Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang He Sheng Mai San Jia Jian
(Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Decoction plus Engender the Pulse Powder
with Additions & Subtractions)
Both Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Decoction) and
Sheng Mai San (Engender the Pulse Powder) were created by Li Dong-yuan in the
Yuan dynasty. The additions and subtractions are based on Bob Flaws's personal
experience and research. Our version is a 8 :1 extract.
Rx
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali)
Hong Jing Tian (Radix Rhodiolae Roseae)
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong)
Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis)
Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae)
Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Chinensis mycellium)
Tai Zi Shen (Radix Pseudostellariae)
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Man Jing Zi (Fructus Viticis)
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
mix-fried Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae)
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Indications:
This formula boosts the qi, enriches yin, and arouses the brain, but, because it
upbears the clear and disinhibits the qi mechanism, it supplements without
stagnating. In particular, this formula supplements all three viscera which
engender the qi — the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. It boosts immunity, improves
both physical and mental performance, and improves adaptation to stress. It is
indicated for the treatment of qi and yin dual vacuity resulting in fatigue,
lowered immunity, and aging. Immortal Qi can also be used as a sports
performance-enhancing supplement as well as for the prevention and treatment of
altitude sickness.
The signs and symptoms of qi vacuity are:
The
signs and symptoms of yin vacuity are:
-
A dry
mouth, nose, and throat
-
Possible
hoarseness
-
Thirst
-
Possible
dry, unproductive cough
FORMULA EXPLANATION
This formula is a combination and modification of two extremely famous formulas
within Chinese medicine which were both created by Li Dong-yuan, Bu Zhong Yi Qi
Tang (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Decoction) and Sheng Mai San
(Engender the Pulse Powder). Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang fortifies the spleen and boosts
the qi, upbears the clear and disinhibits the qi mechanism. The qi 42a mechanism
to the mechanism within the body that engenders and transforms the qi. Sheng Mai
San supplements the qi and enriches yin. It also specifically supplements the
heart and lungs. Additions have also been made to increase and improve the
circulation in the brain. Within this formula, Huang Qi, Hong Jing Tian, Wu Wei
Zi, Tai Zi Shen, Bai Zhu, and mix-fried Gan Cao all fortify the spleen and
supplement the qi, while Hong Jing Tian, Mai Men Dong, Wu Wei Zi, and Tai Zi
Shen enrich yin and engender fluids. Dang Gui nourishes the blood. It is
included because the blood is the mother of the qi and the blood and essence
share a common source. Chai Hu, Sheng Ma, and Sheng Jiang upbear the clear and
free the flow of the qi mechanism. Chuan Xiong and Man Jing Zi free the flow of
the qi and blood in the head and improve the circulation in the brain. Dong
Chong Xia Cao mycellium supplements both the lungs and kidneys and both yin and
yang.
COMBINATIONS
If there is concomitant phlegm dampness, combine with Er Chen Wan (Two Aged
[Ingredients] Pills. If concomitant blood vacuity is marked, combine with Si Wu
Tang Wan (Four Materials Decoction Pills). If liver depression qi stagnation is
marked, combine with Xiao Yao Wan (Rambling Pills). If there is concomitant
blood stasis, combine with Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Wan (Perisca & Carthamus Four
Materials Decoction Pills) or other appropriate blood-quickening medicine.
DOSAGE
Three capsules two times per day equal not less than 24 g of raw medicinals.
However, because our extraction process is so much more efficient than stove top
decoction, we believe this amount of our extract is actually more like the
equivalent of 32-48g of bulk-dispensed herbs.
RESEARCH
Anti-aging:
In the Winter 2000 issue of the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, Drs. Hung-che
Shih et al. studied the anti-aging effect of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang in mice. The
results of this study were published in an article titled, "Anti-aging Effects
of The Traditional Chinese Medicine Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang in Mice."
Following repeated oral administrations of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang at 250 and 500
mg/kg, the normal and senile test mice were assessed for 1) endurance, 2)
learning and memory, 3) neuromuscular coordination, and 4) changes in the levels
of monoamines in the brain. The results indicated that Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
improved endurance in all strains in a dose-dependent manner. At the higher dose
of 500 mg/kg, it improved memory in both the normal and senile mice. In
prolonged rota-rod tests, which assessed both motor coordination and endurance,
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang significantly improved performance in specifically the
senile mice. Elevated dopamine and noradrenaline were observed in conical
tissues of the senile at the high dose of 500 mg/kg. Taken together, the results
indicated that Bu Zgong Yi Qi Tang appeared to exert anti-aging effects in mice
and elevation in certain monoamines in brain cortical tissues.
These results are consistent with the notion that Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang improves
health status in general but slows down or partially reverses aging in
particular. In terms of individual ingredients within Immortal Qi, Huang Qi
delays the natural aging process of diploid blastocytes, prolonging the life of
cells by one third. It also acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant.
Dong Chong Xia Cao is effective in lowering lipoproteinemia and preventing
arteriosclerosis. It also stimulates the secretion of sex hormones in the
elderly. One theory has it that aging is, to a large extent, due to a rise in
active monoamine oxidize enzyme inside the body, and Dong Chong Xia Cao
effectively inhibits the rise of such enzymes.
PERFORMANCE ENHANCING:
Several medicinals in Immortal Qi have been shown to enhance energy and improve
the body's metabolism, thus improving both physical and mental performance. For
instance, Huang Qi boosts the body’s energy and promotes the metabolism of serum
and liver proteins. It also improves left ventricular function and output. Wu
Wei Zi counteracts the deleterious effects of sugar but optimizes energy in
times of stress and increases stamina. Wu Wei Zi is known to stimulate the
nervous system, increasing the speed of reflex nervous responses and improving
mental clarity. Wu Wei Zi is also known to improve irritability and
forgetfulness. It improves the health of the adrenal glands and energizes
RNA-DNA molecules to rebuild cells. Dong Chong Xia Cao is a well known
sports-enhancer. It has been proven to increase the ATP in human mitochondria,
in turn increasing the energy output of cells. It is especially, good for people
who are involved in athletics or enjoy vigorous sports. Chinese athletes who
used Dong Chong Xia Cao in their athletic training program surprised everyone
including sports authorities when they broke the 10,000 meter world track record
in 1993.1 Research has also shown that Dong Chong Xia Cao can increase the
number of red blood cells as well as proteins for the production of blood
plasma.2 A placebo-controlled, clinical trial showed that Hong Jing Tian
enhances physical fitness, improves neuromotor test responses, reduces mental
fatigue, and improves general well being. 3 It has been proven to increase the
ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) production in human cell mitochondria and thus
increasing the energy levels of people using it. Tai Zi Shen is very effective
in combating fatigue and the inability to concentrate.
IMMUNE-BOOSTING:
As a whole Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang can increase the activity of natural killer cells
in the blood and increase the serum level of interferon-gamma (IFN-g) which are
crucial in our body's defense against pathogens. Thus Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
enhances the immune function and protects the body from infections of bacteria
and virus as well as from immmunosuppression due to radiotherapy, chemotherapy,
or stress. 4 5 6 7 When Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is administered as adjuvant therapy
of cancer patients before and after chemotherapy and surgery, the patients
showed improved fatigue and tiredness, improved appetite and diarrhea, better
spirit and recovery compared to the controls. In particular, Huang Qi
strengthens immunity to disease increasing the production of lymphocytes and
macrophages, by inhibiting pathological changes on the molecular level caused by
viruses, and by stimulating the synthesis of antibodies. Other research
indicates that Huang Qi enhances the body's natural defense functions by
stimulating the responsiveness of T cells. In addition, one study found that
subjects with advanced cancer showed a two-to-threefold increase in the strength
of their immune response after consuming Huang Qi. Dong Chong Xia Cao is
routinely used in Asia to strengthen the immune system of cancer patients
receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery. It especially stabilizes
blood analysis by increasing the number of blood cells as well as protein for
producing blood plasma. Wu Wei Zi is well known for its ability to protect the
liver from various types of toxins and pathogens. Scientific research has shown
that Tai Zi Shen helps to protect the mucus layer that lines the respiratory
tract, thus promoting immunity to airborne pathogens, and Bai Zhu inhibits
cyclo-oxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, the enzymes that manufacture inflammatory
prostaglandins and leukotrienes respectively.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS :
In Chinese medicine, the symptoms of altitude sickness are all qi vacuity
symptoms, and the spleen is the latter heaven root of the engenderment and
transformation of qi. Chinese research published as recently as 2003 has proven
that Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang can treat the symptoms of altitude sickness. 8 Li Go's
Sheng Mai San (Engender the Pulse Powder) is Chinese medicine's basic lung qi-supplementing,
yin-enriching formula. Because altitude sickness is frequently accompanied by
dehydration, yinsupplementation can also help prevent and treat mild altitude
sickness. Chinese research conducted in 1989 has proven that Sheng Mai San is
effective for the prevention of altitude sickness. Using spirometry and cardiac
function tests to measure the changes in cardiopulmonary function of healthy
adults living at 7,500 feet who then traveled to a plateau at 13,420 feet, Feng
et al. tested this formula for its ability to prevent the physiological changes
measured. According to these Chinese researchers, Sheng Mai San "did efficiently
protect the villagers from the plateau reaction..." or symptoms of altitude
sickness.9 Further, in a post on the Chinese Herb Academy Internet bulletin
board, Simon Becker, a professional practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine, has
described his own family’s successful use of Sheng Mai San when they traveled to
and around Tibet at high altitude after coming from a lower elevation.10 Hong
Jing Tian, sometimes called Tibetan Ginseng, likewise supplements the qi and
enriches yin. Hong Jing Tian comes from the high altitude environment of the
Tibetan Plateau where it is traditionally believed to prevent altitude
sickness.11 Chinese research has also confirmed that Hong Jing Tian can improve
the blood oxygen saturation at high altitude during sleep, thus promoting
better, more restful sleep at high altitudes.12 Finally Man Jing Zi and Chuan
Xiong have been added to specifically treat the qi vacuity headache and
dizziness associated with altitude sickness.
