Buzhong Yiqi Decoction: Analysis and Application of Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions

Buzhong Yiqi Decoction is one of the classic prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine. It was founded by Li Dongyuan, one of the four great masters of Jin and Yuan Dynasties. It mainly treats fatigue, loss of appetite, and visceral ptosis caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach, subsidence of middle qi. This article will start from four aspects: prescription composition, efficacy mechanism, applicable symptoms and modern applications, combining traditional theory and clinical practice to help readers fully understand the value of this prescription. The content is clearly prioritized: first analyze the basics of the prescription, then go into depth on its conditioning principles, and finally discuss practical application scenarios, taking into account both academic and practical aspects.

Prescription composition and core functions

Buzhong Yiqi DecoctionAstragalusIt is a monarch medicine, combined with ginseng, atractylodes, and licorice to nourish the spleen and stomach, with cohosh and bupleurum to promote yang qi, angelica to nourish blood, and tangerine peel to regulate qi. The prescription contains a total of 8 herbs, which follow the principle of "sweetness and warmth to remove heat" and target the pathogenesis of spleen and stomach Qi deficiency and Yang Qi depression. According to the "Spleen and Stomach Treatise", this prescription can improve symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, and anal prolapse by replenishing qi and raising clear yang. Modern research has also confirmed that its active ingredients can regulate immune function (see table below).

Key points of syndrome differentiation and applicable groups

The use of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction requires strict syndrome differentiation. Typical symptoms include:Short of breath and lazy to talk, loss of appetite, prolonged diarrhea, anal prolapse or uterine prolapse, pale tongue with white coating, and weak pulse. Li Dongyuan emphasized that "internal damage to the spleen and stomach will lead to all kinds of diseases." This prescription is especially suitable for sub-healthy people who have been tired for a long time and have improper diet. However, it should not be used in patients with yin deficiency and excessive fire (such as dry mouth and red tongue) to avoid aggravating heat symptoms with warm tonics. In clinical practice, when chronic gastritis, gastroptosis and other diseases comply with syndrome differentiation, this prescription is often used as the basis for additions and subtractions.

Modern applications and considerations

Modern Chinese medicine expands the application of Buzhong Yiqi DecoctionPostoperative recovery, chronic fatigue syndrome and other fields. For example, if a cancer patient develops spleen and stomach weakness after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, this prescription can be combined with this prescription to improve righteousness. It should be noted that the dosage of Cimicifuga and Bupleurum in the prescription should be light (usually 3-6 grams). Excessive dosage may cause dizziness. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a physician and avoid taking it with cold and cooling drugs. Some studies have shown that combined acupuncture at Zusanli point can enhance the efficacy (Chinese Journal of Experimental Prescriptions, 2021).

Summary and inheritance value

Buzhong Yiqi Decoction has been proven for 800 years and embodies the concepts of "preventing disease" and "holistic conditioning" of traditional Chinese medicine. Its core is to restore the body's self-healing ability by strengthening the spleen and raising yang, rather than simply treating symptoms. In today's fast-paced life, rational use of this prescription can help improve the "spleen deficiency disease of the times", but it must be combined with individual constitution. As Deng Tietao, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, said: "The life of traditional Chinese medicine lies in its curative effect, and the foundation of its curative effect lies in syndrome differentiation." This ancient wisdom still needs to be explored in the modern medical system.

Citing sources

1. Li Dongyuan's "On the Spleen and Stomach" (Jin and Yuan Dynasties)
2. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 edition (entries for Astragalus and Cimicifuga)
3. Deng Tietao's "Diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine" (People's Medical Publishing House)
4. Data reference: "Chinese Journal of Experimental Prescriptions" Issue 12, 2021