Li Zhong Wan

(Regulate the Middle Pill)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Warm the Channels and Disperse Cold

Pattern:

• Middle Jiao (SP, ST) Yang deficiency with cold

Actions:

• Warms the Middle Jiao and dispels cold
• Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.

Indications:

• Watery diarrhea, undigested food in the stool, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, lack of thirst, abdominal pain that is relieved by warmth, poor appetite, and fatigue

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Pale tongue with white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Deep, slow, and weak pulse

Western Uses:

• Acute and Chronic Gastroenteritis
• Gastro-Duodenal Ulcers
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Gastrectasis
• Gastroptosis
• Chronic Colitis
• Cholera
• Vomiting
• Anemia
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Oral Herpes
• Functional Uterine Bleeding

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• This formula is warm and drying it should not be used in cases with Yin deficiency and heat
• Do not use in cases where external pathogens are present.

Preparation Notes:

• Pills. Grind all herbs into an even powder and use honey to form into pills. Take in 9 gram doses 2-3 times a day.
• In all but acute cases Dang Shen is substituted for Ren Shen.
• This formula can also be prepared as a decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Stomach, Spleen, Lungs, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) Qty: 9 grams Chan: SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger Rhizome) Qty: 9 grams Chan: HT, LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Hot Latin: dry Rhizoma Zingiberis Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
	Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) Qty: 9 grams Chan: LU, SP Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm Latin: Radix Ginseng Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) Qty: 9 grams Chan: All 12 Channels Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
  - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
  - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
  - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
  - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.