top of page

Traditional Chinese Medicine Buzhong Yiqi Decoction: Efficacy and Usage Guide

Writer's picture: Hongji MedicalHongji Medical

Today, we will take an in-depth look at the mysterious origin, miraculous formula, amazing effects, and precautions for use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Buzhong Yiqi Tang.


Origin and recipe revealed


Traditional Chinese Medicine Buzhong Yiqi Tang, a classic Chinese medicine prescription, has a profound theoretical foundation and rich historical stories behind it. It was born from the "Spleen and Stomach Theory" by Li Dongyuan, one of the four great doctors of the Jin and Yuan dynasties.


According to Li Dongyuan's theory, this prescription was designed to treat the symptoms of fever due to qi deficiency. He pointed out that this fever is not caused by exogenous wind and cold, but because of the dampness of the spleen and stomach between the kidneys, which causes the yin fire to rush up and form steaming dry heat. Simply put, when the spleen and stomach are weak, the clear yang cannot rise, the dampness flows down, and the yang is stagnant, it will cause a series of discomforts.


Li Dongyuan mentioned that the key to treating this kind of fever is to use sweet and warm medicines to replenish the middle qi, raise yang and clear heat. He emphasized that warmth can eliminate severe heat, and it is absolutely necessary to avoid using bitter and cold medicines to purge the stomach. Therefore, he created the classic prescription of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction.


Buzhong Yiqi Decoction
補中益氣湯

The star ingredient in the formula


In this recipe, astragalus is undoubtedly the most important ingredient. According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica", astragalus not only nourishes the middle earth, but also warms the spleen and stomach, and is particularly suitable for patients with weak middle qi and weak spleen and earth. Zhang Xichun also pointed out that astragalus can both replenish qi and raise qi, and is simply the best among qi-replenishing medicines.


Ginseng is an important medicine for nourishing the five internal organs and calming the mind, and can effectively enhance the overall strength of the body. Atractylodes macrocephala focuses on nourishing the spleen and stomach, can dispel rheumatism, and soothe the nerves of the spleen and stomach. Licorice, with its mild properties, helps regulate the symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency, and relieves discomfort such as cold and heat cough, shortness of breath, etc. The combination of these three herbs forms the core of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction, allowing it to nourish the middle and replenish qi while also warming the body.


Buzhong Yiqi Decoction
補中益氣湯

As time goes by, Qi deficiency often affects blood production, so Angelica dahurica is added to the formula to nourish Yin and blood, enhance nutrition, and soothe the five internal organs. Chenpi is like a flexible mediator, helping to harmonize Qi and stomach and promote the normal operation of Qi.


Finally, Bupleurum and Cimicifuga, two messengers of lightness, clarity and dispersion, are used to assist the ascent of the clear Yang. As stated in Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun, the clear Qi in the stomach is at the bottom, and Cimicifuga and Bupleurum must be added to guide it upward, so that the effect of the entire prescription can be maximized.


Effects and indications of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction


The main function of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction is to "replenish the middle qi, raise yang and lift the sunken", and it specifically targets a series of symptoms caused by spleen and stomach qi deficiency and failure of clear yang to rise. These symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, deafness, fatigue, low voice, sallow complexion, poor appetite, pale tongue and weak pulse, etc.


In addition, Buzhong Yiqi Decoction can also improve the symptoms of Qi deficiency and fever, such as body heat, spontaneous sweating, thirst for hot drinks, shortness of breath and fatigue, pale and fat tongue, and weak pulse. In particular, Buzhong Yiqi Decoction has a good therapeutic effect on "Zhongqi sinking syndrome", such as prolapse of the anus, prolapse of the uterus, chronic diarrhea, metrorrhagia, etc., accompanied by shortness of breath and fatigue, poor appetite, pale tongue and weak pulse.



In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are regarded as the "foundation of acquired constitution", responsible for transporting and transforming food and water, absorbing essence and fine particles to nourish the five internal organs and six bowels, and maintaining the fullness of qi and blood in the whole body. According to the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, "food and water are the foundation of human beings", while the Zhongzang Jing points out that "if the stomach qi is strong, the five internal organs and six bowels are all strong". However, if the diet is unbalanced or overworked, it is easy to damage the spleen and stomach.


The book "Discussion on the Confusion of Internal and External Injuries" mentions that improper diet, cold and heat discomfort, emotional fluctuations and excessive work will deplete vital energy, leading to spleen and stomach weakness, abnormal metabolism, and further causing problems with the production of qi and blood, which manifests as symptoms such as limb fatigue, sallow complexion, loss of appetite and loose stools.


Weak spleen and stomach
脾胃虛弱

When the spleen and stomach function is damaged, the clear Qi cannot nourish the lungs, resulting in weak lung Qi, which will cause shortness of breath, laziness, and low voice. When the spleen and lung Qi are weak, the defensive Qi is insufficient, and the skin and fur lose warmth, you will feel cold and your limbs will not be warm. When the Qi is weak, the skin and pores lose their firmness, the Yin fluid leaks out, and you sweat easily. Since the spleen Qi is responsible for ascending, when the spleen Qi does not rise, the essence of water and grain cannot be transported to the head and face, and the clear Qi is not nourished. In mild cases, you will feel dizzy, and in severe cases, you will suffer from constant headaches, tinnitus, deafness, and blurred vision.


Buzhong Yiqi Decoction is undoubtedly a lifesaver for people with weak spleen and stomach.



Specifically, Buzhong Yiqi Decoction is suitable for the following conditions: loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal distension, fatigue, etc. caused by weak spleen and stomach; chronic diarrhea, rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, etc. caused by qi deficiency; and low immunity and susceptibility to colds caused by qi deficiency. The common feature of these conditions is insufficient qi and blood, and Buzhong Yiqi Decoction can effectively regulate and restore the body's normal functions.


Buzhong Yiqi Decoction
補中益氣湯:升陽舉陷

Complementary Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy


Diet therapy and acupoint massage can also effectively assist the therapeutic effect of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction. In terms of diet, you can take more foods that have the effect of replenishing qi, such as red dates, longan, yam, etc. These ingredients can enhance the spleen and stomach function and promote the production of qi and blood.


In addition, moderate exercise and adequate rest can also help improve the overall state of the body. In terms of acupoint massage, you can gently massage the "Qi Hai" and "Zhong Wan" acupoints, which help promote the circulation of Qi and blood, strengthen the function of the spleen and stomach, and further enhance the efficacy of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.


Notes


When using Buzhong Yiqi Decoction, in addition to understanding its efficacy and applicable diseases, there are some precautions that need special attention to ensure safety and effectiveness.



First of all, it is recommended to consult a professional Chinese medicine practitioner before use, and adjust the dosage according to the individual's physical condition and specific condition. Everyone's physical condition is different, and professional advice can help choose the most appropriate dosage and usage time.


Secondly, although Buzhong Yiqi Decoction is a warm tonic, spicy, greasy, and raw and cold foods should be avoided during the period of taking it. These foods may affect the digestion and absorption function of the spleen and stomach and reduce the therapeutic effect of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction.


In addition, you should maintain a good work and rest schedule during the period of taking the medicine, and avoid staying up late and overwork, because these factors will consume the body's Qi and blood and affect the recovery effect.


In addition, pregnant women and breastfeeding women should be particularly cautious when using Buzhong Yiqi Decoction, and it is best to do so under the guidance of a doctor to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. If you experience discomfort during use, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc., you should stop using it immediately and seek medical help.



Summary


In short, Buzhong Yiqi Tang is like a superhero hidden in the treasure house of traditional Chinese medicine, with a long history and magical effects. It quietly guards our health and lends a helping hand when needed. We should use this prescription correctly, follow the doctor's instructions, avoid taboos, and let this ancient wisdom continue to shine in modern life and escort our health. Hurry up and let us explore the wonderful world of Buzhong Yiqi Tang together, unlock the code of health, and have a better and healthier life!

bottom of page