Augments Qi, stabilises the Exterior and stops sweating

• Aversion to drafts
• Spontaneous sweating
• Recurrent colds
• A shiny pale complexion
• A pale tongue with a white coating
• A floating, deficient and soft pulse

• Huang Qi (chief) powerfully strengthens the Qi and stabilises the Exterior by tonifying the superficial, exterior aspects of the Lungs and Spleen.
• Bai Zhu (deputy) strengthens the Spleen and augments the Qi, reinforcing the actions of the chief herb and strengthening the Metal (Lungs) by cultivating the Earth (Spleen).
• The herbal combination generates Qi and Blood by tonifying the Spleen, which stabilises the Exterior and prevents the leakage of sweat from the interstices and pores.
• Fang Feng (assistant) circulates in the Exterior of the body and expels Wind, the pathogenic vehicle others ride to invade the body.
• The combination of the Chief and assistant herbs expels pathogenic influences without harming the normal Qi, whilst stabilising the Exterior: dispersing while tonifying.

• Externally-contracted disorders with an aversion to wind, sweating and a moderate pulse: add Gui Zhi
• Persistent sweating: add Mu Li, Fu Xiao Mai and Wu Wei Zi
• Chronic or allergic rhinitis: add Xin Yi Hua, Cang Er Zi and Bai Zhi
• Bronchitis in children: add Shan Yao, Chen Pi and Da Zao
• Hypotension: take with Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder)
• Allergic rhinitis: take with Cang Er Zi San (Xanthium Powder)

• This formula is for deficiency of the exterior with weak and unstable protective (Wei) Qi, leading to inadequate regulation of the pores and interstices, which prevents the pores from closing properly, causing spontaneous sweating and aversion to drafts, it also makes it easier for external pathogens to invade the body; hence frequent colds.
• This formula is commonly taken by people who get recurrent colds to prevent colds, and while effective it takes time; at least a month, and up to five months to see real benefits.
• Both this formula and Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction treat conditions of Exterior deficiency, but Gui Zhi Tang is for acute conditions with fever, aversion to cold and sweating doesn’t resolve the problem. This formula is for chronic Qi deficiency, and the two formulas can be used on the same patient at different times, or combined.
• With the appropriate presentation, the formula may be used for upper respiratory tract infections, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, mild bronchitis (especially in children), allergic rhinitis, hyperthyroidism, and autonomic dystonia (uncontrolled and often painful muscle spasms).

Stabilises the Kidneys and binds up the semen

• Chronic spermatorrhoea, impotence
• Fatigue and weakness, sore and weak limbs
• Lower back pain, tinnitus
• A pale tongue with a white coating
• A thin, frail pulse

• Sha Yuan Zi (chief) tonifies the Kidneys, benefits the Jing, and stops the leakage of semen by stabilising the ‘Gate of Jing’.
• Lian Zi and Qian Shi (deputies) assist the chief herb in stabilising the ‘Gate of Jing’ and stopping the leakage of semen.
• Long Gu and Mu Li (assistants) suppress blazing Fire, andchor Yang and prevent spermatorrhoea.
• Lian Xu (assistant) binds up the semen to stop it leaking.

• Kidney Yang deficiency with frequent urination and a deep, frail pulse: add Bu Gu Zhi and Shan Zhu Yu
• Blazing Fire from Yin deficiency with wet dreams, irritability, insomnia, a dry, red tongue and a thin, rapid pulse: add Gui Ban and Nu Zhen Zi
• Constipation: add Rou Cong Rong and Dang Gui
• Diarrhoea: add Bu Gu Zhi, Tu Si Zi and Wu Wei Zi
• Impotence: add Yin Yang Huo, Suo Yang, Ba Ji Tian and Xian Mao

• When the Kidneys are deficient they become unable to store Jing or sperm, the ‘Gate of Jing’ becomes unstable and spermatorrhoea occurs. Kidney and Liver Yin deficiency causes deficient Fire which disturbs the ‘Gate of Jing’ causing spontaneous emissions and wet dreams.
• Although the root cause of spermatorrhoea is Kidney deficiency, this formula is primarily designed to treat the manifestation – the leakage of semen and urinary incontinence.
• However, this formula has been successfully used for many conditions that have been judged to be due to loss of Jing, including myasthenia gravis.
• With the appropriate presentation, the formula may be used for neurasthenia, sexual dysfunction and myasthenia gravis.

• The herbs in the formula are mainly astringent and restraining.
• The formula is contraindicated in cases of Damp_heat in the lower Jiao.
• It should be modified if spermatorrhoea at night is due to blazing Fire from deficiency.