Wen Jing Tang
- Jonno Pittock
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
In Chinese Medicine, Herbal Formulae are more than just a blend of plants—they are carefully crafted recipes with profound historical roots and intricate therapeutic functions. One such classical formula is Wen Jing Tang, which has been used for centuries to treat gynecological and reproductive disorders rooted in cold and blood stagnation. The name “Wen Jing Tang” translates to “Warm the Menses Decoction,” reflecting its primary use: warming the uterus and invigorating blood flow.
Wen Jing Tang originates from the “Jin Gui Yao Lue” (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), a medical classic written by Zhang Zhongjing, one of the most revered physicians in Chinese history. Written during the Eastern Han dynasty (circa 220 CE), this text is a cornerstone of Chinese herbal medicine, especially in the treatment of internal medicine and gynecological conditions.
Wen Jing Tang falls under the category of “Formulas that Warm the Menses and Dispel Cold”. This group of formulas is designed to treat conditions where cold obstructs the lower Jiao (lower abdomen and reproductive system), leading to blood stasis and disruption in the natural flow of Qi and Blood.
The classic composition of Wen Jing Tang includes the following herbs:
Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus) – warms the Liver and Stomach, disperses cold
Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) – warms the Channels and dispels cold
Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) – nourishes and invigorates the Blood
Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) – promotes Blood circulation and relieves pain
Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix) – nourishes Blood, calms pain
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) – tonifies Qi
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) – nourishes Yin
Mu Dan Pi (Moutain Cortex) – clears heat and cools Blood
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) – transforms Phlegm and harmonizes the Stomach
Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) – warms the middle, stops vomiting
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix) – harmonizes the Formulae
This blend of warming, blood-invigorating, and harmonizing herbs creates a balanced and multi-dimensional approach to treating complex cold-induced gynecological disorders.
Wen Jing Tang is most commonly prescribed for gynecological disorders due to cold in the uterus and blood stasis, often coupled with some degree of blood or Yin deficiency. It is especially effective for women who experience irregular menstruation, scanty or prolonged periods, or menstrual pain that is relieved by warmth.
Key symptoms and conditions it addresses include:
Irregular Menstruation: Women with cycles that are delayed, erratic, or prolonged often have an underlying disharmony in their Blood and Qi. Cold in the uterus constricts the vessels, preventing proper flow of Blood, while blood stasis further impairs the regularity of the cycle.
Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps): Wen Jing Tang is ideal for menstrual cramps that are cold in nature—meaning the pain worsens with cold exposure and improves with heat. The warming herbs in the formula relax the channels and vessels, alleviating pain.
Infertility: For women with a cold uterus, poor blood flow, and weakened Qi, Wen Jing Tang can help create a more hospitable uterine environment. It warms the womb, invigorates the blood, and nourishes the Yin and Qi—essential conditions for conception.
Postpartum Cold and Pain: After childbirth, some women experience lingering cold and pain in the lower abdomen due to blood loss and exposure to cold. This formula helps to warm and move the blood, supporting recovery.
Spotting or Bleeding Between Periods: When cold and stasis disrupt the vessels, it can cause erratic spotting. Wen Jing Tang, by harmonizing and regulating blood flow, helps prevent such occurrences.
Perimenopausal Symptoms: Some practitioners also use this formula to address perimenopausal symptoms like irregular periods, dry skin, and mood swings when there’s a mixture of deficiency and stasis with a cold constitution.
Wen Jing Tang stands as a testament to the brilliance of ancient Chinese medical thought. With its ability to warm, invigorate, nourish, and harmonize, it addresses not only symptoms but also the deeper root causes of gynecological and reproductive issues. Whether you're dealing with painful periods or trying to support fertility naturally, Wen Jing Tang offers a gentle yet powerful path toward balance and healing.
Speak to Jonno or Bridget to see if this Formulae is right for you.



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