Yi Guan Jian (一贯煎) — Linking Decoction

Quick answer: Yi Guan Jian — "Linking Decoction" — is the principal Qing-dynasty Chinese herbal formula for Liver Yin and Blood deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation. Developed by Wei Yu-huang, it solves the clinical dilemma of moving Qi without damaging Yin by combining six Yin-nourishing herbs (Sheng Di Huang, Gou Qi Zi, Dang Gui, Sha Shen, Mai Men Dong) with a single cool Qi-mover (Chuan Lian Zi) — used for chronic hepatitis, GORD, peri/post-menopausal dryness with irritability, and diabetic complications with Yin deficiency.

On this page

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

What is Yi Guan Jian?

Yi Guan Jian (“Linking Decoction” or “One-Linking Decoction”) is the principal Chinese herbal formula for Liver Yin and Blood deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation. Devised by the Qing Dynasty physician Wei Yu-huang, it represents a refined approach to the common clinical problem of using Qi-moving herbs in Yin-deficient patients — ordinary Liver-spreading formulas (e.g., Xiao Yao San) further damage the Yin, while pure Yin tonics do not address the stagnation. Yi Guan Jian solves this with a base of six Yin-nourishing herbs and a single carefully chosen Qi-mover, Chuan Lian Zi.

Yi Guan Jian TCM pattern

Prescribed for Liver Yin and Blood deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation, characterised by: dull hypochondriac pain, chest distension, dry mouth and throat, acid reflux, dry stools, irritability, a red tongue with little or no coat, and a thin wiry pulse. Often seen in chronic liver disease, post-menopausal women, and after prolonged stress with depletion.

Key herbs

Sheng Di Huang (raw rehmannia, 6-45g)

nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin

Gou Qi Zi (Lycium fruit, 3-18g)

nourishes Liver Yin and Blood

Dang Gui (Rx. Angelicae Sinensis, 3-12g)

nourishes Liver Blood

Sha Shen (Glehnia root, 3-12g)

nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin

Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon root, 3-12g)

nourishes Yin

Chuan Lian Zi (Melia fruit, 1.5-6g)

cool Qi-mover; spreads Liver Qi without damaging Yin

Formula actions

1. Enriches Yin and nourishes Blood
2. Spreads Liver Qi while preserving Yin
3. Stops hypochondriac pain

Conditions treated

1. Chronic hepatitis with Liver Yin deficiency
2. Chronic cholecystitis
3. Liver cirrhosis (early stages) with Yin deficiency
4. GORD / acid reflux with dry mouth and Yin signs
5. Peri- and post-menopausal symptoms with irritability, dry mouth and flank pain
6. Diabetic complications with Yin deficiency
7. Persistent stress-related symptoms in depleted patients

Cautions

Contraindicated in Damp accumulation, Phlegm patterns and Spleen Qi deficiency with diarrhoea. The formula is rich and cloying and may worsen Damp. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM. Online herbal consultations are available.

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