Er Zhu Tang
Star二术汤 (Two-Atractylodes Decoction)
Source: Wan Bing Hui Chun — Gong Ting-Xian (Ming, 1587)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Er Zhu Tang (Two-Atractylodes Decoction), from the Wan Bing Hui Chun (Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases) by Gong Ting-Xian.
Actions: Dispels dampness and eliminates phlegm; Opens the channels and collaterals to relieve pain.
Presentation: Musculoskeletal disorders of the arms and shoulders due to phlegm stagnation: aches and pains in the wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder; bursitis; tendonitis; and frozen shoulder.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1195.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ban Xia
zhi (prepared) with ginger; as printed: Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae) 6g
|
6g | 16% | dries dampness and eliminates phlegm | |
|
Tian Nan Xing
as printed: Tian Nan Xing (Rhizoma Arisaematis) 3g
|
3g | 8% | dries dampness and eliminates phlegm | |
|
Bai Zhu
as printed: Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) 3g
|
3g | 8% | strengthens Spleen and Stomach, dries dampness | |
|
Cang Zhu
xi (washed) in rice water and chao (dry-fried); as printed: Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 12% | strengthens Spleen and Stomach, dries dampness | |
|
Fu Ling
as printed: Fu Ling (Poria) 3g
|
3g | 8% | strengthens Spleen and Stomach, dries dampness | |
|
Qiang Huo
as printed: Qiang Huo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii) 3g
|
3g | 8% | dispels wind and dries dampness | |
|
Xiang Fu
as printed: Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) 3g
|
3g | 8% | regulates qi, opens peripheral collaterals, relieves aches | |
|
Wei Ling Xian
as printed: Wei Ling Xian (Radix et Rhizoma Clematidis) 3g
|
3g | 8% | regulates qi, opens peripheral collaterals, relieves aches | |
|
Chen Pi
as printed: Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 3g
|
3g | 8% | regulates qi to remove residual phlegm-damp | |
|
Huang Qin
zhi (prepared) with liquor; as printed: Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 3g
|
3g | 8% | clears damp-heat, reduces swelling and inflammation | |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 3g
|
3g | 8% | harmonizes the herbs |
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly warm (+0.52)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 8%, neutral 24%, warm 68%.
Small but decisive: Huang Qin 3g (cold, 8% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 41%
- sweet 19%
- bitter 33%
- salty 4%
- bland 4%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 84%
- Lung 56%
- Stomach 52%
- Liver 28%
- Heart 24%
- Kidney 16%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Cook with Sheng Jiang; take strained, warm. (Sheng Jiang redirects Stomach qi downward and reduces Ban Xia toxicity.)
Relationships
Full-screen graph →Click a node for details · double-click to expand it · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll or two fingers to zoom and pan.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Er Zhu Tang.
No notes yet.