Tiao Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Star调中益气汤 (Regulate the Middle to Augment the Qi Decoction)
Source: Pi Wei Lun (13th century)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Tiao Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Regulate the Middle to Augment the Qi Decoction), from Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach (13th century).
Associated formula of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
Actions: Leaches out dampness; Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Indications: Heaviness of the body, irritability, joint pain and stiffness, loss of appetite, restlessness or hypersomnia, chest fullness, shortness of breath, productive cough with sticky sputum, frequent clear urination, diarrhea or constipation, flooding, moderate, wiry pulse that is choppy on pressure
Pattern: Spleen-Stomach deficiency with dampness
Usage: Middle-qi tonification combined with drying dampness for heaviness and joint pain.
Category: Formulas that Tonify the Qi.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 322.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Huang Qi
(12-20g); as printed: Astragali Radix (huang qi) 3g (12-20g)
|
3g | 32.26% | — | |
|
Ren Shen
(9-12g); as printed: Ginseng Radix (ren shen) 1.5g (9-12g)
|
1.5g | 16.13% | — | |
|
Cang Zhu
(9-12g); as printed: Atractylodis Rhizoma (cang zhu) 1.5g (9-12g)
|
1.5g | 16.13% | — | |
|
Gan Cao
(3-6g); as printed: Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata (zhi gan cao) 1.5g (3-6g)
|
1.5g | 16.13% | — | |
|
Mu Xiang
dose printed as 0.3-0.6g (6-9g); as printed: Aucklandiae Radix (mu xiang) 0.3-0.6g (6-9g)
|
g | — | — | |
|
Chen Pi
(6-9g); as printed: Citri reticulatae Pericarpium (chen pi) 0.6g (6-9g)
|
0.6g | 6.45% | — | |
|
Sheng Ma
(3-6g); as printed: Cimicifugae Rhizoma (sheng ma) 0.6g (3-6g)
|
0.6g | 6.45% | — | |
|
Chai Hu
(3-9g); as printed: Bupleuri Radix (chai hu) 0.6g (3-9g)
|
0.6g | 6.45% | — |
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 (+0.58)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 13%, neutral 16%, warm 71%.
Taste
- pungent 18%
- sweet 60%
- bitter 23%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 94%
- Lung 77%
- Stomach 39%
- Heart 32%
- Liver 23%
- Kidney 16%
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: Mu Xiang.
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
Parenthetical doses usually used today. Codonopsis Radix (dang shen) is now usually substituted for ren shen at 2-3 times its dose.
Relationships
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Formula Network
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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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