Qi deficiency constitution refers to a state characterized by insufficient vital energy, primarily manifested as weak breath and diminished organ function. Qi deficiency often presents with symptoms such as pale complexion, palpitations, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, dizziness, poor appetite, cold limbs, fatigue, lack of energy, mental fatigue, and poor memory. Women may experience menstrual irregularities. Individuals with Qi deficiency feel a significant lack of physical and mental energy, and even slight activity or work can lead to fatigue and discomfort, making them prone to colds. The spleen is the source of Qi production, and the lungs are the hub of Qi regulation. Therefore, individuals with Qi deficiency should strengthen the spleen and lungs. If the spleen is deficient, it cannot circulate Qi, leading to Qi stagnation and abdominal distension. In such cases, not only should purging be avoided, but also the use of formulas that tonify Qi, such as Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), is necessary to treat spleen deficiency. Strengthening the spleen can help regulate Qi and relieve abdominal distension. Qi-tonifying patent medicines have the effect of tonifying Qi and strengthening the spleen, used for treating spleen and lung Qi deficiency syndrome. They are suitable for symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, breathlessness upon exertion, low voice, pale complexion, poor appetite, pale tongue with white coating, weak or deficient pulse, and in severe cases, spontaneous sweating, prolapse of the rectum, and uterine prolapse. Below, we introduce ten traditional Chinese patent medicines for tonifying Qi for your reference.
- Si Jun Zi Wan (Four Gentlemen Pill): Composed of Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) (stir-fried), Fu Ling (Poria), and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice). This formula, consisting of only these four herbs, is neither warming nor drying, and it moderately tonifies the middle Qi, resembling a gentle and refined gentleman, hence the name “Four Gentlemen.” This formula is a foundational remedy for spleen and stomach Qi deficiency, from which many subsequent Qi-tonifying and spleen-strengthening formulas have been derived. It is used for spleen and stomach Qi deficiency, poor appetite, and loose stools.
- Liù Jūn Zǐ Wán (Six Gentlemen Pill): Based on the Four Gentlemen Pill, it adds Ban Xia (Pinellia) (processed) and Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel). In addition to tonifying the spleen and benefiting Qi, it also has the effect of drying dampness and resolving phlegm. It is used for spleen and stomach weakness, low appetite, Qi deficiency with excessive phlegm, abdominal distension, and loose stools.
- Xiāng Shā Liù Jūn Wán (Aromatic Sand Six Gentlemen Pill): Based on the Six Gentlemen Pill, it adds Mu Xiang (Aucklandia) and Sha Ren (Amomum). In addition to benefiting Qi and strengthening the spleen, drying dampness, and resolving phlegm, it also has a harmonizing effect on the stomach. It is used for spleen deficiency with Qi stagnation, indigestion, belching, poor appetite, abdominal fullness, and loose stools.
- Bǔ Zhōng Yì Qì Wán (Tonify the Middle and Benefit Qi Pill): Composed of Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), and Da Zao (Jujube). Dang Shen and Huang Qi tonify Qi, Dang Gui nourishes blood; Zhi Gan Cao and Bai Zhu strengthen the spleen and regulate the stomach; Chai Hu and Sheng Ma lift Yang Qi; Chen Pi regulates Qi and harmonizes the stomach. Together, these herbs tonify the middle and benefit Qi, lifting Yang and raising what has sunken. It is used for fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhea, and a feeling of heaviness in the anus due to spleen and stomach weakness. Note that it is not suitable for those with exterior cold and fever, excessive eating leading to abdominal fullness, or hypertension.
- Shēn Lǐng Bái Zhú Wán (Ginseng and Poria Pill): Composed of Ren Shen (Ginseng), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Bai Bian Dou (Lima Bean), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), Yì Yǐ Rén (Job’s Tears), Sha Ren (Amomum), Jie Geng (Platycodon), and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice). It strengthens the spleen and benefits Qi. It is used for fatigue and poor appetite.
- Rén Shēn Jiàn Pí Wán (Ginseng Spleen Strengthening Pill): Composed of Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Sha Ren (Amomum), Zhi Huang Qi (Honey-fried Astragalus), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed), and Yuan Zhi (Polygala). It strengthens the spleen, benefits Qi, harmonizes the stomach, stops diarrhea, and has calming effects. It is used for symptoms caused by spleen and stomach weakness, such as poor digestion, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, lack of appetite, and fatigue.
- Rén Shēn Guī Pí Wán (Ginseng Heart-Spleen Pill): Composed of Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Huang Qi (Astragalus) (honey-fried), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Yuan Zhi (Polygala), Long Yan Rou (Longan Flesh), and Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed). In addition to strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, it also has blood-nourishing effects. It is used for symptoms caused by deficiency of both heart and spleen, such as palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, poor appetite, fatigue, and pale complexion, as well as bleeding due to spleen not controlling blood.
- Huáng Qí Kē Lì (Astragalus Granules): Huang Qi (Astragalus). It tonifies Qi, consolidates the exterior, promotes diuresis, expels toxins, and promotes tissue regeneration. It is used for symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, collapse, spontaneous sweating, physical weakness, edema, chronic nephritis, prolonged diarrhea, rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and non-healing sores.
- Wǔ Jiā Shēn Hā Jiè Jīng (Five-Leaf Ginseng and Gecko Essence): Composed of Ci Wu Jia (Siberian Ginseng), Hā Jiè (Gecko), Ròu Cōng Róng (Cistanche), Ren Shen (Ginseng), and Ren Shen Lù (Ginseng Extract). It tonifies lung Qi and benefits essence and blood. It is used for symptoms of Qi deficiency, lung deficiency cough, and post-illness weakness.
- Rén Shēn Jīng Yè Zào Gān Jiāo Nà (Ginseng Stem and Leaf Saponin Capsules): Ginseng Stem and Leaf Saponin. It strengthens the spleen and benefits Qi. It is used for symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor appetite caused by Qi deficiency.
There are many traditional Chinese patent medicines for Qi deficiency, and their use requires differentiation. For example, for both Qi and Yin deficiency with spontaneous sweating, Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) can be selected; for heart Qi deficiency with cold, insomnia, and vivid dreams, Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan (Biota Heart Nourishing Pill) can be selected; for exterior deficiency and susceptibility to wind pathogens, Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) can be selected; for coronary heart disease caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, Li Qi Shu Xin Wan (Regulate Qi and Comfort the Heart Pill) can be selected; for both Qi and blood deficiency, Shi Quan Da Bu Wan (All-Inclusive Great Tonifying Pill) can be selected; for insufficient Qi and blood, and deficiency of both heart and spleen, Ren Qi Wu Wei Zi Pian (Ginseng and Schisandra Tablets) can be selected; for heart Qi deficiency type chest obstruction and pain, Bǔ Xīn Qì Kǒu Fú Yè (Heart Qi Tonifying Oral Liquid) can be selected; for spleen and kidney Yang deficiency with insomnia and vivid dreams, Ci Wu Jia Pian (Siberian Ginseng Tablets) can be selected. Additionally, the basis for using Qi-tonifying patent medicines is the principles of “tonifying the deficient” and “benefiting the injured,” specifically designed for treating Qi deficiency syndrome. They are not suitable for excess syndromes or mixed excess and deficiency syndromes. Therefore, patients must clearly distinguish the nature, location, and true or false deficiency of their condition when using these medicines. It is recommended to use them under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist and to carefully read the medication instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
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