Formula Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang

小建中湯

Also known as:

Minor Construct the Middle Decoction , Small Strengthening the Centre Decoction

Formula Composition

Yi Tang
Yi Tang
Rou Gui
Rou Gui
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Da Zao
Da Zao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
  2. Tonifies Qi
  3. Relieves spasmodic pain

Patterns Treated

Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold, Small Intestine Deficient and Cold

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 Xiao Jian Zhong Tang

Main Actions

Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
Tonifies Qi
Relieves spasmodic pain

Key TCM Concepts

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Maltose (Yi Tang) 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 and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach) and 2) tonifies 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 Xiao Jian Zhong Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold or Small Intestine Deficient and Cold. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
  • Small Intestine Deficient and Cold

Common Applications

Chronic gastritis Peptic ulcers Inflammatory bowel disease Autonomic dystonia Chronic hepatitis Cholelithiasis Chronic nephritis Prostatic hypertrophy Migraine Anemia Hypoglycemia

Ingredients in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Yi Tang
Yi Tang

Maltose

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used The sugar
Role in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Yi Tang Tonifies both the Qi and Blood, generates Fluids, alleviates thirst, and moderates abdominal pain. Records of Thoughtful Differentiation of Materia Medica describes Maltose as the "quintessence of a quintessence" because it is distilled from grains such as rice, wheat, or barley, all of which are associated with sweetness and earth. Containing the very essence of earth makes it ideally suited to tonifying the Middle Burner.
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Rou Gui
Rou Gui

Cinnamon bark

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
In general Rou Gui's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and Kidneys and tonifies the Yang. Expels Cold, Warms the meridians, promotes circulation of Qi and Blood and relieves pain. Used with tonics to assist in the generation of Qi and Blood."

In the context of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, it is used because it warms the Middle Burner and disperses Cold.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
In general Bai Shao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain."

In the context of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, it is used because it benefits the Yin with its sweet and sour taste.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."

In the context of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, it is used because it tonifies the protective Qi and strengthen the Middle Burner.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."

In the context of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, it is used because it tonifies the protective Qi and strengthen the Middle Burner.
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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 Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Gan Cao works with the deputy herbs to stop spasmodic abdominal pain. It also harmonizes the functions of the Middle Burner and of the formula in general.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiao Jian Zhong Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Heat from Yin Deficiency. It should not be used without modification in patients with vomiting or roundworms because these conditions are often aggravated by sweet substances.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xiao Jian Zhong 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.