This formula was first recorded in the Pi wei lun/Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach by Li Dong-yuan in 1249 C.E. This prescription is from the same text by Dr. Li, and is similar in construction to Huang qi ren shen tang/Ginseng and Astragalus Decoction, with the addition of more herbs to clear replete dampness from the body, such as Ze xie (Asian water plantain) to disinhibit dampness, Ge gen (Kudzu) to raise the clear yang, moisten the upper part of the body and expel surface wind, and Qing pi (Dried green tangerine rind) to further resolve depressed liver qi.* - Rosenberg

Huang qi (Astragalus) and Shi zhu hong ren shen (Chinese red ginseng) supplement the qi of the spleen, stomach and the yuan qi/source qi. Bai zhu (White atractylodes) supplements the spleen and drains dampness. Mai men dong (ophiopogon) nourishes the yin of the heart, lung and stomach while increasing the fluids. It also prevents the more drying medicinals in this formula from damaging the yin qi. Wu wei zi (Schisandra) nourishes the qi and yin, preserves fluids, secures the exterior to prevent invasions of evil qi, and astringes discharges. Ge gen (Kudzu) nourishes the fluids, expels evil qi from the exterior, raises the clear yang and resolves diarrhea. Chen pi (Dried mature tangerine rind) and Qing pi (Dried green tangerine rind) regulate the qi of the spleen, stomach and liver. Dang qui tou (Chinese angelica) supplements and circulates the blood. According to Dr. Li, if supplementing qi, one should supplement blood as well. Ze xie (Asian water plantain), disinhibits dampness through the urine, clearing kidney vacuity heat while mildly supplementing kidney yin. Huang bai (Phellodendron) disinhibits dampness and heat from the lower burner. Shen qu (Medicated leaven) resolves food accumulation in the stomach and intestines, and Zhi gan cao (Chinese licorice) supplements the middle burner and harmonizes the prescription.* - Rosenberg

Huang qi - Astragalus root; Shi zhu hong ren shen - Chinese red ginseng root; Mai men dong - Ophiopogon tuber; Huang bai - Phellodendron bark; Ge gen - Kudzu root; Dang gui tou - Dong Quai root head; Cang zhu - Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome; Bai zhu - White atractylodes rhizome; Ze xie - Asian water plantain rhizome; Wu wei zi - Schisandra fruit; Shen qu - Medicated leaven (wheat, apricot seed); Chen pi - Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit; Qing pi - Tangerine dried rind of green fruit; Zhi gan cao - Chinese licorice root (honey fried); Shi zhu hong ren shen tail - Chinese red ginseng tail