In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi deficiency primarily refers to the deficiency of Qi in the Spleen and Lung meridians, which is mainly manifested by symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, breathlessness upon exertion, low voice, pale complexion, poor appetite, pale tongue with white coating, and weak or thin pulse.The main herbs used for this purpose include Ren Shen (Ginseng), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice).Representative patent medicines for Qi tonification include: Si Jun Zi Wan (Four Gentlemen Pills), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Poria Powder), and Huang Qi Granules. Today, Huang Yaoshi will discuss these Qi-boosting patent medicines.Please use under the guidance of a physician.

1. Si Jun Zi Wan (Four Gentlemen Pills)

Composed of Dang Shen, Chao Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Zhi Gan Cao.

Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) is the most basic formula for tonifying Qi and strengthening the Spleen, used for Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency, poor appetite, reduced food intake, and loose stools.Clinically, it is common to add Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel) and Ban Xia (Pinellia) to form Liu Jun Zi Wan (Six Gentlemen Pills)/Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction).Liu Jun Zi Tang enhances the effect of drying dampness and resolving phlegm. Since the Spleen governs the transformation and transportation of water and dampness, Qi deficiency in the Spleen can lead to excessive phlegm and dampness in the body, resulting in symptoms such as excessive phlegm, chest tightness, fullness in the stomach, abdominal distension, and a thick tongue coating.

2. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (Aromatic Sand Six Gentlemen Pills)

Image for reference only; please use patent medicines under the guidance of a physician.

Composed of Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Sha Ren (Amomum), Dang Shen, Chao Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Zhi Gan Cao, Chen Pi, and Zhi Ban Xia.As the name suggests, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan is based on Liu Jun Zi Tang, with the addition of Mu Xiang and Sha Ren. Mu Xiang promotes Qi and alleviates pain, while Sha Ren transforms dampness and promotes Qi, warming the middle and stopping diarrhea.Therefore, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan enhances the effects of promoting Qi and alleviating pain, making it more effective for digestive disorders with Qi stagnation, such as belching, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools.Clinically, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan can be used for chronic gastritis, habitual constipation, nausea, and vomiting after chemotherapy.

3. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Pills)

Image for reference only; please use patent medicines under the guidance of a physician.

Composed of Mi Zhi Huang Qi (Honey-fried Astragalus), Dang Shen, Mi Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Chao Bai Zhu, Dang Gui (Angelica), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), and Chen Pi.Bu Zhong Yi Qi is used to lift Yang and raise sinking Qi. It is indicated for Spleen and Stomach weakness, leading to diarrhea, rectal prolapse, and symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, and rectal prolapse or uterine prolapse.This medicine differs from other Qi tonics in that Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan can lift Yang and raise sinking Qi. The Huang Qi, Sheng Ma, and Chai Hu in the formula have the effect of lifting Yang Qi, which can improve conditions characterized by the downward trend of Yang Qi, such as organ prolapse, heavy eyelids, body heaviness, and chronic diarrhea, which are not as effectively addressed by other Qi tonics.

4. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Poria Powder)

Image for reference only; please use patent medicines under the guidance of a physician.Composed of Ren Shen (Ginseng), Fu Ling, Chao Bai Zhu, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Chao Bai Bian Dou (Fried Hyacinth Bean), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), Chao Yi Yi Ren (Fried Coix Seed), Sha Ren, Jie Geng (Platycodon), and Gan Cao.This formula tonifies the Spleen and Stomach and benefits Qi. It is used for Spleen and Stomach weakness, poor appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath, and cough, and fatigue.The initial discussion of Qi tonification primarily refers to the Qi of the Spleen and Lung, which is most evident in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.In this formula, Ren Shen greatly tonifies the Qi of the Spleen and Lung; Shan Yao nourishes both the Spleen and Lung, benefiting Yin as well. Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Lian Zi, Bian Dou, and Yi Yi Ren all tonify and strengthen the Spleen, while Jie Geng can promote Lung Qi. Therefore, this medicine is distinguished from other Qi tonics by its ability to tonify both Spleen Qi and Lung Qi, commonly used for Spleen and Lung deficiency syndromes.

5. Huang Qi Granules (Astragalus Granules)

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Composed of Huang Qi (Astragalus).This formula tonifies Qi and stabilizes the exterior. It is used for shortness of breath, palpitations, and spontaneous sweating.Huang Qi has the functions of tonifying Qi, stabilizing the exterior, promoting diuresis, expelling toxins, and promoting tissue regeneration. It is commonly used for shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, spontaneous sweating, physical weakness, edema, chronic nephritis, prolonged diarrhea, rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and difficult-to-heal sores.

6. Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pills)

Composed of Ren Shen, Chao Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Shan Yao, Chen Pi, Mu Xiang, Sha Ren, Zhi Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Sour Jujube Seed), and Zhi Yuan Zhi (Polygala).This formula strengthens the Spleen and benefits Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, and stops diarrhea. It is used for digestive issues caused by Spleen and Stomach weakness, characterized by indigestion, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, lack of appetite, and fatigue.In addition to commonly used Spleen and Qi tonics like Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Huang Qi, and Shan Yao, this formula also includes Suan Zao Ren and Yuan Zhi, which have calming effects, and Dang Gui, which invigorates blood and nourishes the heart, thereby achieving better Qi tonification effects.

7. Precautions for Using Qi-Boosting Patent Medicines

1. The above Qi tonics are not suitable for patients with colds and fevers. Avoid use in cases of excessive eating leading to abdominal distension.2. Please use the above medicines under the guidance of a physician, especially for those with severe chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, as well as children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly or weak individuals.Related Reading5 Commonly Used Herbs for Tonifying Spleen Qi and Lung Qi, Recommended for Collection