Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
小建中汤 · Xiǎo Jiàn Zhōng Tāng
Classical formula for Middle Jiao deficiency Cold with intermittent abdominal cramping pain that prefers warmth and pressure, often with mild Qi and Blood deficiency signs.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yang-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yang Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Warm Middle, tonify Qi and Blood, relieve spasmodic pain
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm the Middle Jiao, tonify deficiency, moderate urgency and stop pain
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
Classical formula for Middle Jiao deficiency Cold with intermittent abdominal cramping pain that prefers warmth and pressure, often with mild Qi and Blood deficiency signs.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for milder Middle-Burner deficiency-Cold with spasmodic abdominal pain and Qi-Blood insufficiency, using sweet Yi Tang to moderate urgency — a gentler, more harmonising approach than Li Zhong Tang's direct warming of Spleen Yang, and far milder than Da Jian Zhong Tang's intense dispersing of severe interior Cold.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Da Jian Zhong Tang | Li Zhong Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Warm Middle, tonify Qi and Blood, relieve spasmodic pain | Warm Middle, strongly tonify Qi, relieve pain | Strongly warm Middle Yang, stop severe Cold pain | Warm Middle, tonify Spleen Yang |
| Formula Category | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Yang Deficiency | Yang Deficiency | Yang Deficiency | Yang Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Abdominal Pain ·Poor Appetite ·Fatigue & Low Energy ·Spontaneous Sweating | Abdominal Pain ·Fatigue & Low Energy ·Spontaneous Sweating ·Poor Appetite | Abdominal Pain ·Stomach Discomfort ·Cold Limbs | Abdominal Pain ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort ·Poor Appetite |
| Main Herbs | Maltose / Barley Malt Sugar ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date | Astragalus Root ·Maltose / Barley Malt Sugar ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger | Sichuan Pepper ·Dried Ginger ·Ginseng Root ·Maltose / Barley Malt Sugar | Ginseng Root ·Dried Ginger ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Honey-fried Licorice |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang is the base for milder Middle deficiency Cold with spasmodic pain. Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang adds Huang Qi for more pronounced Qi deficiency and spontaneous sweating. Da Jian Zhong Tang is stronger for severe interior Cold with intense pain. Li Zhong Tang focuses more on warming and tonifying Spleen Yang without the sweet moderating action of Yi Tang.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang: TCM Formula for Abdominal Pain and Spleen Deficiency
Li Zhong Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Deficiency, Cold & Diarrhea
Huang Qi (Astragalus): The Foremost TCM Qi-Supplementing Herb for Consolidating Wei-Qi, Stopping Sweating and Raising Yang
Related Products
Nong's Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (Minor Decoction to Fortify the Middle) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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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.