Source Qi was formulated based on the clinical observations of Misha Cohen, OMD, L.Ac. and Andrew Gaeddert in treating cryptosporidiosis in AIDS and other chronic diarrhea patients. The formula was tested in an earlier form at the Quan Yin Healing Arts Center and in various private practices, and adjusted by the formulators according to the accumulated experience. The chief herb is Ailanthes (chun bai pi) which clears heat, eliminates dampness, and binds the intestines, it is used primarily for chronic diarrhea, and also has a an antiparasitic action. The remainder of the formula is warming. Astragalus (hjuang qi), which tonifies the spleen and augments the qi, and along with Ginseng (bai ren shen), helps resolve lack of appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. White Atractylodes (bai zhu) addresses weakness, lassitude, and loose stools associated with spleen deficiency, and Red Atractylodes (cang zhu) tonifies the spleen and dispels dampness. Poria (fu ling) regulates water metabolism and also resolves dampness. Dioscorea (shan yao), Lotus seed (lian zi), and Euryale (qian shi), all tonify the spleen and relieve chronic diarrhea. Cimicifuga (sheng ma) raises the yang and lifts sunken Qi, and also guides the effects of the other herbs upward. Charcoaled Ginger (gan jiang) warms the middle and expels cold, and restores the yang from collapse; charcoaling directs the effectiveness of the herbs toward the lower abdomen. Fried Bupleurum (chai hu) raises the yang qi in spleen/stomach deficiency patterns and treats diarrhea due to collapse of spleen qi. Nutmeg (rou dou kou) warms the spleen and stomach and is used primarily for cold type diarrhea. Baked Licorice (zhi gan cao) resolves spleen/stomach deficiency type diarrhea accompanied by thirst, and also harmonizes the formula. Radish seed (lai fu zi) relieves food stagnation and eliminates bloating.*

Ailanthus cortex (chun bai pi), Baked Astragalus root (huang qi), White Ginseng root (bai ren shen), White Atractylodes rhizome (bai zhu), Red Atractylodes rhizome (cang zhu), Poria sclerotium (fu ling), Dioscorea root (shan yao), Lotus seed (lian zi), Euryale seed (qian shi), Cimicifuga rhizome (sheng ma), Fried Bupleurum root (chai hu), Charcoaled Ginger rhizome (gan jiang), Nutmeg seed (rou dou kou), Baked Licorice root (zhi gan cao), Radish seed (lai fu zi)