【Source】

Volume 5 of *Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng · Lei Fang* (Standards for Diagnosis and Treatment · Categorized Formulas).

 【Ingredients】

Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu), Costus root (Muxiang), Coptis root (Huanglian), Licorice root (Gancao), White Poria cocos (Baifuling) (Fuling), Ginseng (Renshen), Medicated Leaven (Shenqu) (stir-fried Shenqu), Dried tangerine peel (Chenpi), <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/Amomum fruit (Sharen),’>Amomum fruit (Sharen), Malt (Maiya), Hawthorn fruit (Shanzha), Chinese yam (Shanyao), Nutmeg (Roudoukou)
(13 ingredients)

 【Ingredient Classification】

<Regulating Qi>: Dried tangerine peel (Chenpi), Costus root (Muxiang)

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice root (Gancao), Chinese yam (Shanyao), Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu)

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Coptis root (Huanglian)

<Tonifying Qi>: Ginseng (Renshen)

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Diuresis>: Poria cocos (Fuling)

<Aromatizing and Transforming Dampness>: <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/Amomum fruit (Sharen),’>Amomum fruit (Sharen)

<Astringing>: Nutmeg (Roudoukou)

<Promoting Digestion>: Malt (Maiya), Medicated Leaven (Shenqu), Hawthorn fruit (Shanzha)

【Formula Principles】

According to *Formulology (Tang’s Version)*: Hawthorn fruit (Shanzha), Medicated Leaven (Shenqu), and Malt (Maiya) are used to promote digestion and resolve food stagnation, serving as the chief ingredients in the formula. Costus root (Muxiang), <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/Amomum fruit (Sharen),’>Amomum fruit (Sharen), and Dried tangerine peel (Chenpi) regulate Qi and harmonize the stomach, aiding transportation and resolving distention, serving as assistant ingredients. Coptis root (Huanglian) clears heat and dries dampness to resolve damp-heat, also an assistant ingredient. Baizhu tonifies Qi, and Chenpi regulates Qi; with smooth Qi circulation, the Spleen becomes healthy and the Stomach strong. Hawthorn fruit (Shanzha) aids in digesting meat, and Malt (Maiya) aids in digesting grains. When the Wuji (Earth element, referring to Spleen and Stomach) is insufficient, the Stomach is Wutu (Yang Earth) and the Spleen is Jitu (Yin Earth); therefore, these two herbs assist in transformation. Although Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi) is potent in resolving accumulation and fullness, when combined with Ginseng and Atractylodes, its efficacy is quicker without harming Qi. When the Spleen and Stomach are damaged, they need to be nourished and tonified; when food is difficult to digest, digestion must be promoted. Combining these two approaches is how the Spleen is invigorated.

 【Functions】

Invigorate Qi and strengthen the Spleen, harmonize the Stomach and promote digestion.

 【Indications】

Spleen and stomach deficiency, indigestion, loss of appetite, chest and abdominal distention, epigastric and abdominal fullness, loose stools.

 【Mnemonic】

Yi Gong San (Miraculous Effect Powder) ＋ San Xian (Malt, Hawthorn, Medicated Leaven) ＋ Xiang Lian Sha Shan Kou (Costus root, Coptis root, Amomum fruit, Chinese yam, Nutmeg).

 【Modifications】

(1) For spleen deficiency with food stagnation and accompanying cold, remove Coptis root (Huanglian) and add Dried Ginger (Ganjiang) to warm the middle and dispel cold. (2) For severe dampness, add Alisma (Zexie) and Plantain Seed (Cheqianzi) to promote diuresis and resolve dampness. (3) For severe distention and fullness, add Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi) to promote Qi circulation and relieve stagnation. (4) For cases without damp-heat, remove Coptis root (Huanglian). (5) For cases without diarrhea, remove Nutmeg (Roudoukou).