Qi-Tonifying Formulas

清暑益气汤 · Qīng Shǔ Yì Qì Tāng

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

A classical formula for summer-heat that has damaged Qi and fluids, with fatigue, thirst, spontaneous sweating and a weak rapid pulse. It clears residual heat while restoring Qi and Yin.

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Last reviewed August 2026
Formula CategoryQi-Tonifying Formulas
Primary PatternSummer Heat
Primary FunctionClear summer-heat, benefit Qi, generate fluids
Primary Therapeutic PrincipleClear summer-heat while tonifying Qi and Yin damaged by heat
Main HerbsAmerican Ginseng · Dendrobium · Ophiopogon Tuber · Coptis Rhizome · Lophatherum · Lotus Stem · Anemarrhena Rhizome · Licorice Root · Non-glutinous Rice · Watermelon Rind
Classical SourceWen Re Jing Wei (Wang Mengying, Qing dynasty) / Li Dongyuan tradition variants

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected when summer-heat has already injured Qi and fluids — fatigue and thirst predominate over exterior cold signs — combining clearing with tonification.

Traditionally selected when summer-heat has already injured Qi and fluids — fatigue and thirst predominate over exterior cold signs — combining clearing with tonification.

What Is Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang?

1. Ancient Classic Records

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (清暑益气汤), or Clear Summer-Heat and Augment the Qi Decoction, is a classical Qing-dynasty formula from Wang Mengying’s Wen Re Jing Wei (Warp and Woof of Warm-Febrile Diseases). It belongs to the category of formulas that clear Summer-Heat while tonifying Qi and generating fluids.

This formula addresses Summer-Heat that has depleted both Qi and body fluids. Typical signs include fever with profuse sweating, thirst and dry mouth, irritability, fatigue or lassitude, shortness of breath, scanty dark urine, a red tongue, and a weak rapid pulse.

Combining Xi Yang Shen to tonify Qi and nourish Yin without generating Heat, Xi Gua Cui Yi (watermelon rind) and He Geng to clear Summer-Heat, Shi Hu and Mai Dong to nourish Yin and generate fluids, and small amounts of Huang Lian, Zhi Mu, and Zhu Ye to clear residual Heat, Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang simultaneously cools pathogenic Summer-Heat, replenishes depleted Qi and fluids, and restores vitality after heat exhaustion or prolonged exposure to hot weather.

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

2. Heatstroke Prodrome and Mild Heatstroke

  • Context: Exposure to high-temperature environments.
  • Symptoms: Early warning signs like dizziness, thirst, profuse sweating, and fatigue, or mild heatstroke manifestations such as fever, shortness of breath, and weakness.
  • Therapeutic Effect: It effectively clears the summer heat while replenishing Qi and Yin, rapidly relieving symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening.

3. Summer Fever

  • Context: A condition more commonly seen in children during the hot summer months.
  • Symptoms: Persistent fever, excessive thirst (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria), and a lack of sweating (anhidrosis).
  • Therapeutic Effect: Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang can be appropriately modified according to the child's specific condition to clear summer heat, replenish Qi, and nourish Yin, safely regulating the child's Yin-Yang balance and relieving the fever.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

4. Qi-Yin Deficiency Syndrome

  • Context: Depletion caused by long-term physical labor, overwork, or chronic exhaustion.
  • Symptoms: Shortness of breath, profound fatigue, dry mouth, and spontaneous sweating or night sweats.
  • Therapeutic Effect: It serves as an excellent restorative conditioning prescription. By simultaneously tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin, it corrects the underlying deficiency, enhances overall physical fitness, and greatly improves the body's resistance to fatigue.

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

The strength of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang lies in its comprehensive approach to simultaneously clearing summer heat while aggressively rebuilding the energy (Qi) and fluids that the heat has destroyed.

1. The Chiefs (Sovereigns): Huang Qi and Ren Shen

These two powerful herbs lead the formula by rebuilding the body's core energy, which is easily exhausted by severe summer heat.

  • Huang Qi (Astragalus): Sweet and slightly warm. It replenishes Qi, strengthens the Spleen, and secures the body's exterior to stop excessive sweating. By improving digestive function, it gives the body the fuel it needs to resist summer pathogens.
  • Ren Shen (Ginseng): Sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly warm. It greatly restores vital energy (Qi) and generates fluids. Paired with Huang Qi, it acts as a profound restorative shield against the exhaustion and fluid loss caused by summer heat.

2. The Deputies (Ministers): Mai Dong and Wu Wei Zi

This pair works to rescue and preserve the body's precious fluids (Yin), preventing severe dehydration from the heat.

  • Mai Dong (Ophiopogon): Sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cold. It deeply nourishes the Yin of the Lung and Stomach, rapidly relieving dry mouth, thirst, and a parched throat.
  • Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra): Sour, sweet, and warm. It is highly astringent, meaning it "locks in" the body's moisture and prevents Lung Qi from dissipating, effectively stopping the heavy sweating associated with summer heat while synergizing with Mai Dong to generate fluids.

3. The Assistants: Huang Lian, Zhi Mu, Zhu Ye, and He Ye

This diverse team of herbs handles the aggressive "heat" and "fire" aspects of the summer pathogen.

  • Huang Lian (Coptis Root): Bitter and cold. It forcefully clears internal heat and purges fire, preventing the summer heat from causing high fevers, severe restlessness, and toxicity.
  • Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena): Bitter, sweet, and cold. It simultaneously clears heat and nourishes Yin. It works with Huang Lian to cool the body while helping the Deputies moisten dryness, ensuring the heat is cleared without further damaging the body's fluids.
  • Zhu Ye (Lophatherum): Sweet, pungent, and cold. It clears heat specifically from the Heart meridian, calming irritability and gently guiding the summer heat out of the body through urination.
  • He Ye (Lotus Leaf): Bitter, astringent, and neutral. It specifically targets and resolves summer heat while regulating Qi to relieve that heavy, uncomfortable feeling of tightness in the chest.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

4. The Envoy: Gan Cao (Licorice Root)

The diplomat of the formula, ensuring all ingredients work perfectly together.

  • Properties: Sweet and neutral, entering the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Stomach.
  • The Action: It invigorates the Spleen, replenishes Qi, and harmonizes the diverse temperatures and flavors of the other herbs.
  • The Benefit: It boosts the energy-restoring power of the Chief herbs while softening the harsh, bitter coldness of the Assistant herbs, resulting in a perfectly balanced and synergistic formula.

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathomechanism (Summer Heat and Qi Deficiency)

  • Core Issue: Summer heat (which is hot and highly dispersing) invades the body, often combining with dampness, resulting in severe damage to both the body's energy (Qi) and fluids (Yin).
  • Qi Damage: The intense heat consumes the body's healthy Qi, leading to exhaustion, shortness of breath, and profound fatigue.
  • Fluid (Yin) Damage: The heat forces the body's fluids to leak out, causing excessive sweating and intense thirst.
  • Dampness Accumulation: If summer dampness also accumulates internally, it obstructs normal function, causing chest tightness (distress), abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting.

2. Actions (Efficacy)

  • Primary Actions: Clearing summer heat while aggressively replenishing both Qi and Yin.
  • Mechanism: * Clearing Heat: Herbs like Coptis (Huang Lian), Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu), and Lophatherum leaves (Zhu Ye) directly attack and clear away the pathogenic summer heat and purge fire. * Restoring the Body: Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Ginseng (Ren Shen) greatly tonify the primordial Qi, while Ophiopogon (Mai Dong) and Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi) nourish Yin and generate new body fluids. Together, this combination restores the body's core strength to cope with the heat invasion.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

3. Indications

  • Symptom Cluster: Fever accompanied by profuse sweating, intense thirst, restlessness, scanty and red urine, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, listlessness, and a weak but rapid pulse.
  • Core Syndrome: Summer heat severely injuring Qi and consuming Yin.
  • Clinical Use: It is commonly used for individuals showing early warning signs of heatstroke or mild heatstroke after being in high-temperature environments. It is also highly effective for those presenting with a deficiency of both Qi and Yin after prolonged physical labor during the hot summer months.

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Compatibility of Clearing Heat and Tonifying Qi and Yin

  • Dual Approach: The formula masterfully combines heat-clearing herbs (like Coptis, Anemarrhena, and Lophatherum leaves) with Qi-tonifying and Yin-nourishing herbs (like Astragalus, Ginseng, Ophiopogon, and Schisandra).
  • Mechanism: The heat-clearing herbs act as a shield, effectively neutralizing the summer heat pathogen to prevent further damage to the body's healthy Qi and fluids. Simultaneously, the tonifying herbs rapidly rebuild the depleted Qi and Yin, ensuring the body continues to function normally despite the harsh heat.
  • Overall Effect: This combination treats both the root cause (deficiency of Qi and Yin) and the manifestation (summer heat pathogen). It successfully clears the heat while simultaneously strengthening the body's internal defenses.

2. Synergy of Astringing Sweating and Generating Fluids

  • Preserving Fluids: Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi) plays a crucial role by astringing (stopping) excessive sweating, which prevents the further dangerous leakage of vital body fluids caused by the heat.
  • Generating Fluids: Yin-nourishing herbs like Ophiopogon (Mai Dong) and Schisandra work together to promote the production of new body fluids, rapidly relieving intense thirst and replacing what was lost to the heat.
  • Synergy: By simultaneously stopping the loss of fluids and generating new ones, these herbs synergistically protect the body's hydration, regulate sweat excretion, and perfectly restore the balance of fluid metabolism.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

3. Regulating the Spleen and Stomach (Strengthening the Body)

  • Core Focus: Herbs like Astragalus (Huang Qi), Ginseng (Ren Shen), and Licorice Root (Gan Cao) are utilized to invigorate the Spleen and replenish Qi, significantly enhancing digestive function.
  • Mechanism: In traditional medicine, the Spleen and Stomach are considered the "foundation of acquired constitution" and the primary source for producing Qi and blood.
  • Overall Effect: By regulating and optimizing these digestive organs, the formula ensures the efficient absorption of nutrients and hydration. This provides the body with abundant energy, significantly enhances its natural resistance, and empowers the "healthy Qi" to effectively eliminate the invading summer pathogens.

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare Qing Shu Yi Qi TangSheng Mai SanXiang Ru YinZhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Primary Function Clear summer-heat, benefit Qi, generate fluidsTonify Qi, generate fluids, astringe YinRelease exterior, dispel summer-damp, harmonise the MiddleClear heat, generate fluids, benefit Qi, harmonise the Stomach
Formula Category Qi-Tonifying FormulasQi-Tonifying FormulasExterior-Releasing FormulasHeat-Clearing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern Summer HeatQi DeficiencySummer HeatYin Deficiency
Main Conditions Fatigue & Low Energy, Fever, Dry Mouth & Throat, Poor Appetite, Spontaneous SweatingFatigue & Low Energy, Spontaneous Sweating, Dry Mouth & Throat, PalpitationsFever, Cold Limbs, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, NauseaFever, Dry Mouth & Throat, Nausea, Fatigue & Low Energy
Main Herbs American Ginseng · Dendrobium · Ophiopogon Tuber · Coptis Rhizome · Lophatherum · Lotus Stem · Anemarrhena Rhizome · Licorice Root · Non-glutinous Rice · Watermelon RindGinseng Root · Ophiopogon Tuber · Schisandra FruitMosla · White Hyacinth Bean · Magnolia BarkLophatherum · Gypsum · Pinellia Rhizome · Ophiopogon Tuber · Ginseng Root · Licorice Root · Non-glutinous Rice
Classical Source Wen Re Jing Wei (Wang Mengying, Qing dynasty) / Li Dongyuan tradition variantsNei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun (Li Dongyuan) / Yi Xue Qi YuanTai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

How to tell them apart

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang clears summer-heat and restores Qi-Yin. Sheng Mai San strongly generates fluids and astringes for Qi-Yin deficiency. Xiang Ru Yin releases exterior summer-damp with cold signs. Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang clears residual heat and generates fluids after febrile disease.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications for Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

1. Severe Summer Heat (High Heat Dissipation)

  • Condition: When the summer heat pathogen is particularly intense and severe.
  • Modification: Increase the dosage of Huang Lian (Coptis) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena).
  • Purpose: To enhance the formula's heat-clearing and fire-purging capabilities, ensuring the severe summer heat is effectively expelled from the body.

2. Severe Dampness Pathogen

  • Condition: When the presentation is accompanied by heavy dampness symptoms, such as chest oppression, abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Modification: Add aromatic, dampness-resolving, and Spleen-awakening herbs like Huo Xiang (Pogostemon), Sha Ren (Amomum), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea), and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark).
  • Purpose: To strengthen the formula's ability to dry dampness and promote Spleen function, directly addressing the gastrointestinal distress caused by dampness accumulation.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

3. Pronounced Qi and Yin Deficiency

  • Condition: When symptoms of Qi and Yin deficiency are highly obvious, especially if accompanied by palpitations and insomnia.
  • Modification:
    • Add spirit-calming herbs such as Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed), Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed), and Yuan Zhi (Polygala).
    • Appropriately increase the baseline dosage of Ren Shen (Ginseng), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra).
  • Purpose: To intensify the tonification of Qi and nourishment of Yin while simultaneously calming the mind to resolve palpitations and improve sleep quality.

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Research

Modern studies reveal that the individual herbs in Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang possess distinct, synergistic pharmacological actions:

  • Qi-Tonifying Herbs (Astragalus, Ginseng): Enhance the body's immune system and improve its overall resistance to stress.
  • Yin-Nourishing Herbs (Ophiopogon, Schisandra): Provide powerful antioxidant benefits and help modulate the immune response.
  • Heat-Clearing Herbs (Coptis, Anemarrhena): Exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
  • Synergistic Action: Together, these mechanisms effectively repair the systemic damage to Qi and Yin caused by summer heat.

2. Clinical Effect Verification

Modern clinical trials have firmly validated the traditional uses of this formula:

  • Proven Efficacy: It is highly effective in treating heatstroke prodrome, mild heatstroke, and general Qi-Yin deficiency syndromes.
  • Patient Outcomes: Research confirms that the prescription reliably relieves symptoms, improves physical conditioning, and enhances the patient's overall quality of life.
  • Adjuvant Therapy: It has also demonstrated clear advantages when used as a complementary or adjuvant treatment for various other modern diseases.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

3. Dosage Form Improvement

Advancements in pharmaceutical technology are bringing this classic formula into modern medical practice:

  • New Formulations: Alongside concentrated granules, modern forms such as oral liquids and capsules are being actively explored and developed.
  • Patient Benefits: These innovations significantly improve the chemical stability of the herbs, make the medication much more convenient to administer, and better meet the fast-paced needs of modern clinical practice and patient lifestyles.

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Restrictions

Avoid spicy, greasy, raw, and cold/stimulating foods while taking Bangu Yiqi (Gu Ban Yi Qi) Decoction. Such foods can burden the gastrointestinal tract, impair absorption and effectiveness of the medicine, and hinder recovery from summer-heat or related conditions.

2. Special Populations & Monitoring

Use this formula with caution in pregnant or lactating women, children, the elderly, the frail, and those with spleen–stomach deficiency-cold—only under physician guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear while taking the decoction, seek medical attention promptly for treatment adjustment and avoid self-medicating.

Questions About Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang?
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Wang Mengying’s version) has the actions of clearing Summerheat, augmenting Qi, nourishing Yin, and generating fluids. It simultaneously cools residual Summerheat while replenishing the Qi and body fluids that have been depleted by heat and sweating.
Q2: Which modern diseases is Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Summerheat damaging both Qi and fluids, including heat exhaustion or recovery after heat exposure, summer fever with fatigue and thirst, post-febrile convalescence in hot weather, and certain cases of prolonged low-grade fever or weakness following Summerheat illness.
Q3: Is Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang suitable for improving fever, profuse sweating, thirst, and fatigue after summer heat exposure?
For presentations of fever or residual heat, profuse sweating, thirst with desire for fluids, irritability, fatigue or shortness of breath, scanty dark urine, a dry tongue, and a deficient rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Summerheat having injured both Qi and Yin/fluids — TCM commonly applies Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Q4: Who should not take Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang?
Those with Summerheat complicated by significant Dampness (heavy body, greasy tongue coating, loose stools) are generally not suitable without modification. This version lacks strong Dampness-drying herbs. Pure exterior Cold patterns or marked Spleen deficiency with Dampness are better addressed by other formulas (such as Li Dongyuan’s version). Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.
Q5: Are there two different formulas both called Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang?
Yes. Wang Mengying’s version (from *Wen Re Jing Wei*) focuses on clearing Summerheat while nourishing Qi and Yin/fluids, and is suited to heat injury without much Dampness. Li Dongyuan’s earlier version (from *Pi Wei Lun*) emphasizes tonifying Spleen Qi and drying Dampness alongside clearing Summerheat, and is preferred when Spleen deficiency and Dampness are prominent. The two should not be confused.
Q6: Can Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang help with recovery after heavy sweating in hot weather?
Yes. When prolonged heat exposure and sweating have depleted both Qi and fluids, leaving residual heat, thirst, fatigue, and scanty urine, this formula clears the remaining Summerheat while replenishing what has been lost, supporting recovery of strength and fluid balance.
Q7: What are the main ingredients of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Wang’s version)?
Key herbs include Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng) to tonify Qi and Yin while clearing Heat; Shi Hu and Mai Dong to nourish Yin and generate fluids; Huang Lian, Zhu Ye, Zhi Mu, and He Geng to clear Summerheat and Heart/Stomach Heat; Xi Gua Cui Yi (watermelon rind) to clear Summerheat and promote fluids; and Gan Cao with Jing Mi (rice) to protect and harmonize the Stomach.
Q8: Is Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang suitable for long-term use?
It is generally used for a course of treatment during or after Summerheat injury until heat signs subside and Qi-fluid levels improve. Because it contains Yin-nourishing herbs, it is not ideal for long-term use in the presence of Dampness. Once the acute pattern resolves, the formula is typically stopped or adjusted.
Q9: How does this formula both clear Heat and tonify at the same time?
Summerheat is a Yang pathogen that consumes Qi and fluids through fever and sweating. Simply clearing Heat without replenishing what has been lost leaves the patient depleted; simply tonifying without clearing residual Heat allows the pathogen to linger. Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang combines gentle Heat-clearing herbs with Qi- and Yin-tonifying medicinals so that cooling and replenishment occur together.
Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang?
Resting in a cool environment, replenishing fluids with appropriate drinks, avoiding further heat exposure and overexertion, and eating light, easily digestible foods help the formula clear residual Summerheat and restore Qi and fluids. Professional evaluation is important for significant heat exhaustion or prolonged fever.

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?
TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.
What are concentrated herbal granules?
Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.
How should I take these products?
Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.
Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?
Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.
Are your products authentic?
Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.
Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?
HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.
Can I take more than one formula at the same time?
Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.
Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.
Do these products replace medical treatment?
No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.
Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Summer-Heat Damaging Qi & Fluids