Which herbs nourish blood and serve as deputies in Ba Zhen Tang?

• A. Bai Zhu & Huang Qi
• B. Shu Di Huang & Ren Shen
• C. Bai Shao & Dang Gui
• D. Bai Shao & Bai Zhu

Answer: (C)

In Ba Zhen Tang, the formula blends herbs that tonify qi with those that nourish blood, creating a balanced approach to deficiency. The herbs that nourish blood and act as deputies are Bai Shao and Dang Gui. Bai Shao nourishes the blood and preserves yin, helping to calm the Liver and prevent excessive movement of blood. Dang Gui nourishes and moves blood, supporting circulation and the formation of healthy blood. Together, they provide the blood foundation that the qi-tonifying herbs rely on, ensuring there’s enough blood to carry the Qi and sustain the body's functions. The other options miss this combination of blood-nourishing deputies, focusing on qi alone or pairing one blood herb with non-blood-tonifying components.