Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Ingredients
| Herb Name | English Name | Historical Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Sheng Di Huang | Rehmannia Root (raw) | 2 qian |
| Shu Di Huang | Rehmannia Root (prepared) | 3 qian |
| Mai Dong | Ophiopogon Tuber | 1.5 qian |
| Bai He | Lily Bulb | — |
| Shao Yao (stir-fried) | Peony Root | — |
| Dang Gui | Angelica Root | — |
| Bei Mu | Fritillaria Bulb | — |
| Sheng Gan Cao | Licorice (raw) | 1 qian |
| Yuan Shen | Scrophularia Root | — |
| Jie Geng | Platycodon Root | 8 fen |
Traditional Indications
The source records this formula for sore throat, panting and cough, and blood in phlegm following injury to the lung. It explains that injury to lung metal cuts off the source of kidney water. Because the kidney channel passes beside the throat, rising Deficiency fire produces sore throat; fire steaming the lung upward produces panting and cough; phlegm arises from fire, and blood is forced out by fire.
Formula Rationale
The source assigns the formula to the hand greater yin lung channel and foot lesser yin kidney channel. Because the lung and kidney are described as mother and child, supplementing the lung commonly also involves enriching the kidney. Fresh and Prepared Rehmannia assist the kidney, enrich water, and reduce heat as chief medicines. Lily Bulb protects the lung and quiets the spirit; Ophiopogon clears heat and moistens dryness; Scrophularia assists the two Rehmannias in engendering water; Fritillaria disperses lung constraint and eliminates phlegm; Chinese Angelica and Peony nourish blood and calm the liver; Licorice and Platycodon clear lung metal and act on the upper region. The formula uses sweet and cold medicines to foster the source and clear the root without injuring the qi of engenderment through bitter cold.