【Source】

Volume 1 of Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber.

 【Ingredients】

Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), Prepared Licorice Root (Zhi Gancao), Jujube (Dazao), White Peony Root (Baishao), Ginger (Shengjiang), Maltose (Yitang), Astragalus Root (Huangqi)
(7 ingredients)

 【Categories】

<Blood Tonifying>: White Peony Root (Baishao)

<Spleen & Middle Jiao Tonifying>: Maltose (Yitang), Licorice Root (Gancao), Jujube (Dazao)

<Qi Tonifying>: Astragalus Root (Huangqi)

<Acrid-Warm to Release the Exterior>: Ginger (Shengjiang), Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi)

【Formula Principles】

The Shānbǔ states: “Dajianzhong (Great Jianzhong) signifies greatly strengthening the Yang of the Middle Jiao, while Xiaojianzhong (Minor Jianzhong) means to establish it in a small, gentle way. Lizhong means to regulate and harmonize, Zhizhong means to govern and differentiate, Buzhong (Tonify Middle) and Wenzhong (Warm Middle) all emphasize focusing on the Middle Jiao first. Due to external pathogens of Shanghan invading internally, not all methods can be fully employed. Zhang Zhongjing merely used the character ‘xiao’ (minor) at the beginning of the formula name to subtly convey its meaning. It was not until the Jīnkuì Yàolüè that the full implications of Jianzhong were explored. Later generations, by extending and drawing analogies, created various Jianzhong formulas, such as the fourteen-ingredient Jianzhong Tang and Qu Chang Jianzhong Tang. The essence of Jianzhong: it is the great principle that scholars should grasp wholeheartedly.”

 【Functions】

Warms the Middle Jiao and tonifies deficiency, harmonizes the interior and alleviates urgency.

 【Indications】

Deficiency exhaustion (Xu Lao) and insufficiency, deficiency of both Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood; internal urgency with abdominal pain, spasmodic abdominal discomfort, spontaneous sweating or night sweats, palpitations and shortness of breath, emaciation, limb fatigue, and a deficient-large pulse. The Shānbǔ adds: internal urgency due to consumptive disease, palpitations, epistaxis, abdominal pain, nocturnal emission, aching limbs, vexing heat in hands and feet, dry throat and mouth, and various other deficiency syndromes.

 【Applications】

Weakness after severe illness, night sweats, weak children, chronic consumptive diseases of the stomach, heart, lungs, etc.

 【Contraindications】

Avoid Seaweed (Haizao), Napa Cabbage (Songcai), and raw Scallions (Shengcong).

 【Memorization Tip】

Minor Jian Zhong Tang (Xiao Jian Zhong Tang) + Astragalus Root (Huangqi).

 【Pharmacology】

Anti-ulcer, central sedation.