Formula Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold

Li Zhong Wan

理中丸

Also known as:

Regulating the Centre Pill , Regulate the Middle Pill

Formula Composition

Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Warms the Middle Burner
  2. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach

Patterns Treated

Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency, Greater Yin stage

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Li Zhong Wan

Main Actions

Warms the Middle Burner
Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach

Key TCM Concepts

Li Zhong Wan is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold. Its main actions are: 1) warms the Middle Burner and 2) strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Li Zhong Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency or Greater Yin stage. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
  • Greater Yin stage

Common Applications

Gastroenteritis Peptic ulcers Irritable bowel syndrome Dysentery Ulcerative colitis Allergic rhinitis Prostatic hypertrophy Chronic bronchitis Vaginitis Pelvic inflammatory disease

Ingredients in Li Zhong Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Li Zhong Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang

Dried ginger

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Li Zhong Wan
Gan Jiang warms the Spleen and Stomach Yang and eliminates Interior Cold, the primary function of this formula.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Li Zhong Wan
Ren Shen strongly tonifies the source Qi. This reinforces the Yang and rectifies the ascending and descending functions of the Middle Burner.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Li Zhong Wan
Bai Zhu aids Ginseng in tonifying the Spleen and Stomach and also strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Li Zhong Wan
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Li Zhong Wan, it is used because it augments the Qi of the Middle Burner and harmonizes the actions of the other herbs in the formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Li Zhong Wan

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Not be used for externally-contracted disorders with fever or Yin Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Li Zhong Wan may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.