The Five Classic Formulas for Qi Tonification

1. Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)

Composition: Ren Shen (Ginseng) 10g, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 9g, Fu Ling (Poria) 9g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 6g

Function: Tonifies Qi and strengthens the Spleen

Indications: Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency

Characteristics: Pale complexion, low voice, weakness in limbs, reduced appetite or loose stools, pale tongue, weak and slow pulse

Modified Formula: Yi Gong San (Extraordinary Function Powder)

Composition: Si Jun Zi Tang plus Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel) 9g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 5 slices

Function: Strengthens the Spleen, tonifies Qi, harmonizes the Stomach

Indications: Weakness of the Spleen and Stomach

Characteristics: Poor appetite, chest and abdomen fullness or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Modified Formula: Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction)

Composition: Si Jun Zi Tang (1) plus Chen Pi 9g, Ban Xia (Pinellia) 12g

Function: Strengthens the Spleen and stops vomiting

Indications: Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency with phlegm-dampness

Characteristics: Lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, chest fullness, loose stools, or cough with copious thin white phlegm

Modified Formula: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Aromatic Sand Six Gentlemen Decoction)

Composition: Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Mu Xiang (Aucklandia) 6g, Sha Ren (Amomum) 6g

Function: Strengthens the Spleen, harmonizes the Stomach, regulates Qi and alleviates pain

Indications: Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency with cold-damp stagnation in the middle Jiao

Characteristics: Poor appetite, belching, abdominal distension or pain, vomiting, diarrhea

2. Bao Yuan Tang (Preserve the Source Decoction)

Composition: Huang Qi (Astragalus) 20g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 20g, Rou Gui (Cinnamon) 8g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 5g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 3g

Function: Tonifies Qi and warms Yang

Indications: Deficiency due to overwork, insufficient original Qi

Characteristics: Fatigue, shortness of breath, aversion to cold; in children, for variola with Yang deficiency and insufficient Qi

3. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder)

Composition: Lian Zi Rou (Lotus Seed) 50g, Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears) 50g, Sha Ren (Amomum) 50g, Jie Geng (Platycodon) 50g, Bian Dou (Hyacinth Bean) 75g, Fu Ling (Poria) 100g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 100g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 100g, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 100g, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) 100g

Function: Tonifies Qi, strengthens the Spleen, drains dampness, and stops diarrhea

Indications: Spleen and Stomach deficiency

Characteristics: Reduced appetite, loose stools, fatigue, weight loss, chest fullness, pale yellow complexion, white tongue coating, pale red tongue, weak and slow pulse

4. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction)

Composition: Huang Qi (Astragalus) 20g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 10g, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 10g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 6g, Dang Gui (Angelica) 10g, Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 3g, Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel) 6g, Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) 3g, Da Zao (Jujube), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger)

Function: Tonifies the middle, augments Qi, raises Yang

Indications: Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency

Characteristics: Fever, spontaneous sweating, thirst for warm drinks, shortness of breath, fatigue, pale complexion, loose stools, weak and rapid pulse, pale tongue with thin white coating

Indications: Qi deficiency with sinking

Characteristics: Prolapse of the rectum, uterine prolapse, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, chronic malaria, and symptoms of clear Yang sinking

5. Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder)

Composition: Ren Shen (Ginseng) 10g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) 15g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) 6g

Function: Tonifies Qi, generates fluids, and restrains Yin to stop sweating

Indications: (1) Summer heat with excessive sweating, depleting Qi and damaging fluids

Characteristics: Fatigue, shortness of breath, dry throat, weak pulse

Indications: (2) Chronic thirst with lung deficiency, both Qi and Yin injured

Characteristics: Dry cough with little phlegm, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, dry mouth and tongue, thin white coating, weak or rapid pulse

Recommended Reading:

1. A Secret Recipe from a Renowned TCM Physician

2. Six Amazing Family Recipes

3. Highly Effective Recipes (65 Formulas)

4. Why Are Young Men Struggling? Recommended 3 Recipes and 10 Ingredients

5. Over 70 Years of Medical Experience Summarizes 6 Small Formulas Needed by Many!

Disclaimer: This article is a compilation from the internet and published materials. If there are any infringements, please contact us for removal. The various prescriptions and formulas mentioned are for informational sharing only and should not be considered medical advice, recommendations, or guidance. Please consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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