Minor Center-Fortifying Decoction

Minor Center-Fortifying Decoction

Cinnamomi Ramulus (Gui Zhi) 3 liang (9g), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhi Gan Cao) 2 liang (6g), Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao) 12 pcs (6 pieces), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shao Yao) 6 liang (18g), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang) 3 liang (9g), Saccharum Granorum (Yi Tang) 1 sheng (30g)

Decoct all the six medicinals with seven sheng of water until three sheng is left, remove the remainder and add the yi tang to melt over a mild flame. Take one sheng of the warm decoction each time, three times a day. (Modern use: add yi tang into the prepared decoction, melt it over mild heat, and take warm twice a day.)

Warms the center, supplements deficiency, harmonizes the interior, and relaxes spasms.

Deficiency-cold of the middle jiao, disharmony of the liver and spleen, characterized by abdominal spasms and pain which can be lessened by warmth and pressure, fatigue and lack of strength, shortness of breath, palpitations, dysphoria, pale complexion, or sore limbs, vexing heat in the palms, dry throat, a pale tongue with white coating, and a thready, wiry pulse.

This pattern is caused by deficiency-cold of the middle jiao, and disharmony of the liver and spleen due to insufficient source qi that cannot initiate transformation. Deficiency-cold of the middle jiao, as well as the liver, restrains the spleen and causes abdominal spasms and pain that can be lessened by warmth and pressure. The spleen and stomach are the source of qi and blood production. When there is deficiency-cold of the middle jiao, there is no source for transportation and transformation, which leads to deficiency of both qi and blood and causes symptoms such as palpitations, pale complexion, fever, and a dry throat. Although the symptoms vary, they all belong to deficiency-cold in the middle jiao. The treatment is to warm the center, supplement deficiency, nourish yin, harmonize the interior, and relax spasm to relieve pain.

1. Essential pattern differentiation This formula is used to warm the center, supplement deficiency, relax spasms, and relieve pain. It is also commonly used to soften the liver and rectify the spleen. This clinical pattern is marked by spasms and pain in the abdomen, which can be reduced by warmth and pressure, pale tongue body, thready, wiry pulse. 2. Modern applications This formula is indicated for gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic hepatitis, chronic gastritis, neurasthenia, aplastic anemia, fever due to deficiency-cold of the middle jiao, and disharmony of the liver and spleen. 3. Cautions and contraindications This formula is not suitable for vomiting or abdominal fullness. It is prohibited for pain in the stomach cavity due to vigorous fire resulting from yin deficiency.

1. Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Astragalus Center-Fortifying Decoction 黃芪建中湯)