BU ZHONG YI QI WAN (BP005) Ginseng & Astragalus Complex

Indication

This formula was developed by Li Gao (a.k.a. Li Dong-yuan) and first appeared in ‘Treatise on the Differentiation of Endogenous and Exogenous Injuries’ (nei wai shang bian huo lun), 1247. His other major work, published two years later, ‘Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach’ (pi wei lun), elaborates on the uses of this formula with reference to Spleen and Stomach deficiency syndromes.

The formula was originally described in the context of the treatment of febrile illness due to Qi deficiency. It was also used for the basic syndrome of Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency, from which may arise a wide variety of disorders. The genius of Li Dong-yuan is clearly epitomised in the construction of this formula. Li’s important contribution to TCM was in pointing out the importance of the way in which the ascending and descending movements of the Qi are controlled by the organs of the middle Jiao: the Spleen controls the former, while the Stomach controls the latter. This has far reaching consequences in diagnostics as well as therapeutics.

Li discovered that by using low doses of acrid Exterior-releasing (exogenous Wind-dispelling) herbs – which have an ascending-floating direction of action – along with Spleen Qi tonifying herbs (particularly those with an ascending direction of action, such as Astragalus (huang qi) and Ginseng (ren shen) the normal ascending Qi movement of the middle Jiao, and hence of the whole body, may be restored. In this way, the formula treats Spleen Qi deficiency with sinking of the Yang Qi by tonifying the Spleen and Stomach to promote the normal ascending movement of their Yang Qi. Thus, it is effective in the treatment of organ prolapse. In addition, this unique formula is used as the basis for treating Yin Fire syndromes. These are a class of disorders characterised by pathological Heat or Fire due to the invasion of the Upper and/or middle Jiao by the ministerial Fire (xiang huo), which should normally be confined to the lower Jiao (as part of normal Kidney function – the ‘Fire within Water’). In many cases Spleen Qi deficiency with sinking of the Spleen Qi is the primary cause of Yin Fire. Such cases manifest with a fever that is intermittent and may be brought on or worsened by physical exertion. There is also thirst with the desire for warm beverages and intolerance of cold.

The synergistic actions of the herbs are as follows:

Astragalus root (huang qi), Codonopsis root (dang shen), Atractylodes rhiz. (bai zhu), Ziziphus fruit (da zao), Zingiber rhiz. (sheng jiang), Glycyrrhiza root (zhi gan cao): tonify the Spleen Qi.

Bupleurum root (chai hu), Actaea rhizome (sheng ma), Astragalus root (huang qi), Codonopsis root (dang shen): raise the Yang Qi of the Spleen.

Angelica root (dang-gui): nourishes the Blood, regulates the Qi and Blood (to support the Qi).

Citrus fruit peel (chen pi): regulates the Qi and harmonises the Spleen and Stomach (assists in restoring the normal Qi movements of the middle Jiao and facilitates the digestion and absorption of the rich tonic herbs in the formula).

ChinaMed approximate equivalent Energy Tonic Formula (CM139).

Signs & Symptoms:

General debility

General weakness

Haemorrhoids

Hypotension

Prolapse of internal organs eg uterine, rectal, gastroptosis

Chronic fatigue

Diarrhea or loose stools, chronic

Poor appetite

Muscular atrophy or weakness

Pharyngitis, chronic

Chemotherapy, side effects

Dyspnoea

Sweating, spontaneous

Upper respiratory tract infection, recurrent

General debility due to severe or chronic illness

Combinations –

Chronic fatigue syndrome:

BA JI YIN YANG WAN

SHI QUAN DA BU WAN

YU PING FENG SAN

SHEN QI DA BU WAN

ZHUANG YANG YI JING WAN

QI BAO MEI RAN DAN (Jia Wei)

TAO HONG SI WU WAN

ENERGY TONIC Formula

Immune function low, or as an adjunct to Chemotherapy:

LIU WEI DI HUANG WAN

SHI QUAN DA BU WAN

YU PING FENG SAN

SHEN QI DA BU WAN

RESISTANCE Formula

YIN TONIC Formula

QI & BLOOD TONIC Formula

Low sperm count:

BA JI YIN YANG WAN

ZHUANG YANG YI JING WAN

QI BAO MEI RAN DAN (Jia Wei)

YOU GUI WAN

SEXUAL FUNCTION Formula

HAIR GROWTH Formula

Muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy:

BA JI YIN YANG WAN

ZUO GUI WAN

QI BAO MEI RAN DAN (Jia Wei)

YOU GUI WAN

TCM Syndromes: Deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach Qi, Qi Spleen Qi sinking.

TCM Actions: Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach (middle Jiao) Qi, raises the Yang Qi of the middle Jiao (also tonifies the Lung Qi and the defensive Qi).