ChinaMed Digestive Tonic Formula is a variant of Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Major Herbs Combination) from the 'Formulary of the Tai Ping Welfare Dispensary Bureau' (tai ping hui min he ji ju fang), 1151. This particular variant, however, was not recorded until 1695, when it appeared in 'Zhang's Dictionary of Medicine' (zhang shi yi tong), by Zhang Lu-xuan, 1695, a comprehensive collection, covering most branches of medicine from ancient to contemporary times.
This formula is a good example of a treatment that addresses both the primary aspects (ben) as well as the secondary aspects (biao) of a specific condition. In this case the underlying pathology is Spleen Qi deficiency, which manifests as poor appetite and digestion, with lowered energy and reduction of vital function due to insufficient Qi production. Over time this leads to the retention of Damp which subsequently develops into Phlegm which disrupts the normal movements of the Qi. Clinically, these factors may manifest in various ways:
- Retention of Damp may give rise to heavy sensation of the head and body, muscular aches, lethargy, and a sense of fullness (or 'stuffiness') of the chest or epigastrium; loose stools (that may contain mucous), cloudy urine, or vaginal discharge.
- Phlegm (or Phlegm-Damp) affecting the Stomach or Lung, manifests with expectoration of pale and watery sputum, chilliness, nausea, loss of appetite, absence of thirst, oppressive sensation in the chest and epigastrium.
- Stagnation of the Qi specifically affects the Spleen-Stomach, with epigastric distention (or sense of fullness), mild epigastric pain, nausea, reflux or vomiting, loose stools or persistent diarrhea. Lung function may also become compromised, with such manifestations as dyspnea or coughing, generally with pale and/or watery sputum.
Thus, the formula covers a broad range of clinical problems due to the above pathodynamics: from simple fatigue with poor appetite, to more complex digestive and respiratory disorders as listed above.
- Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to tonify Qi
- Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to invigorate spleen
- Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to harmonise the stomach
