Astragalus Constructing the Middle Decoction

金匱要略

Consumptive disease with abdominal urgency and various insufficiencies: Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang governs it. (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet))

Cinnamon twig 3 liang (peeled), licorice 3 liang (prepared), jujube 12 pieces, white peony 6 liang, fresh ginger 3 liang, maltose 1 sheng, astragalus 1.5 liang. Use 7 sheng of water, boil down to 3 sheng, remove the dregs, add maltose, then heat over a low fire to dissolve. Take 1 sheng warm, three times daily. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases))

For the above six ingredients, use 7 sheng of water, boil down to 3 sheng, remove the dregs, add maltose, then heat over a low fire to dissolve. Take 1 sheng warm, three times daily (modern usage: decoct in water to obtain the liquid, mix in maltose, heat over a gentle fire until dissolved, and take warm in two divided doses).

湯劑

Warm the middle and Tonify Qi; harmonize the interior and relieve urgency.

Consumptive disease with abdominal urgency and various losses and insufficiencies. Cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, preference for warmth and pressure, sallow complexion and emaciated body, reduced food intake, shortness of qi and laziness to speak, pale and enlarged tongue with thin white coating.

Bone cancer, local edema, and blood stasis: add Huai Niu Xi: 10, Dan Shen: 30, Yi Yi Ren: 30, Ze Lan: 15, Jin Qian Cao: 15.

For those with Yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity, and for those prone to vomiting and with middle fullness, this formula is contraindicated.