Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (清暑益气汤) — Clear Summer-Heat and Augment the Qi Decoction
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1. Overview
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang — "Clear Summer-Heat and Augment the Qi Decoction" — is a classical Chinese formula attributed to Wang Mengying's Wen Re Jing Wei (Qing dynasty, 1852). It clears Summer-Heat, generates fluids and tonifies the Qi and Yin that have been depleted by hot weather and exertion. Indicated for the typical late-summer pattern of fatigue[9], low-grade fever, sweating, thirst and reduced appetite — what modern medicine recognises as heat exhaustion and post-heat-illness recovery.
2. Composition
| Herb | Role |
|---|---|
| Xi Yang Shen (American ginseng) | Chief — tonifies Qi and Yin, clears Heat |
| Shi Hu | Deputy — nourishes Stomach Yin and generates fluids |
| Mai Men Dong | Deputy — nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin |
| Huang Lian | Assistant — clears Heart Fire and Summer-Heat |
| Zhu Ye | Assistant — clears Heat from Heart and Stomach |
| He Geng (lotus stem) | Assistant — clears Summer-Heat, harmonises Stomach |
| Zhi Mu | Assistant — clears Heat, generates fluids |
| Geng Mi (non-glutinous rice) | Envoy — protects Stomach |
| Xi Gua Pi (watermelon rind) | Envoy — clears Summer-Heat, generates fluids |
| Gan Cao | Envoy — harmonises |
3. Indications
- Late-summer fatigue with thirst, sweating and reduced appetite
- Heat exhaustion with depleted Qi and Yin
- Post-heat-illness recovery
- Chronic Qi-Yin deficiency exacerbated by hot weather
- Convalescence after febrile illness in hot weather
4. How it works
The formula combines the principles of Sheng Mai San (Xi Yang Shen, Mai Men Dong — tonify Qi-Yin) with Heat-clearing herbs (Huang Lian, Zhu Ye, Xi Gua Pi) and Yin-generating herbs (Shi Hu, Zhi Mu). The result is a balanced clearing-and-tonifying action ideal for the residual Qi-Yin depletion that follows Summer-Heat illness.
5. Modern applications
Used in modern China as supportive treatment in elderly patients during heat waves, outdoor workers with heat exhaustion, and post-COVID convalescence patterns characterised by Qi-Yin deficiency.
6. Cautions
Cooling and Yin-nourishing — contraindicated in Spleen Yang deficiency with cold and loose stools. Not for acute Wind-Cold illness. Must be prescribed by a qualified Chinese herbalist.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang in granule form during summer for patients with characteristic heat exhaustion-pattern fatigue, profuse sweating, thirst and reduced appetite. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
