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Zhen Wu Tang (真武湯) warms the yang of the Spleen and Kidney and promotes urination to lead out water; the principal formula for water accumulation due to yang deficiency failing to transform fluids.
English Name
True Warrior Decoction
Classical Source
Shang Han Lun, c. 220 CE
Ingredients
- Fu Zi – chief; Fu Ling, Bai Zhu (drain damp/strengthen Spleen)
- Sheng Jiang (warm/disperse); Bai Shao
Actions & Functions
- Warms the yang and controls water (promotes urination)
Indications
Spleen-Kidney yang deficiency with water overflow: oedema (especially of the lower body), scanty urination, heaviness and aching, cold limbs, loose stools, and possibly palpitations and dizziness.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: pale and swollen with a white slippery coat. Pulse: deep and thin.
Modifications
With cough, add Gan Jiang and Wu Wei Zi; with severe diarrhoea, increase Bai Zhu.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warming; not for oedema from damp-heat or yin deficiency. Use prepared Fu Zi.
