Prescriptions for Promoting the Production of Body Fluids to Moisten Dryness
Zengye Chengqi Tang: Classic TCM Formula
Name
Zengye Chengqi Tang (Purgative Decoction for Increasing Fluid and Sustaining Qi)
Source
Wen Bing Tiao Bian
Ingredients
- Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae) 30 g
- Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis) 25 g
- Sheng Di (Radix Rehmanniae) 25 g
- Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 9 g
- Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 5 g
Explanation
- Da Huang is the principal drug: bitter in flavor and cold in nature, purging heat and inducing bowel movements.
- Sheng Di and Mai Dong nourish yin, promote the generation of body fluid and moisten the bowels to cause defecation.
- Mang Xiao softens and dissolves hardened masses and removes pathogenic dryness.
Nature and action
Nourishes yin, promotes the generation of body fluid, and induces bowel movements to purge heat.
Indications
A syndrome of constipation due to accumulation of pathogenic heat and exhaustion of body fluids, marked by dry stools, a crimson tongue with a thin coating, and a thready, rapid pulse.
Also indicated for constipation due to hemorrhoids, liver abscess or tumor, with these symptoms.
Dose
Decocted in water and taken by mouth in two divided doses.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.
Did this article help you?
Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.
Keep readingRelated entries
Something this article did not cover?
Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.
Ask a question →