Darentang
Time-Honored BrandDarentang · Tianjin · Founded 1914
Darentang, a time-honored Chinese medicine brand from Tianjin, was founded in 1914 by Le Daren, a descendant of the Le family who established Tongrentang. Adhering to the motto 'Achieve success and benefit others; benevolence loves all', it carries forward the essence of Le's pharmacy, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Brand Story
Founded in 1914 (the third year of the Republic of China) in Tianjin by Le Daren, a descendant of the Le family who established the renowned Tongrentang (Beijing Tongrentang), Darentang embodies a legacy of pharmaceutical excellence. Growing up immersed in family medical traditions, Le Daren was determined to carry on his ancestral heritage. He traveled south to Tianjin with secret formulas and pharmaceutical techniques, opening a pharmacy on Guyi Street. Adhering to the ancestral precept 'Though ingredients are costly, never reduce them; though processing is complex, never cut corners', he selected authentic medicinal materials and strictly followed ancient preparation methods. The resulting pills, powders, ointments, and pellets gained a stellar reputation for their efficacy. Darentang not only inherited Tongrentang's pharmaceutical essence but also innovated in management, being among the first to adopt machine-based production and scientific management, advancing the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. The name 'Daren' derives from the Analects: 'The benevolent man, wishing to establish himself, also establishes others; wishing to succeed, also helps others succeed', reflecting its mission to benefit society. Darentang's founding not only continued the Le family's medical legacy but also left a significant mark on Tianjin's modern industrial and commercial history, becoming a key representative of northern Chinese medicine.
“Achieve success and benefit others; benevolence loves all.”
Signature Products
Clears heat, detoxifies, calms convulsions, and opens orifices. Used for high fever, convulsions, and delirium caused by heat entering the pericardium. Price: hundreds to thousands of yuan per pill.
Clears the heart, resolves phlegm, calms convulsions, and dispels wind. Used for dizziness, blurred vision, and excessive phlegm due to wind-phlegm obstructing the orifices. Price: hundreds of yuan per pill.
Releases the exterior, resolves dampness, regulates qi, and harmonizes the middle. Used for epigastric and abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea due to external wind-cold and internal dampness. Price: 10-30 yuan per box.
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Tianjin（天津）
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Cultural Note
Darentang adheres to the pharmaceutical creed 'Though the blending is unseen by men, heaven knows the heart' and upholds the principle 'Though ingredients are costly, never reduce them; though processing is complex, never cut corners'. Its processing techniques follow ancient methods, such as nine-steaming and nine-sunning, wine steaming, and vinegar quenching, emphasizing authentic materials and precise heat control, forming the unique 'Darentang Pharmaceutical Craft'. This craft integrates centuries of Le family experience with Tianjin's regional characteristics, embodying the rigor and benevolence of traditional Chinese medicine culture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Darentang founded?
Darentang was founded in 1914, originating in Tianjin, Tianjin, primarily in the Healthcare field.
What is the signature product of Darentang?
Its signature product is Angong Niuhuang Wan. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: