Xiao Jianzhong Tang

Xiao Jianzhong Tang

Cinnamon Twig 2 qian, White Peony 4 qian, Licorice 2 qian, Red Jujube 3 pieces, Fresh Ginger 3 slices, Maltose 1 liang

For those with deficiency syndromes due to exhaustion and internal disharmony (1), all five zang organs lack both yin essence and yang qi. Therefore, ginger and cinnamon are used to warm and generate yang, white peony and maltose are used to generate yin, and jujubes and licorice are purely sweet to tonify the center, establishing the central palace. Once the center is established, yang qi rises upward and yin qi descends downward. Upon closer examination, this formula is essentially about strengthening the stomach and nourishing the spleen, using the method of generating yin from yang. Guipi Tang can be derived from the heavier aspects of this formula, while Jianzhong Tang can be derived from its lighter, more refreshing aspects.

[Note] (1) Exhaustion and internal disharmony: Deficiency in all five zang organs, accompanied by abdominal pain. "Exhaustion" refers to general physical depletion and damage, while "internal disharmony" implies abdominal pain.