Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Star小建中汤 (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun, is used to tonify the Spleen-Qi and Yang; warm the Middle-Jiao; also nourish Yin and blood; relieve cramping pain.
Presentation: intermittent spasmodic abdominal pain relieved by warmth and pressure; reduced appetite; cold and sore extremities; lusterless complexion; palpitations; low-grade fever; dry mouth and throat; irritability; tongue: pale; pulse: thready.
Syndrome: Internal cold syndrome.
Composition strategy:
- sweet herbs tonify the Spleen directly
- sweet-warm and sweet-cold pairings generate Yang and Yin respectively
- dosage ratios arranged so tonifying one aspect does not injure another; resolves the dilemma of Qi/Yang/Yin/blood all deficient in the Middle-Jiao
- a model formula for chronic conditions
Note: the book prints different doses in its two discussions of this formula: Yi Tang 30 g (p. 125) vs 18–30 g (p. 377).
Source: Yang Y. Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2010, p. 125, 184, 377.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yi Tang
as printed: Yi Tang (Maltose)
|
30g | 46.88% | Jun (Chief) | large amount; sweet-neutral, tonifies Spleen directly without harming Yin or Yang, smooths muscles to relieve cramping pain |
|
Gui Zhi
as printed: Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi cassiae ramulus)
|
9g | 14.06% | Chen (Deputy) | with Yi Tang tonifies and stimulates Spleen-Yang; heat moderated so it does not injure Yin/blood |
|
Bai Shao
as printed: Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae radix lactiflora)
|
9g | 14.06% | Chen (Deputy) | with Yi Tang generates Yin and blood; cold moderated so it does not injure Yang |
|
Gan Cao
assistant and envoy; as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae radix preparata)
|
6g | 9.38% | Zuo (Assistant) | tonify Spleen, ease muscles, moderate other herbs |
|
Sheng Jiang
as printed: Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis rhizoma recens)
|
10g | 15.63% | Zuo (Assistant) | enhance Gui Zhi in warming the Middle-Jiao; soothe Stomach-Qi, disperse cold and water |
|
Da Zao
as printed: Da Zao (Jujubae fructus)
|
4pieces | 100% | Zuo (Assistant) | tonify blood and Spleen-Qi, enhance Bai Shao Yao |
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
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 (+0.63)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 14%, neutral 9%, warm 77%.
Taste
- pungent 23%
- sweet 63%
- sour 7%
- bitter 7%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 86%
- Spleen 86%
- Stomach 72%
- Heart 23%
- Liver 14%
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
Dissolve Maltosum in the strained decoction; honey may substitute but never cane sugar. Paeoniae Radix alba is now used and only 3-5 pieces of Jujubae Fructus.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 264.
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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