Formula Defensive Qi Deficiency

Miǎn Yì Tāng

免疫汤

Also known as:

Astragalus & Polygonatum Combination

Formula Composition

Huang Qi
Huang Qi
Huang Jing
Huang Jing
Dang Shen
Dang Shen
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Bei Sha Shen
Bei Sha Shen
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Dan Shen
Dan Shen
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi
Yin Yang Huo
Yin Yang Huo
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Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
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From $36.00

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Defensive Qi (Wei Qi)
  2. Tonifies Lung Qi
  3. Consolidates the Exterior & stabilizes the Defensive Qi Level

Patterns Treated

Defensive Qi Deficiency

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Miǎn Yì Tāng

Main Actions

Tonifies Defensive Qi (Wei Qi)
Tonifies Lung Qi
Consolidates the Exterior & stabilizes the Defensive Qi Level

Key TCM Concepts

This formula tonifies Qi at multiple levels (Spleen, Lung, Kidney, Wei Qi), nourishes Yin to provide substance, mildly warms Yang to support defensive function, and astringes to consolidate gains. The addition of Dan Shen ensures Blood moves freely despite all the supplementation.

This is a well-constructed formula that balances Qi tonification with Yin nourishment, prevents Stagnation, and consolidates the Exterior. It addresses immune Deficiency comprehensively rather than one-dimensionally.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Defensive Qi Deficiency

Common Applications

Recurrent Cold Or Flu Spontaneous sweating Chronic fatigue Shortness of breath Slow recovery from illness General constitutional weakness

Ingredients in Miǎn Yì Tāng

Detailed information about each herb in Miǎn Yì Tāng and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Miǎn Yì Tāng
Huang Qi is the primary Qi tonic that raises Yang, tonifies Wei Qi, consolidates the Exterior, and strengthens the Lung and Spleen. It directly addresses the formula's core purpose of fortifying Defensive energy.
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Huang Jing
Huang Jing

King solomon's seal roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Miǎn Yì Tāng
Huang Jing tonifies Qi while simultaneously nourishing Yin, working across Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. It provides a deeper, more substantive form of supplementation that addresses constitutional weakness at its root.

Where Huang Qi lifts and disperses outward, Huang Jing grounds and nourishes inward—together they create balanced, sustainable tonification.
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Dang Shen
Dang Shen

Codonopsis roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Miǎn Yì Tāng
Dang Shen reinforces the Qi-Tonifying action, particularly for Spleen and Lung. It is gentler and more moistening than Huang Qi and it supports without causing Dryness.
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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 Miǎn Yì Tāng
Bai Zhu strengthens Spleen Qi and dries Dampness, ensuring efficient Qi production and transformation.
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Bei Sha Shen
Bei Sha Shen

Glehnia roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Miǎn Yì Tāng
Sha Shen nourishes Lung Yin, moistens Dryness, balances the warming nature of the Qi tonics.
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Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Miǎn Yì Tāng
Shu Di huang tonifies Kidney Yin and Blood, providing deep nourishment to the root.
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Dan Shen
Dan Shen

Red sage roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Miǎn Yì Tāng
Dan Shen invigorates Blood to prevent Stagnation from the heavy tonics.
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Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra berries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Miǎn Yì Tāng
Wu Wei Zi astringes Lung Qi, secures the Exterior, and consolidates the formula's tonifying effects so they aren't lost.
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Yin Yang Huo
Yin Yang Huo

Epimedium herbs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried aerial part
Role in Miǎn Yì Tāng
Yin Yang Huo (Xian Ling Pi) warms Kidney Yang, supporting the Yang aspect of Defensive energy.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Miǎn Yì Tāng

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

Contraindications

Acute exterior invasion: Don't use during active cold or flu—the tonifying and astringent nature could trap pathogens inside. Excess Heat conditions: The formula contains warm herbs (Huang Qi, Xian Ling Pi) that could aggravate Heat. Pregnancy: Xian Ling Pi warrants caution. Severe Blood stasis: While Dan Shen moves Blood mildly, it's not sufficient for significant stagnation. Yin Deficiency with Heat signs: Use cautiously if there are pronounced night sweats, five-palm heat, or a red peeled tongue—the warm tonics may aggravate. This is a well-constructed formula that balances Qi tonification with Yin nourishment, prevents stagnation, and consolidates the exterior—addressing immune deficiency comprehensively rather than one-dimensionally.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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