Bǔ Zhōng Yì Qì Tāng

(Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Pattern:

• Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach) Qi Deficiency

Actions:

• Tonifies Spleen Qi and the Middle Jiao
• Raises sunken Yang and counters prolapse.

Indications:

• Fever that is worse upon exertion
• Weariness, fatigue, weak limbs, and headache.
• Watery, soft, or loose stools.
• Spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, pale complexion, tendency to curl up, and laconic speech.
• Dislike of cold and a desire for warm drinks.
• Absence of taste.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Pale swollen tongue with teeth marks and white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Empty, weak, and flooding pulse

Western Uses:

• Gastroptosis
• Rectum and Uterus Prolapse
• Uterine Bleeding
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Recurrent Miscarriage
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Leukorrhea
• Chronic Hepatitis
• Corneal Ulcers
• Cerebral Arteriosclerosis
• Pernicious Anemia
• Leukopenia
• Chronic Nephritis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use in cases of heat due to Yin Deficiency

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. 2-3 times the dosage of Dang Shen is commonly substituted for Ren Shen.

Originally Appeared In:

• Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach (Pi Wei Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Large Intestine, Pericardium, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

	Huang Qi (Astragalus) Qty: 12-24 grams Chan: LU, SP Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm Latin: Radix Astragali Membranacei Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: LU, SP Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm Latin: Radix Ginseng Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) Qty: 3-6 grams Chan: All 12 Channels Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) Qty: 6-12 grams Chan: HT, LIV, SP Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
	Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
	Sheng Ma (Black Cohosh Rhizome, Bugbane Rhizome) Qty: 3-6 grams Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Cool Latin: Rhizoma Cimicifugae Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
	Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) Qty: 3-9 grams Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool Latin: Radix Bupleuri Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

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.