Yu Ye Tang

Yu Ye Tang: The Jade Liquid Decoction

Let's dive into Yu Ye Tang, often known as the Jade Liquid Decoction. This classic formula is a go-to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for addressing a specific set of imbalances.

Formula Song: Yu Ye Tang, with Yam, Astragalus, Kudzu root, Tian Hua Fen, Zhi Mu, and Chicken Gizzard Lining. It tackles wasting-thirst, dry mouth, and frequent urination, nourishing the Spleen, consolidating the Kidneys, and benefiting Qi and Yin.

Formula Rationale: This formula primarily targets conditions stemming from the Spleen Qi failing to ascend, insufficient true Yin, and a dual deficiency of both Spleen and Kidney (with Spleen deficiency being the predominant issue). In TCM, the Spleen is responsible for ascending the clear and distributing essence to the Lungs. The Lungs, in turn, govern regulation, distributing fluids upwards to moisten the mouth and downwards to regulate water passages, directing them to the bladder.

When the Spleen fails to ascend its clear essence, fluids can't reach the mouth, leading to persistent thirst that remains unquenched even with copious drinking. A deficiency in Kidney Yin results in the Kidney losing its ability to store essence, causing the bladder to lose its control, leading to frequent and excessive urination. The combined deficiency of Spleen and Kidney often manifests as fatigue, shortness of breath, and a weak, thready pulse. The therapeutic strategy here is to primarily replenish Qi and generate fluids, supported by consolidating the Kidneys to alleviate thirst.

In this formula, Chinese Yam (Shan Yao) and Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) are used in substantial amounts as the "Chief" herbs. They work to fortify the Spleen, consolidate the Kidneys, replenish Qi, and generate fluids. On one hand, they help the Spleen Qi ascend, distributing essence to the Lungs and thus relieving thirst. On the other hand, they strengthen Kidney Qi, securing essence and reducing excessive urination. Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhi Mu) and Trichosanthes Root (Tian Hua Fen) serve as "Deputy" herbs, nourishing Yin, clearing heat, moistening dryness, and quenching thirst. Kudzu Root (Ge Gen) acts as an "Assistant," helping Astragalus to uplift the clear Yang of the Spleen and Stomach, further aiding in fluid distribution and thirst relief. Chicken Gizzard Lining (Ji Nei Jin) supports the Spleen's digestive and transformative functions, helping to metabolize food essence. As noted in the classic text, "Records of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Combination" (《医学衷中参西录》), it "transforms carbohydrates in food into bodily fluids." Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi) assists Chinese Yam in tonifying the Kidneys and consolidating essence, astringing Yin fluids to reduce urination and prevent essence from excessively descending. This comprehensive approach effectively manages the symptoms associated with wasting-thirst syndrome (PMID: 28836569).

How to Use Yu Ye Tang: Dosage and Ingredients

Understanding the exact composition and usage is key to harnessing the benefits of Yu Ye Tang.

Composition:

• Raw Chinese Yam (Sheng Shan Yao): 30g
• Raw Astragalus Root (Sheng Huang Qi): 15g
• Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhi Mu): 10g
• Kudzu Root (Ge Gen): 10g
• Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi): 10g
• Trichosanthes Root (Tian Hua Fen): 10g
• Raw Chicken Gizzard Lining (Sheng Ji Nei Jin, crushed finely): 6g

Usage: These ingredients are typically decocted in water and consumed as a tea.

Modifications:

• For severe Qi deficiency, Ginseng (Ren Shen) can be added to further replenish Qi and generate fluids.
• For extremely frequent urination, Cornus Fruit (Shan Zhu Yu) can be added to consolidate the Kidneys and reduce urination.

Yu Ye Tang: Functions and Indications

Yu Ye Tang is specifically formulated to address a common and challenging health pattern.

Functions: It primarily works to replenish Qi, generate bodily fluids, consolidate Kidney function, and alleviate thirst (PMID: 32669784).

Indications: This formula is a primary treatment for Wasting-Thirst Syndrome (Xiao Ke Bing), which often presents with symptoms similar to modern diabetes. Key signs include excessive thirst that drinking water cannot quench, frequent and profuse urination (which might sometimes appear cloudy), fatigue, shortness of breath, and a weak, thready pulse. The Astragalus root in this formula is particularly beneficial for managing diabetes-related symptoms (PMID: 22699636).

Application: The essential diagnostic indicators for using Yu Ye Tang are unquenchable thirst accompanied by frequent urination, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a weak, thready pulse.

Yu Ye Tang in Ancient Texts

Let's look at what classical TCM texts say about this powerful formula.

From "Records of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Combination" (《医学衷中参西录》): "The condition of wasting-thirst often arises from the Original Qi failing to ascend. This formula is designed to raise the Original Qi to alleviate thirst. In this formula, Astragalus is the primary herb, and when combined with Kudzu Root, it effectively promotes the ascent of Original Qi. Furthermore, it is supported by Chinese Yam, Anemarrhena, and Trichosanthes Root, which profoundly nourish true Yin. This synergy ensures that as Yang ascends, Yin responds, achieving the wondrous effect of clouds gathering and rain falling (a metaphor for proper fluid distribution). Chicken Gizzard Lining is included because urine in this condition often contains sugar; it helps strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, transforming carbohydrates in food into vital bodily fluids. Schisandra Berry is used for its astringent properties, which powerfully seal and consolidate the Kidney gate, preventing fluids from excessively flowing downwards."

References

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for diabetic polyuria: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PMID: 32669784

Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi) in the treatment of diabetes: A review. PMID: 22699636

Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus with spleen-kidney qi deficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PMID: 28836569

3-Second Self-Test, 30-Second Self-Help!

Quick Check: Do you often feel incredibly thirsty, yet drinking water doesn't seem to help? Are you also frequently making trips to the bathroom, feeling tired, and a bit breathless?

If YES: This combination of symptoms—unquenchable thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and shortness of breath—strongly suggests a pattern where Yu Ye Tang might be beneficial according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. While this formula supports your body's natural balance, remember it's not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Immediately: Consider incorporating more hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon into your diet. Make sure you're staying hydrated, but also pay attention to how your body processes that water. Try a simple breathing exercise: deep breaths in for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6. This can help calm your system and improve Qi flow, offering temporary relief while you explore more comprehensive solutions.

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.