Formula Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and augment Qi

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

清暑益气汤

Also known as:

Clear Summer heat and Augment the Qi Decoction

Formula Composition

Xi Yang Shen
Xi Yang Shen
Xi Gua
Xi Gua
He Geng
He Geng
Shi Hu
Shi Hu
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Dan Zhu Ye
Dan Zhu Ye
Zhi Mu
Zhi Mu
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Jing Mi
Jing Mi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears summerheat
  2. Augments the Qi
  3. Nourishes the Yin
  4. Generates Body Fluids

Patterns Treated

Summer-Heat

Historical Origin

Warp and Woof of Warm-Febrile Diseases (1852 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

Main Actions

Clears summerheat
Augments the Qi
Nourishes the Yin
Generates Body Fluids

Key TCM Concepts

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) and Watermelons (Xi Gua) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1852 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and augment Qi. Its main actions are: 1) clears summerheat and 2) Augments the Qi.

 

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 Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Summer-Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as hyperthermia, heat stroke or pneumonia for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Summer-Heat

Common Applications

Hyperthermia Heat stroke Pneumonia Acute infectious diseases Fever of uknown origin Acute infectious diseases convalescence

Ingredients in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Xi Yang Shen
Xi Yang Shen

American ginseng

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried roots
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
In general Xi Yang Shen's main actions are as follows: "Benefits the Qi, generates Fluids and nourishes the Yin. Nourishes Lung Yin. Calms restlessness."

In the context of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, it is used because it augments the Qi, generates Body Fluids, nourishes the Yin, and clears Heat.
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Xi Gua
Xi Gua

Watermelons

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Stomach, Heart
Parts Used The fruit
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
In general Xi Gua's main actions are as follows: "Treats Summer-Heat and thirst. Brings on urination."

In the context of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, it is used because it is an important substance for clearing Heat and releasing Summer-Heat.
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He Geng
He Geng

Lotus stems

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Spleen
Parts Used Dry stems
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
In general He Geng's main actions are as follows: "Clears Summer-Heat. Regulate Qi in the Middle. "

In the context of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, it is used because it assists Watermelon in clearing Heat and releasing Summer-Heat.
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Shi Hu
Shi Hu

Dendrobium

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Stomach, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Fresh or dried stems
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
In general Shi Hu's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Yin of the Lung and Stomach and assists in the generation of Fluids. Clears Heat and nourishes the Yin. Improves vision and strengthens the lower back."

In the context of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, it is used because it nourishes the Yin of the Lungs and Stomach.
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
In general Mai Dong's main actions are as follows: "Replenishes Yin Essence and promotes secretions. Lubricates and nourishes the Stomach. Soothes the Lung. Nourishes the Heart."

In the context of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, it is used because it nourishes the Yin of the Lungs and Stomach.
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Dan Zhu Ye
Dan Zhu Ye

Lophatherum herbs

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Small Intestine, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem and leaf
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
In general Dan Zhu Ye's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and aids thirst. Aids urination and drains Damp-Heat."

In the context of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, it is used because it clears Heat and resolve irritability and thirst.
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Zhi Mu
Zhi Mu

Anemarrhena rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
In general Zhi Mu's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and Fire from the Qi level. Clears Heat and Fire from the Lung and Stomach. Clears Heat and tonifies the Yin."

In the context of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, it is used because it clears Heat and resolve irritability and thirst.
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Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Huang Lian is bitter and cold. It is especially effective in pacifying Fire. Here it is used to assist in clearing Heat and expelling Summer-Heat.
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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 Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Gan Cao augment the Qi and nourish the Stomach. Not only it assists in treating the underlying condition, they also prevent the cloying nature of the Yin-nourishing herbs and the cold nature of the Heat-clearing herbs from upsetting the Stomach.
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Jing Mi
Jing Mi

Rice sprouts

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Seed kernels
Role in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Jing Mi augment the Qi and nourish the Stomach. Not only it assists in treating the underlying condition, they also prevent the cloying nature of the Yin-nourishing herbs and the cold nature of the Heat-clearing herbs from upsetting the Stomach.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

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

Contraindications

Because of the large number of cloying, Yin-nourishing herbs, this formula should not be used without considerable modification in cases of Summerheat-Dampness. It is also inappropriate for conditions in which the pathogenic influence has already been resolved.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.