Source: Yixian Pharmacy V Author: Chen Yongkang, Chen Chuxiong
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 irregular menstruation. 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. Therefore, individuals with Qi deficiency should strengthen their spleen and lungs. If the spleen is deficient, Qi cannot circulate, leading to Qi stagnation and abdominal distension. In such cases, it is necessary not only to avoid purging but also to tonify the middle and benefit Qi to treat spleen deficiency. By strengthening the spleen, Qi can circulate and relieve abdominal distension.
Qi-tonifying patent medicines have the effect of tonifying Qi and strengthening the spleen, used to treat 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, Yixian pharmacists introduce ten traditional Chinese patent medicines for Qi tonification for your reference.
01 Si Jun Zi Wan (Four Gentlemen Pills)
Composed of Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes, fried), Fu Ling (Poria), and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice). This formula consists of only four ingredients: Dang Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao, which are neither hot nor drying, providing moderate warming and tonifying of the middle Qi, akin to 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 evolved. It is used for spleen and stomach Qi deficiency, poor appetite, and loose stools.
02 Liu Jun Zi Wan (Six Gentlemen Pills)
Based on the formula of Si Jun Zi Wan, it adds Ban Xia (Pinellia, processed) and Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel). Therefore, in addition to the effects of tonifying the spleen and benefiting Qi, it also has the function of drying dampness and resolving phlegm. It is used for spleen and stomach weakness, low appetite, Qi deficiency with phlegm, abdominal distension, and loose stools.
03 Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (Aromatic Sand Six Gentlemen Pills)
Based on the formula of Liu Jun Zi Wan, it adds Mu Xiang (Aucklandia) and Sha Ren (Amomum). Therefore, in addition to tonifying Qi and strengthening the spleen, drying dampness, and resolving phlegm, it also has the effect of harmonizing the stomach. It is used for spleen deficiency with Qi stagnation, indigestion, belching, low appetite, abdominal fullness, and loose stools.
04 Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Benefit Qi Pills)
Composed of Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Shen, Zhi Gan Cao, Bai Zhu, Dang Gui (Angelica), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Chen Pi, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), and Da Zao (Jujube). Dang Shen and Zhi 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 sunk. 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: Not suitable for those with exterior cold and fever, excessive eating leading to abdominal fullness, or hypertension.
05 Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Pills)
Composed of Ren Shen (Ginseng), Fu Ling, Bai Zhu, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Bai Bian Dou (Lima Bean), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears), Sha Ren, Jie Geng (Platycodon), and Gan Cao. It strengthens the spleen and benefits Qi. It is used for fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools.
06 Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Strengthening Spleen Pills)
Composed of Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Shan Yao, Chen Pi, Mu Xiang, Sha Ren, Zhi Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed), and Yuan Zhi (Polygala). It strengthens the spleen and benefits Qi, harmonizes the stomach, and has calming effects. It is used for digestive issues, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and fatigue due to spleen and stomach weakness.
07 Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan (Ginseng and Return the Spleen Pills)
Composed of Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Gan Cao, Huang Qi (Honey-fried), Dang Gui, Mu Xiang, Yuan Zhi, Long Yan Rou (Longan Flesh), and Suan Zao Ren. In addition to strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, it also has blood-nourishing effects. It is used for symptoms of heart and spleen deficiency, insufficient Qi and blood leading to palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, poor appetite, fatigue, pale complexion, and symptoms such as blood in stools, menorrhagia, and leukorrhea due to spleen’s inability to control blood.
08 Huang Qi Ke Li (Astragalus Granules)
Huang Qi (Astragalus). Tonifies Qi, stabilizes the exterior, promotes diuresis, expels toxins, and promotes healing. It is used for shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, spontaneous sweating, physical weakness, edema, chronic nephritis, prolonged diarrhea, rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and non-healing sores.
09 Wu Jia Shen He Jie Jing (Siberian Ginseng and Gecko Essence)
Composed of Ci Wu Jia (Siberian Ginseng), He Jie (Gecko), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), Ren Shen, and Ren Shen Lu (Ginseng Extract). It tonifies lung Qi and benefits essence and blood. It is used for deficiency of vital energy, lung deficiency cough, and post-illness weakness.
10 Ren Shen Jing Ye Zao Gan Jiao Nang (Ginseng Stem and Leaf Saponin Capsules)
Ren Shen Jing Ye Saponin. Strengthens the spleen and benefits Qi. It is used for palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor appetite due to Qi deficiency.
There are many traditional Chinese patent medicines for Qi deficiency, and their use must be differentiated. For example, for both Qi and Yin deficiency with spontaneous sweating, Sheng Mai Yin may be chosen; Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan for heart nourishment; Yu Ping Feng San for exterior deficiency and susceptibility to wind pathogens; Li Qi Shu Xin Wan for coronary heart disease due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis; Shi Quan Da Bu Wan for Qi and blood deficiency; Shen Qi Wu Wei Zi Pian for insufficient Qi and blood, and heart and spleen deficiency; Bu Xin Qi Oral Liquid for chest pain due to heart Qi deficiency; and Ci Wu Jia Pian for spleen and kidney Yang deficiency with insomnia and vivid dreams.
Additionally, Qi-tonifying patent medicines are based on the principles of “tonifying the deficient” and “benefiting the damaged,” specifically designed for treating Qi deficiency syndrome. They are not suitable for excess conditions 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 read the medication instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.
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