Gui Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Star归芪建中汤 (Tangkuei and Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle)
Source: Yi Fang Ji Jie — Wang Ang (1682)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Gui Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Tangkuei and Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle), from the Yi Fang Ji Jie (Analytical Collection of Medical Formulas) by Wang Ang.
Actions: Tonifies qi and blood; Promotes generation of muscle tissues; Eases pain.
Presentation: Abscesses and ulcerations with underlying qi and blood deficiencies: various types of abscesses and ulcerations, mild inflammation, small amounts of pus and discharge.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 479.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dang Gui
as printed: Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 12g
|
12g | 12.5% | Jun (Chief) | tonifies blood and improves circulation to enhance healing |
|
Huang Qi
as printed: Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) 4.5g [12g]
|
12g | 12.5% | Jun (Chief) | tonifies qi and promotes generation of flesh and new muscle tissue |
|
Yi Tang
as printed: Yi Tang (Maltosum) 1 cup [30g]
|
30g | 31.25% | tonifies deficiency, strengthens the middle, supplies nutrients for recovery | |
|
Bai Shao
as printed: Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba, chao (dry-fried) with liquor) 18g
|
18g | 18.75% | with Zhi Gan Cao eases pain and relieves spasms and cramps | |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 6g
|
6g | 6.25% | with Bai Shao eases pain and relieves spasms and cramps | |
|
Gui Zhi
as printed: Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 9g
|
9g | 9.38% | warms the middle and relieves abdominal pain | |
|
Sheng Jiang
as printed: Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, qie (sliced)) 9g
|
9g | 9.38% | warms the middle and relieves abdominal pain | |
|
Da Zao
as printed: Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae, bo (opened)) 12 pieces [4 pieces]
|
4pieces | 100% | warms the middle and relieves abdominal pain |
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly warm (+0.56)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 19%, neutral 6%, warm 75%.
Taste
- pungent 20%
- sweet 61%
- sour 9%
- bitter 9%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 91%
- Lung 69%
- Stomach 47%
- Liver 31%
- Heart 28%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
1 herb without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Da Zao.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Prepare as a decoction; today the bracketed doses may be used.
Relationships
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Formula family
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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