Traditional Chinese medicine theory holds that "the spleen and stomach are the source of qi and blood production." The food we eat is transformed by the spleen and stomach’s transport and transformation functions into the qi and blood energy the body needs, which is then delivered throughout the body. The spleen governs ascending the clear, responsible for raising the refined substances to the heart, lungs, and head/eyes; the stomach governs descending the turbid, responsible for directing the dregs and turbid qi downward. If the middle qi is insufficient, the ascending-clear and descending-turbid functions become dysfunctional, the body's energy system and defensive functions are affected, and various minor ailments will follow one after another. As a classic qi-tonifying formula, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan originates from the TCM master Li Dongyuan’s "Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach." Its ability to address many issues stems from its capacity to tonify the spleen and stomach from the root, lift the yang qi, and restore the normal ascending and descending circulation of the body's qi mechanism.

If you often encounter any of the following eight common situations, you might want to learn about this formula:

Straining to pass stools and breaking out in a sweat: Many people assume constipation is caused by "internal heat" and blindly take laxatives, which only weakens them further. This type of difficult defecation—feeling the urge but having trouble passing stool, sometimes sweating profusely with even slight effort—is classified in TCM as qi-deficiency constipation. The intestines lack the strength to push, like a vehicle with insufficient power; Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan can tonify the middle and replenish qi, giving intestinal motility an extra boost and addressing the root problem of weak propulsion.

Itchy nose and sneezing with seasonal changes: Allergic rhinitis that repeatedly flares when exposed to cold wind or seasonal shifts often stems from deficiency of lung-wei qi, essentially a lack of spleen-stomach qi. TCM says "the earth (spleen) generates the metal (lung)"; when the spleen and stomach are strong, lung qi is abundant and the body's defensive outer functions are robust. When spleen-stomach qi is sufficient, the body's ability to resist external pathogens naturally increases, and allergic reactions like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing can lessen accordingly.

Spontaneous sweating even without exertion, especially on the head and back: This kind of sweating that occurs without exertion or heat is called "spontaneous sweat" and is a typical sign of qi deficiency failing to hold bodily fluids. Qi acts like a guardian of the body's fluids; when qi is deficient the exterior is not secured, pores open abnormally, and fluids easily leak out. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan can replenish spleen-stomach qi, strengthen the ability to retain fluids, and prevent unnecessary fluid loss.

Recurrent mouth ulcers: The spleen governs the muscles and opens to the mouth. Repair and healing of the oral mucosa depend on the nourishing qi and blood produced by the spleen and stomach. If spleen-stomach qi is deficient, there is no source for generating qi and blood, so ulcers are slow to heal and may recur. Strengthening the spleen and stomach with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan restores adequate qi and blood, speeding oral ulcer healing and reducing recurrence.

A constant feeling of heaviness and bloating in the abdomen, even with a mild organ prolapse diagnosed: this is the most typical “sinking of the middle qi” syndrome. One function of qi is to support and raise the internal organs. When qi is sufficient, the organs stay in their normal positions; when qi is deficient and cannot raise, the stomach, uterus, rectum, etc. may prolapse, accompanied by a sense of sinking and bloating. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan is the representative formula for lifting the middle qi and can effectively relieve organ prolapse and related symptoms caused by qi deficiency and sinking.

Frequent dizziness, especially when standing up from a squat: this situation is commonly seen in people with low blood pressure, anemia, or a weak constitution. The spleen and stomach are the source of qi and blood production; when qi and blood are insufficient, the clear yang cannot rise, and the brain does not receive adequate nourishment, causing dizziness, blurred vision, and mental fatigue. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan can strengthen the spleen and tonify qi, raise the clear yang, and deliver qi and blood energy to the head and facial senses, thereby improving dizziness and vertigo caused by qi deficiency and failure of the clear yang to ascend.

Frequent colds and poor immunity: the spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal life and the root of the body's righteous qi. As long as your spleen and stomach function well and qi and blood are sufficiently generated, you effectively have an extra “armor” that makes it difficult for external pathogens to invade. Conversely, if the spleen and stomach are deficient and righteous qi is lacking, one is prone to recurrent external attacks. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan consolidates the spleen and stomach and plays a fundamental role in enhancing the body's defensive ability.

Slim yet weak and prone to gaining weight despite eating little: this type of obesity is often “deficiency obesity,” characterized by soft muscles and fatigue. It stems from spleen deficiency that cannot transform and transport water-dampness; the food eaten not only fails to be effectively converted into qi and blood but instead stagnates into damp turbidity and phlegm-fluid, accumulating as waste in the body. Dieting alone is ineffective; the key is to restore spleen and stomach function. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan can lift the middle qi, accelerate transformation and metabolism, allow dampness to be expelled, and make weight easier to control.

It should be noted that although Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan is effective, it is primarily aimed at patterns of "qi deficiency" or "qi sinking." Its suitable users typically show deficiency signs such as fatigue and lack of strength, sallow complexion, poor appetite, pale tongue with white coating, and similar symptoms. If you have excess internal fire or damp-heat (manifested by a yellow greasy tongue coating, dry or bitter mouth, constipation, or dark urine), or if you have a yin-deficient constitution (manifested by heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, a red tongue with little coating), this product is not suitable to be taken alone, as it could make the condition worse. It is recommended to consult a professional TCM practitioner for pattern differentiation before using the medicine and to use it under their guidance.