Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang 補中益氣湯 - Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi-: Benefits, Uses & FAQs
Ginseng and Astragalus Combination
Origin of BU ZHONG YI QI TANG
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang was first published in Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes, in the year 1247 AD. As the title of the formula suggests, the key to augmenting the Qi of the whole body is to strengthen the middle, that is the key digestive organ of the Spleen. It's no secret that we obtain most (or all) of our energy by digesting food in the middle burner.
When to Use BU ZHONG YI QI TANG
This classical formula is also known as Central Qi Pills. It combines several strengthening herbs with 3 herbs that raise the Qi. This makes it the 'go-to' formula for prolapse conditions. Its mildness and lifting qualities make it a suitable supplement for supporting the long term treatment of deficiency-caused hemorrhoids, and varicose veins as well as more serious organ prolapses.
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BU ZHONG YI QI TANG Safety & Side Effects
- Contraindicated for those with Yin Deficiency or Interior Heat.
Pregnant or nursing women should consult their health care provider before taking any supplement.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is powerful and reliable, but it can be complex. As TCM is not based on symptoms alone, self-diagnosis and self-treatment aren't recommended. Best to start a low cost online-herbal-consultation.
BU ZHONG YI QI TANG Dosage
Pills - Teapills: 8 teapills, 3X a day, or as prescribed.
Tablets: 5 tabs, 3X a day, or as prescribed. Best taken on an empty stomach
Granules: 2-4 grams, taken 2-3 times a day, dissolved in liquid, best on an empty stomach, or as prescribed
Whole Herbs: Using a container made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel (no aluminum, iron or copper) boil 1 packet of herbs in 2-3 quarts of water for about 30 minutes, or until 2 cups of medicine remain. Strain herbs; save and refrigerate for a possible second boiling. (Good quality herbs can be boiled a second time.) Drink 1 cup in the AM. And 1 cup in the PM. If desired, repeat the following day, using the saved herbs from the refrigerator
BU ZHONG YI QI TANG Ingredients
| Rx. Astragali | Huang Qi |
| Rx. Codonopsis | Dang Shen |
| Rz. Atractylodis Macrocephalae | Bai Zhu |
| Fried Licorice Root | Zhi Gan Cao |
| Rx. Angelicae Sinensis | Dang Gui |
| Aged Citrus Peel | Chen Pi |
| Rx. Cimicifugae | Sheng Ma |
| Rx. Bupleurum | Chai Hu |
| Fresh Ginger | Sheng Jiang |
| Sour Date | Da Zao |
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FAQs
What is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan?
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, often translated as Tonify the Middle and Raise the Qi, is one of the most famous herbal formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is used to strengthen Spleen Qi, improve energy, support digestion, and raise "sinking Qi" that can contribute to prolapse and chronic weakness.
What is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan used for?
This formula is commonly prescribed for people with Spleen Qi deficiency accompanied by sinking Qi. Symptoms may include chronic fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, bloating, a weak voice, shortness of breath, organ prolapse, hemorrhoids, and a feeling of heaviness or weakness that becomes worse as the day goes on.
What does "raising the Qi" mean?
In TCM, healthy Qi helps keep the organs in their proper position and supports normal function. When Qi becomes weak, it may no longer provide adequate support. This condition, known as sinking Qi, can contribute to problems such as hemorrhoids, uterine prolapse, rectal prolapse, bladder prolapse, or a feeling of downward pressure in the abdomen. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan was specifically developed to strengthen and lift this weakened Qi.
Can Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan help chronic fatigue?
Yes—when the fatigue is caused by Spleen Qi deficiency. People who respond well to this formula often feel physically exhausted, have poor digestion, become tired after meals, and notice that their energy declines throughout the day. Fatigue caused by other medical conditions may require different treatment.
What is the difference between Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan and Si Jun Zi Tang?
Both formulas strengthen Spleen Qi, but they serve different purposes. Si Jun Zi Tang focuses primarily on improving digestion and treating uncomplicated Spleen Qi deficiency. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan is a stronger Qi-tonifying formula that also raises sinking Qi, making it more appropriate for people with chronic fatigue, prolapse, hemorrhoids, or a feeling that their energy "sinks" during the day.
Can I diagnose myself with Spleen Qi deficiency?
Not reliably. Fatigue and digestive complaints can result from many different TCM patterns, including Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Dampness, or Food Stagnation. Selecting the correct herbal formula requires identifying the underlying pattern rather than simply matching a symptom to a formula.
Is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan good for everyone with low energy?
No. Although it is one of the best-known formulas for fatigue, it works best when the fatigue is caused by Spleen Qi deficiency and sinking Qi. People with fatigue caused by anemia, thyroid disease, depression, chronic infection, or other medical conditions require an appropriate medical evaluation. Likewise, in TCM, different patterns of imbalance require different herbal formulas.
Who should not take Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan?
This formula is intended for deficiency conditions. It is generally not appropriate for people with acute infections, high fever, severe inflammation, excess Heat, or significant stagnation without Qi deficiency. Taking a strong Qi tonic when the diagnosis is incorrect may not relieve symptoms and, in some cases, may aggravate the underlying imbalance.
Can I take Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan every day?
Many people take the formula daily during treatment, but the duration depends on the individual's condition. As health improves, the prescription may be adjusted or changed. Long-term use should be supervised by an experienced practitioner.
What is the difference between Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan and Si Jun Zi Tang?
Both formulas strengthen Spleen Qi, but they serve different purposes. Si Jun Zi Tang focuses primarily on improving digestion and treating uncomplicated Spleen Qi deficiency. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan is a stronger Qi-tonifying formula that also raises sinking Qi, making it more appropriate for people with chronic fatigue, prolapse, hemorrhoids, or a feeling that their energy "sinks" during the day.
Can I diagnose myself with Spleen Qi deficiency?
Not reliably. Fatigue and digestive complaints can result from many different TCM patterns, including Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Dampness, or Food Stagnation. Selecting the correct herbal formula requires identifying the underlying pattern rather than simply matching a symptom to a formula.
Is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan good for everyone with low energy?
No. Although it is one of the best-known formulas for fatigue, it works best when the fatigue is caused by Spleen Qi deficiency and sinking Qi. People with fatigue caused by anemia, thyroid disease, depression, chronic infection, or other medical conditions require an appropriate medical evaluation. Likewise, in TCM, different patterns of imbalance require different herbal formulas.
What’s the Difference Between
Bu Zhong Yi Qi PIAN,
Bu Zhong Yi Qi WAN,
Bu Zhong Yi Qi TANG,
Bu Zhong Yi Qi SAN?
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WAN = Pill (old-style or handmade pill, or black teapill)
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PIAN = Tablet (modern looking pill)
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TANG = Water Decoction (boiled whole herbs)
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SAN = Powder (milled or granulated)
* Information is for educational purpose and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 
