Zhēn Wǔ Tāng (真武汤, True Warrior Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Phlegm & damp category, with Fù Zǐ as chief herb. It contains Fù Zǐ, Bái Zhú, Fú Líng, Bái Sháo and Shēng Jiāng. Actions: warms Yang; promotes urination; drains Cold-Damp — severe Yang deficiency water flooding.
| Pinyin | Zhēn Wǔ Tāng (Zhen Wu Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 真武汤 |
| English | True Warrior Decoction |
| Category | Phlegm & damp |
| Chief | Fù Zǐ |
| Tongue | Pale, moist white coat |
| Pulse | Deep, frail |
| Cautions | Contains prepared aconite (Fù Zǐ or Chuān Wū): toxic if raw or under-cooked. Use only processed root, decoct first for 30 to 60 minutes, stay within standard doses; contraindicated in pregnancy. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Fù Zǐ | 9g |
| Bái Zhú | 6g |
| Fú Líng | 9g |
| Bái Sháo | 9g |
| Shēng Jiāng | 9g |
Actions
Warms Yang; promotes urination; drains Cold-Damp — severe Yang deficiency water flooding
Indications
Kidney Yang deficiency with water flooding: palpitations, dizziness, heavy aching limbs, oedema, abdominal pain, diarrhoea
Formulas with similar ingredients
- Xiāo Yáo Sǎn shares Bái Zhú, Fú Líng, Bái Sháo and Shēng Jiāng. Only Zhēn Wǔ Tāng has Fù Zǐ; only Xiāo Yáo Sǎn has Chái Hú, Dāng Guī, Zhì Gān Cǎo and Bò Hé.
Test yourself
What herbs are in Zhēn Wǔ Tāng?
Zhēn Wǔ Tāng contains Fù Zǐ 9g, Bái Zhú 6g, Fú Líng 9g, Bái Sháo 9g and Shēng Jiāng 9g.
What is Zhēn Wǔ Tāng used for?
Kidney Yang deficiency with water flooding: palpitations, dizziness, heavy aching limbs, oedema, abdominal pain, diarrhoea.
What are the actions of Zhēn Wǔ Tāng?
Warms Yang; promotes urination; drains Cold-Damp — severe Yang deficiency water flooding.
What tongue and pulse go with Zhēn Wǔ Tāng?
Tongue: Pale, moist white coat. Pulse: Deep, frail.
Use Zhēn Wǔ 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.