Bǔ Fèi Tāng (补肺汤, Tonify the Lungs Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Tonify category, with Rén Shēn and Huáng Qí as chief herbs. It contains Rén Shēn, Huáng Qí, Shú Dì Huáng, Wǔ Wèi Zǐ, Zǐ Wǎn and Sāng Bái Pí. Actions: tonifies Lung Qi, stops cough and wheezing, consolidates the exterior.
| Pinyin | Bǔ Fèi Tāng (Bu Fei Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 补肺汤 |
| English | Tonify the Lungs Decoction |
| Category | Tonify |
| Chief | Rén Shēn, Huáng Qí |
| Tongue | Pale, thin white coat |
| Pulse | Weak, especially at the right cun |
| Cautions | Not for cough with an unresolved exterior condition or Phlegm-Heat. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Rén Shēn | 9g |
| Huáng Qí | 24g |
| Shú Dì Huáng | 24g |
| Wǔ Wèi Zǐ | 6g |
| Zǐ Wǎn | 9g |
| Sāng Bái Pí | 12g |
Actions
Tonifies Lung Qi, stops cough and wheezing, consolidates the exterior
Indications
Lung Qi deficiency: chronic weak cough, shortness of breath worse on exertion, weak voice, spontaneous sweating, thin clear phlegm
Test yourself
What herbs are in Bǔ Fèi Tāng?
Bǔ Fèi Tāng contains Rén Shēn 9g, Huáng Qí 24g, Shú Dì Huáng 24g, Wǔ Wèi Zǐ 6g, Zǐ Wǎn 9g and Sāng Bái Pí 12g.
What is Bǔ Fèi Tāng used for?
Lung Qi deficiency: chronic weak cough, shortness of breath worse on exertion, weak voice, spontaneous sweating, thin clear phlegm.
What are the actions of Bǔ Fèi Tāng?
Tonifies Lung Qi, stops cough and wheezing, consolidates the exterior.
What tongue and pulse go with Bǔ Fèi Tāng?
Tongue: Pale, thin white coat. Pulse: Weak, especially at the right cun.
Use Bǔ Fèi Tāng in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.