Chinese: 补肺汤
Pinyin: Bǔ Fèi Tāng
Other names: Tonify the Lungs Decoction
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that tonify Qi
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: AsthmaPolyuriaEnuresis and twelve other conditions
- Augments the Qi
- Stabilizes the Exterior
Source date: 1331 AD
Source book: Everlasting Categorization of Inscribed Formulas
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Bu Fei Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) as principal ingredients.
Invented in 1331 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi. Its main actions are: 1) augments the Qi and 2) stabilizes the Exterior.
In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.
In this case Bu Fei Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lung Qi Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza or emphysema for instance.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the six ingredients in Bu Fei Tang, we review the patterns and conditions that Bu Fei Tang helps treat.
The six ingredients in Bu Fei Tang
Ren Shen is a king ingredient in Bu Fei Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartLungSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."
In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it works synergistically with Milkvetch root to tonify the Qi and fortify the Protective Qi.
Huang Qi is a king ingredient in Bu Fei Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
2. Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi)
In general Huang Qi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Wei Qi and stops perspiration. Tonifies the Spleen Qi and the Yang Qi of the Earth Element. Tonifies the Qi and Blood. Expels pus and assists in the healing of wounds. Helps to regulate water metabolism in the body and reduce edema."
In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it works synergistically with Ginseng to tonify the Qi and fortify the Protective Qi.
Wu Wei Zi is a deputy ingredient in Bu Fei Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
3. Schisandra Berries (Wu Wei Zi)
Part used: Dried ripe fruits
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLung
Category: Herbs that stabilize and bind
In general Wu Wei Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidneys and preserves the Essence. Astringes the Lung Qi and stops coughing. Retains Bodily Fluids and encourages their production. Tonifies the Heart and calms the spirit (Shen)."
In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it preserves the Lung Qi and helps the Kidneys grasp the Qi.
Zi Wan is a deputy ingredient in Bu Fei Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
4. Aster Roots (Zi Wan)
Part used: Dried root and rhizome
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: Lung
Category: Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
In general Zi Wan's main actions are as follows: "Relieves Phlegm and stops cough."
In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it moistens the Lungs and stops the coughing.
Sang Bai Pi is a deputy ingredient in Bu Fei Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
5. Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi)
Part used: Dried root bark
Nature: Cold
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: Lung
Category: Herbs that cool the Blood
In general Sang Bai Pi's main actions are as follows: "Clears heat from the lung, relieves asthma and induce urination to disperse swelling"
In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it descends the Lung Qi.
Shu Di huang is an assistant ingredient in Bu Fei Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
6. Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang)
Part used: Prepared dried root tuber
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
In general Shu Di huang's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys."
In the context of Bu Fei Tang, it is used because it tonifies the Essence and the lower and basal aspects of the body.
Bu Fei Tang is used to treat Lung Qi Deficiency
It's important to remember that herbal formulas are meant to treat patterns, not "diseases" as understood in Western Medicine. According to Chinese Medicine patterns, which are disruptions to the body as a system, are the underlying root cause for diseases and conditions.
As such Bu Fei Tang is mostly used to treat the pattern "Lung Qi Deficiency" which we describe below.
But before we delve into Lung Qi Deficiency here is an overview of the Western conditions it is commonly associated with:
Pulmonary tuberculosis Influenza Emphysema Polyuria Asthma Allergic sinusitis Facial edema Upper respiratory tract infections Urinary incontinence Common cold Chronic bronchitis Hay fever Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Allergic rhinitis Enuresis
Again it wouldn't be correct to say "Bu Fei Tang treats pulmonary tuberculosis" for instance. Rather, Bu Fei Tang is used to treat Lung Qi Deficiency, which is sometimes the root cause behind pulmonary tuberculosis.
Now let's look at Lung Qi Deficiency, a pattern that TCM practitioners commonly treat with Bu Fei Tang.
The Lungs is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Lungs in Chinese Medicine
Lung Qi Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu)
Tongue color: Pale
Symptoms: Coughing Pale face Tiredness Weak voice Low energy Aversion to cold Aversion to speak Shortness of breath Propensity to catch colds Spontaneous daytime sweating
Bu Fei Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Lung Qi Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as spontaneous daytime sweating, aversion to speak, shortness of breath and coughing. Patients with Lung Qi Deficiency typically exhibit empty (Xu) pulses as well as Pale or normal color tongue.
The Lungs govern Qi and respiration. Therefore there will be shortness of breath and coughing in case of Lung Qi Deficiency. However the condition is not severe as it is mostly on exertion and not full-blown symptoms of bronchitis or asthma.
Symptoms like coughing can also appear if Lungs' Qi... read more about Lung Qi Deficiency
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