hao clears heat, drains dampness, and treats jaundice, helping expel damp-heat through urine. Huang Qin, Ku Shen, and Zhi Mu clear heat, dry dampness, and detoxify, addressing damp-heat turning into fire.
Envoy Herbs: Sheng Ma, Ge Gen, Ren Shen, Gan Cao. Sheng Ma and Ge Gen lift clear yang and expel pathogens, aiding in clearing damp-heat. Ren Shen greatly boosts vital qi, enhancing the body’s ability to fight pathogens. Dang Gui supports blood circulation, and Gan Cao harmonizes the formula for balanced effects.
Pathogenesis Analysis of Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang
Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang targets illnesses caused by damp-heat buildup, often worsened by external wind or wind-dampness turning into heat.
Damp-heat blocks qi and blood flow, causing symptoms like limb and joint pain, heavy shoulders and back, chest and rib discomfort, and widespread body pain.
Dampness, a heavy and sticky yin pathogen, slows qi movement, leading to a heavy feeling in the shoulders and back. When damp-heat moves downward, it can cause swollen, painful lower legs or sores on the knees and feet.
A white, greasy tongue coating with a slight yellow tint and a wiry, rapid pulse indicate internal damp-heat.
Indications and Effects of Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang
Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang is primarily used for damp-heat bi syndrome, with symptoms like widespread body pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, gout, ankle pain, pain in the front or outer thigh, back of the leg, outer foot, jaw, palm, index finger, thumb, or big toe, and pain on the outer sole.
Other symptoms include body heaviness, leg swelling, scrotal itching, arm or hand numbness, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, postpartum swelling, and weak, sore legs. In modern medicine, the formula is used for conditions like herpes zoster, acne, eczema, psoriasis, gout, trigeminal neuralgia, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, beriberi, and frozen shoulder.
Main Effects: Clears heat, drains dampness, expels wind, and relieves pain.
The formula works through multiple actions: Qiang Huo, Fang Feng, Cang Zhu, Bai Zhu, Ze Xie, and Zhu Ling drain dampness. Yin Chen Hao, Huang Qin, Ku Shen, and Zhi Mu clear heat and detoxify. Sheng Ma and Ge Gen lift yang to expel pathogens, Ren Shen boosts qi, Dang Gui improves blood flow, and Gan Cao harmonizes the formula for comprehensive relief.
Modern Applications
In modern medicine, Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang is widely used for various conditions, especially herpes zoster, acne, eczema, psoriasis, gout, trigeminal neuralgia, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, beriberi, and frozen shoulder, with significant effectiveness.
Research shows it effectively relieves damp-heat bi syndrome symptoms like widespread pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, and gout by clearing heat, draining dampness, and expelling wind.
Precautions
When using Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang, consider the following:
Pattern Differentiation: This formula is for damp-heat bi syndrome. Confirm the patient’s symptoms and constitution with a Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure suitability.
Contraindications: Avoid in cases of wind-cold-damp pain, as the formula is specific to damp-heat patterns.
Drug Interactions: Avoid combining with other similar-acting herbs to prevent overly strong effects or adverse reactions.
Special Populations: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and the elderly should use it under professional guidance for safety.
Conclusion
Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang, a time-honored formula from Yi Xue Qi Yuan, is a classic remedy for damp-heat bi syndrome. Its unique blend and proven effectiveness make it a cornerstone in Chinese medicine.
By clearing heat, draining dampness, expelling wind, and relieving pain, it addresses symptoms like body pain, sciatica, and gout, improving patient well-being. Understanding its uses and precautions ensures optimal results, blending traditional wisdom with modern care.
