Zeng Ye Tang (增液汤) — Increase the Fluids Decoction
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What is Zeng Ye Tang?
Zeng Ye Tang — Increase the Fluids Decoction — is a deceptively simple three-herb formula from Wu Tang’s Wen Bing Tiao Bian (1798) that addresses constipation[11] arising from fluid and Yin depletion after warm-febrile disease. It is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine for chronic constipation in elderly patients, post-illness constipation and dry stool patterns where laxative herbs would only worsen the picture.
I prescribe Zeng Ye Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
Zeng Ye Tang TCM pattern
Prescribed for constipation from Yin and fluid depletion: dry hard stools that are difficult to pass despite an urge, dry mouth and lips, dry red tongue with little or no coat and a thin pulse. Often follows febrile illness, prolonged sweating or chronic Yin-deficient states in older patients.
Key herbs
- Xuan Shen (Rx. Scrophulariae, 3-30g) — chief herb; nourishes Yin, clears residual heat and moistens dryness
- Sheng Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae, 3-24g) — nourishes Yin and generates fluids
- Mai Men Dong (Rx. Ophiopogonis, 3-24g) — nourishes Stomach and Lung Yin
Formula actions
- Nourishes Yin and generates fluids
- Moistens the Intestines
- Relieves dryness-pattern constipation without harsh purgation
Conditions treated
- Habitual dry-stool constipation in elderly patients
- Post-illness constipation following fever or surgery
- Constipation in chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients with dryness features
- Constipation in IBS[5]-C with marked dryness and Yin deficiency
- Often combined with Ma Zi Ren Wan when both dryness and mild heat are present
Cautions
Contraindicated in cold-deficient constipation and damp-stagnation constipation. Generally very well tolerated long-term in dryness patterns.
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
References
[5] Liu Q, Shi Z, Zhang T, Jiang T, Luo X, Su X, Yang Y, Wei W. Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Xiao Yao San in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jan 19;12:821802. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.821802. PMID: 35126152.
[11] Lyu Z, Fan Y, Bai Y, Liu T, Zhong LL, Liang HF. Outcome of the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine for functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Clin Cases. 2022 May 26;10(15):4856-4877. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v10.i15.4856. PMID: 35801027.
