Yi Yi Ren Tang
Star薏苡仁汤 (Coicis Decoction)
Source: Zhang Shi Yi Tong — Zhang Lu-Xuan (Qing, 1695)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Yi Yi Ren Tang (Coicis Decoction), from the Zhang Shi Yi Tong (Comprehensive Medicine According to Master Zhang) by Zhang Lu-Xuan.
Actions: Dispels wind and dampness; Benefits qi; Activates blood circulation.
Presentation: Bi zheng (painful obstruction syndrome) caused by wind-dampness: numbness and pain of the extremities, swelling, inflammation, decreased mobility and limited range of motion in the joints.
Note: the book also describes a formula of the same name from Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng (p. 1383). This record follows the Zhang Shi Yi Tong version.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1173, 1383.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ma Huang
as printed: Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae) 2.4g
|
2.4g | 4.49% | dispels wind-cold from exterior and drains dampness via urination | |
|
Gui Zhi
as printed: Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 2.4g
|
2.4g | 4.49% | dispels wind-cold, drains dampness, opens collaterals of extremities | |
|
Dang Gui
as printed: Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 8.43% | activates blood, harmonizes ying and wei, relieves pain | |
|
Bai Shao
xi (washed) with liquor; as printed: Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 8.43% | activates blood, harmonizes ying and wei, relieves pain | |
|
Cang Zhu
ban (blended) and chao (dry-fried) with Hei Zhi Ma (Semen Sesami Nigrum); as printed: Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis) 3g
|
3g | 5.62% | drains dampness | |
|
Yi Yi Ren
pao (blast-fried) with ginger; as printed: Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis) 30g
|
30g | 56.18% | drains dampness through urination | |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 2.1g
|
2.1g | 3.93% | harmonizes the herbs | |
|
Sheng Jiang
as printed: Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) 7 slices [4.5g]
|
4.5g | 8.43% | — |
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 cool (-0.33)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 65%, neutral 4%, warm 32%.
Pairs warm and cool. 32% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 65% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Taste
- pungent 20%
- sweet 39%
- sour 4%
- bitter 9%
- bland 28%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 91%
- Lung 78%
- Stomach 74%
- Large intestine 56%
- Kidney 56%
- Liver 23%
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
Prepared as a decoction.
Relationships
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Formula family
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
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.
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