A "wen-zhong bu-xu, yi-qi jian-zhong" (warm the middle, tonify deficiency, augment qi, and build the center) formula from Zhang Zhongjing's "Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet" (c. 220 CE), the Astragalus-augmented form of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang.
Cultural reference - how this formula has been discussed in Chinese medical tradition. Not medical advice.
Background & origin
Compiled by Zhang Zhongjing in "Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet" (《金匮要略》) around 220 CE, the formula is essentially Xiao Jian Zhong Tang plus Astragalus, appropriate when the middle-jiao deficiency is more pronounced. In Japan, it is sold as 黄耆建中湯 (おうぎけんちゅうとう / Ōgikenchi-tō) by Tsumura (ツムラ) and Kracie (クラシエ) for "weak digestion + fatigue" indications. In Korea, it is sold as 황기건중탕 (Hwanggi-geonjung-tang) in the Kyungdong (경동) hanbang line. The formula is a textbook example of how a classical "minor build-the-center" can be scaled up with qi-tonifying herbs for more severe deficiency.
From the source text
This page is cultural documentation, not medical advice.
From the source text · 卷上·血痹虚劳病脉证并治·第 14 条
Classical text
虚劳里急，诸不足，黄芪建中汤主之。
Modern Chinese rendering
虚劳病见腹中拘急、诸多不足之证，用黄芪建中汤主治。这是"小建中汤 + 黄芪"的加味思路：当虚劳里急已不仅是中焦虚寒，更兼气血阴阳俱不足时，加黄芪以增益气建中之力，是中医"甘温除大热"与"建中益气"思路下用于虚劳证调理的代表条文。
Editorial translation
In a consumptive-deficiency pattern (xu lao) with internal urgency in the abdomen and a generalized "all insufficient" presentation, Astragalus Construct Center Decoction is the formula of choice. This is the "Minor Construct Center Decoction plus Astragalus" augmentation reasoning: when the internal urgency of consumptive disorder is not only a cold-deficiency of the middle jiao, but also a more comprehensive qi-blood-yin-yang insufficiency, Astragalus is added to strengthen the qi and build the center. This is the canonical clause in the line of reasoning that combines "sweet-warming to dispel great heat" with "build the center and augment qi" for the treatment of consumptive disorders.
In tradition
In TCM framing, traditionally used in the context of "qi-and-blood deficiency of the middle jiao with underlying cold", vague abdominal pain relieved by warmth, fatigue, pallor, slight shortness of breath, occasional palpitations, and weakness that worsens with exertion. The formula is Xiao Jian Zhong Tang plus Astragalus, making it appropriate when the deficiency is more pronounced. In Japan, it is sold as 黄耆建中湯 (Ōgikenchi-tō) by Tsumura and Kracie, and in Korea as 황기건중탕 (Hwanggi-geonjung-tang) in the Kyungdong hanbang line.
Formula composition
Monarch1
- Maltose (Yí Táng / 饴糖)
Minister3
- Astragalus root (Huáng Qí / 黄芪)
- Cinnamon twig (Guì Zhī / 桂枝)
- White peony root (Bái Sháo / 白芍)
Assistant2
- Ginger (Shēng Jiāng / 生姜)
- Chinese date (Dà Zǎo / 大枣)
Envoy1
- Honey-fried licorice (Zhì Gān Cǎo / 炙甘草)
International availability
Cautions & context
- Not appropriate for active "damp-heat" or "food stagnation" presentations with a thick yellow tongue coating, the formula is described as sweet-warming and tonifying.
- Diabetic patients should use with caution, maltose (yitang) is a concentrated sugar and the principal ingredient.
- People on immunosuppressant or interferon therapies should consult a clinician before use, Astragalus has documented immunomodulatory effects.
- Persistent abdominal pain, especially with weight loss, blood in stool, or fever, should be evaluated by a clinician, TCM self-care is not a substitute for evaluation of GI conditions.
Related formulas
Other formulas from this text· "Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet"
Other formulas by this contributor· Zhang Zhongjing
Related concerns
Concern · digestion
Digestion
Upper-abdominal heaviness, bloating, sour reflux, loose stools, traveler's stomach, and the aftermath of a meal that was richer, spicier, or larger than usual.
Concern · stress
Stress & Mood
Everyday tension, low mood, irritability, the sense of being "wound up but tired". The cluster of complaints that brings many Chinese adults to the family 中成药 drawer before they ever see a doctor.
Editorial note
Compiled from "Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet" (220).
Last reviewed: July 18, 2026
Three layers of evidence
Classical source
≈ 1800 years · "Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet" (220)
Pharmacopoeia indication
"Fortify the spleen and benefit qi, harmonize the middle and stop pain. Used for spleen-stomach cold deficiency with middle-warmer cold: stomach pain and abdominal pain that prefer warmth and pressure, noisy discomfort with acid regurgitation, reduced food intake with loose stools."
Modern research status
As of 2026-07-18, a PubMed search using the formula name and the Latin / Korean / Japanese transliterations together with "systematic review" and "meta-analysis" did not identify a dedicated systematic review for this formula. Any clinical evidence that does exist is fragmented across small individual trials or covered in broad herbal-medicine umbrella reviews, which do not allow a per-formula evidence assessment; the absence of a dedicated SR is itself the relevant editorial fact here.
References
References reviewed on July 18, 2026 · PubMed search on 2026-07-18
- 01ClassicalZhang Zhongjing, 《金匮要略》 (Jǐn Guì Yào Lüè / Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), Eastern Han dynasty, c. 220 CE, with the base formula appearing in clause 14 of the "blood impediment and consumptive disorder" section, the canonical text for combining "sweet-warming to dispel great heat" with "build the center and augment qi" in consumptive disorders.
- 02TextbookDuan Fuqin (段富津) et al. (eds.), 《方剂学》 (Fāngjìxué / Textbook of Formulas), Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers, 1995, the standard modern university-level formula textbook in mainland China, with Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang analysed as the representative "warm the middle, tonify deficiency, augment qi and build the center" formula for consumptive-disorder patterns with pronounced qi-blood insufficiency.
- 03PharmacopoeiaChinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, 《中华人民共和国药典》 2020 年版一部 (Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó Yàodiǎn, Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Vol. I), China Medical Science Press, 2020, the official monograph for Huang Qi Jian Zhong Wan / Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang dosage forms.