Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang — Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang — Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle — is a modification of the classical formula Xiao Jian Zhong Tang with the addition of a large dose of Huang Qi (Astragalus) — the most important single Qi-tonifying herb in TCM. This modification significantly increases the formula’s capacity to tonify Spleen and Lung Qi and strengthen the exterior Wei Qi, making it more appropriate when fatigue, spontaneous sweating and general deficiency are more prominent alongside the abdominal pain. It is the principal formula for the pattern of Middle Jiao deficiency Cold with significant Qi deficiency.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Middle Jiao deficiency Cold with significant Qi deficiency, characterised by: cramping abdominal pain relieved by warmth and pressure, profound fatigue, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, poor appetite, loose stools, a pale tongue, and a thin, weak pulse. The addition of Huang Qi distinguishes this pattern from Xiao Jian Zhong Tang by the presence of more pronounced Qi deficiency with spontaneous sweating.

Key herbs

1. Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus root) — the principal added herb (in a large dose); powerfully tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi, strengthens Wei Qi and stops spontaneous sweating
2. Yi Tang (Saccharum granorum / maltose) — warms and tonifies the Middle Jiao, moderates the formula and alleviates pain
3. Gui Zhi (Cinnamomum cassia twigs) — warms the channels and Middle Jiao
4. Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora root) — nourishes Blood and Yin, alleviates cramping pain (used in a large dose)
5. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza root) — tonifies Qi, harmonises and alleviates pain
6. Sheng Jiang (fresh Zingiber officinale rhizome) — warms the Middle
7. Da Zao (Ziziphus jujuba fruit) — nourishes Blood and Spleen Qi

Conditions treated

1. Peptic ulcer disease with abdominal pain and significant fatigue from Middle Jiao deficiency Cold with Qi deficiency
2. IBS with cold abdominal pain, fatigue and spontaneous sweating from Spleen Qi and Yang deficiency
3. Chronic abdominal pain in constitutionally weak patients where pain and fatigue are equally prominent
4. Post-surgical recovery with abdominal pain and Qi deficiency
5. Chronic fatigue syndrome with abdominal pain and cold Middle Jiao pattern
6. Spontaneous sweating with fatigue from Qi deficiency of the Spleen and Lung

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.