Limited evidenceWomen's health

Ba Zhen Tang

A classic eight-herb Chinese formula combining the qi tonic Si Jun Zi Tang with the blood tonic Si Wu Tang, used for fatigue and post-partum or post-illness depletion. Most trials are small, conducted in China as add-on therapy, and of low methodological quality.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Add-on to chemotherapy for myelosuppression Limited evidence
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of Chinese herbal medicines combined with adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer included Bazhen decoction among the formulas assessed for improving myelosuppression. The included trials were mostly small, unblinded and published in Chinese, which limits how far the pooled results can be trusted.
Small obstetric and surgical trials Limited evidence
Randomized trials have tested modified Bazhen decoction for cervical ripening alongside oxytocin and for post-operative recovery, reporting benefits on nutritional and immune parameters. Sample sizes are in the dozens, blinding is generally absent and no Western replication exists.
Blood-loss indication comes from indirect comparison Limited evidence
A Bayesian network meta-analysis of herbal medicines for hidden blood loss after hip fracture surgery ranked several formulas including Bazhen-type decoctions. Network meta-analyses of low-quality primary trials inherit that low quality.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTraditional decoction of the eight herbs (typically ren shen, bai zhu, fu ling, gan cao, dang gui, shu di huang, bai shao, chuan xiong) taken once or twice daily; granule or pill forms usually state 6–9 g twice daily. Doses in trials are not standardized across studies.

SafetyGenerally reported as well tolerated, with digestive upset the usual complaint. Contains liquorice (gan cao), which in prolonged or high use can cause potassium loss, fluid retention and raised blood pressure. Dang gui may interact with warfarin. Avoid self-prescribing in pregnancy, and avoid during acute infection or fever, which traditional practice considers a contraindication for tonic formulas. Quality and heavy-metal contamination vary by supplier.

Scientific references

Chinese Medicine Combined with Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Improving Myelosuppression in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Li R, Zhang T, Yan SH — Chin J Integr Med, 2024
[Clinical study of Jiawei Bazhen decoction combined with oxytocin for cervical ripening of qi and blood deficiency type of pregnant women]
Ke XY, Chen BY, Xu HF — Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 2015
Identifying an effective Chinese herbal medicine for reducing postoperative hidden bleeding and stabilizing blood volume following intertrochanteric femur fracture: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Wu X, Yan L, Wu T — J Orthop Surg Res, 2024

Where to buy

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