Li Zhong Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
理中汤 · Lǐ Zhōng Tāng
Foundational formula for Spleen and Stomach deficiency Cold (Middle Yang deficiency). Presents with abdominal pain relieved by warmth, loose stools, vomiting of clear fluid and cold limbs.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yang-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yang Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Warm Middle, tonify Spleen Yang
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm the Middle Jiao and strengthen the Spleen
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
Foundational formula for Spleen and Stomach deficiency Cold (Middle Yang deficiency). Presents with abdominal pain relieved by warmth, loose stools, vomiting of clear fluid and cold limbs.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for straightforward Middle Yang deficiency with cold abdominal pain, loose stools and poor appetite, warming and tonifying directly — without the sweet moderating and Blood-nourishing action of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, and far milder than Da Jian Zhong Tang, which is reserved for severe interior Cold with intense pain.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Li Zhong Tang | Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang | Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Warm Middle, tonify Spleen Yang | Warm Middle Yang, restore collapsed Yang, strengthen Spleen | Warm Middle, tonify Qi and Blood, relieve spasmodic pain | Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp, move Qi |
| Formula Category | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Yang Deficiency | Yang Deficiency | Yang Deficiency | Spleen Qi Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Abdominal Pain ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort ·Poor Appetite | Abdominal Pain ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort ·Cold Limbs | Abdominal Pain ·Poor Appetite ·Fatigue & Low Energy ·Spontaneous Sweating | Poor Appetite ·Bloating ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort |
| Main Herbs | Ginseng Root ·Dried Ginger ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Honey-fried Licorice | Prepared Aconite Accessory Root ·Dried Ginger ·Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Honey-fried Licorice | Maltose / Barley Malt Sugar ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Tangerine Peel ·Pinellia Rhizome |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang / San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun (Song dynasty) | Shang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Gu Jin Ming Yi Fang Lun (citing Ke Yunbo, Qing dynasty, ~1675) |
Clinical Perspective
Li Zhong Tang is the core formula for Middle Yang deficiency. Xiao Jian Zhong Tang adds sweet moderating and Blood-nourishing actions for spasmodic pain. Da Jian Zhong Tang is much stronger for severe Cold. Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang emphasises Qi tonification.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Li Zhong Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Deficiency, Cold & Diarrhea
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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.