Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
香砂養胃湯 · Xiāng Shā Yǎng Wèi Tāng
A classical digestive tonic for Spleen-Stomach deficiency with Qi stagnation, damp and poor appetite.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Spleen Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Spleen, harmonize Stomach, move Qi, resolve damp
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Strengthen Spleen-Stomach and move stagnant Qi with aromatic herbs
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical digestive tonic for Spleen-Stomach deficiency with Qi stagnation, damp and poor appetite.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Spleen-Stomach deficiency with Qi stagnation and damp, rather than stronger Qi tonification with stagnation, pure damp turbidity, or middle-cold deficiency.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
木香Mu Xiang6g
Aucklandia / Costus Root- moves qi in the middle jiao and intestines and relieves pain
砂仁Sha Ren6g
Amomum Fruit- moves qi
- transforms dampness and calms the fetus
陳皮Chen Pi6g
Tangerine Peel- regulates middle qi
- dries dampness and directs counterflow downward
半夏Ban Xia9g
Pinellia Rhizome- transforms phlegm
藿香Huo Xiang6g
Agastache / Patchouli- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng (Ren Shen) 9g
- Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) 9g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 9g
- Radix Aucklandiae (Mu Xiang) 6g
- Fructus Amomi (Sha Ren) 6g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) 6g
- Rhizoma Pinelliae (Ban Xia) 9g
- Herba Agastachis (Huo Xiang) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Fortifies the spleen
- moves qi
- and harmonizes the stomach in food stagnation with deficiency.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for spleen-stomach deficiency with food stagnation and dampness.
- Signs and symptoms include poor appetite, epigastric fullness, and loose or irregular stools.
Tongue & pulseThe coating is greasy, and the pulse is weak or slippery.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to spleen and stomach qi deficiency in which transportation and transformation fail.
- When the middle jiao is weak, food and fluids are not properly transformed, phlegm-damp may be generated, and qi may stagnate locally in the stomach and intestines.
- Spleen-stomach deficiency with food stagnation and dampness produces poor appetite, epigastric fullness and loose or irregular stools.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to fortify the spleen, boost qi, and, where needed, dry dampness or move stagnant qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to strengthen Spleen-Stomach and move stagnant Qi with aromatic herbs.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, Ping Wei San and Li Zhong Tang all harmonize the middle. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang tonifies Qi with more Qi-moving for Spleen deficiency with stagnation; Ping Wei San dries damp and moves Qi for damp turbidity; Li Zhong Tang warms the middle for cold deficiency. Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang strengthens Spleen-Stomach and moves Qi for deficiency with damp and poor appetite.
Clinical Differentiation
- Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang is used for spleen-stomach deficiency with food stagnation and dampness.
- The pattern is poor appetite and epigastric fullness.
- It is distinguished from Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (more qi-tonifying, less food-dispersing) and from Ping Wei San or Bao He Wan used alone.
Safety notes: This formula is warm and aromatic. It is not appropriate for yin-deficiency heat or for blazing stomach fire.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang?
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang has the actions of strengthening the Spleen, harmonizing the Stomach, regulating Qi, and transforming Dampness. It “nourishes the Stomach” when poor appetite, fullness, and stagnant food arise from a weak, Damp, Qi-stagnant Middle Jiao.
Which modern diseases is Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen-Stomach disharmony with Dampness and Qi stagnation, including functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis with fullness and belching, poor appetite after greasy meals, and irregular loose or sluggish stools of this pattern.
Is Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang suitable for improving fullness, belching, and a poor appetite?
For presentations of epigastric or abdominal fullness, belching, reduced appetite, nausea, a greasy coating, and a wiry or slippery pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms a weak Stomach encumbered by Dampness and stagnant Qi — TCM commonly applies Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of ulcer, obstruction, or other digestive disease.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang (Aucklandia and Amomum Nourish the Stomach Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen-Stomach Deficiency, Bloating & Poor Digestion
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness, Bloating & Poor Appetite
Ping Wei San: Classic TCM Formula for Dampness, Spleen Deficiency & Digestive Stagnation
Li Zhong Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Deficiency, Cold & Diarrhea
Browse all classical formulas →
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.