🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Modern medicine determines death based on two criteria: heartbeat and respiration. Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, holds that “a person lives by breath”—as stated in the *Huangdi Neijing*: “No Qi means death.” To determine if someone is alive, practitioners typically feel for breath. Given Qi’s importance, what exactly is Qi?
First, Qi is the fundamental source and driving force of life activities.
TCM believes Qi is the most basic element constituting the material world. All things in the universe arise from the movement and transformation of Qi. Humans are no exception. The *Huangdi Neijing* states Qi is the fundamental substance of the human body, explaining physiological phenomena through Qi’s motion and change.
The Ming Dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue said: “The origin of life and transformation lies in Qi. Heaven, earth, and all things depend on it… Human existence relies entirely on Qi.” The *Huangdi Neijing* further states: “In heaven, it is Qi; on earth, it is form. Form and Qi interact to generate all things.” These clearly illustrate that Qi is the foundation of human life, upon which all things depend for generation and existence. Because Qi is the root of life activity, the Song Dynasty text *Shengji Zonglu* proposed: “Growth and decline of all things depend on the rise and fall of Qi.” It also claims: “The human body exists because of Qi, and becomes diseased because of Qi.” Famous physician Liu Wansu repeatedly emphasized Qi’s critical role in disease prevention and longevity, stating: “Humans receive Qi from heaven and earth to generate life. The body is the dwelling of life, Qi is the origin of life, and spirit is the ruler of life. The body is filled by Qi; when Qi declines, the body becomes ill. Spirit depends on Qi; when Qi is present, spirit resides.” This fully demonstrates that Qi is the driving force and foundation of life, circulating throughout the body continuously, directly affecting health and longevity. As the saying goes: “The three treasures of the human body are essence, Qi, and spirit”—meaning nothing is more important than these three. But since Qi is the root of generation, essence and spirit rely on Qi for development. Thus, health preservation must focus on regulating Qi. Great physician Li Dongyuan explicitly stated in *Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach – Preface on Discerning Words*: “Among essence, Qi, and spirit, Qi is paramount. Qi is the ancestor of spirit, essence is the child of Qi. Qi is the root of spirit and essence. How great! Accumulating Qi forms essence, accumulating essence forms spirit. With clarity and stillness, guided by Dao, one can become a true immortal.” Here, “true immortal” refers to a perfected cultivator—those who achieve the highest level of health preservation. The reason is their correct mastery and application of the relationship among essence, Qi, and spirit: using true primal Qi to cultivate essence, gradually accumulating it to perfect spirit. If one also maintains mental clarity and controls spirit from wandering outward, they become a true immortal. Additionally, *Ling Shu: Health Preservation Notes* states: “Human beings exist between heaven and earth. Though visible is form, what enables longevity is Qi.” This highlights Qi’s significance in life activities and health preservation.
Second, classification and functions of Qi.
Due to different origins and distributions, Qi performs diverse functions and thus bears various names:
(1) Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi): Also known as congenital Qi, it is the most essential and fundamental type of Qi, the driving force behind life activities. It mainly arises from congenital essence and stimulates and promotes organ functions. When Yuan Qi is abundant, organ functions are strong, resistance to disease is high, and the body is robust and rarely ill. Conversely, congenital insufficiency or prolonged illness leads to Yuan Qi depletion and multiple disorders. The common phrase “Qi is damaged” indicates serious illness, as it refers to damage to the body’s fundamental Qi.
(2) Zong Qi (Pectoral Qi): Formed in the chest from natural air inhaled by the lungs and nutrient essence transformed by the spleen and stomach. It governs breathing, voice, and speech strength. Since Zong Qi travels through the heart vessels to circulate blood and qi, it also influences blood circulation, limb warmth, and mobility.
(3) Wei Qi (Defensive Qi): Originates from the yang Qi of the kidneys but requires continuous nourishment from the nutrient essence derived from the middle burner (spleen and stomach). Its distribution depends on the lung’s ability to disperse. Wei Qi primarily warms the organs, moistens the skin and hair, protects the exterior, resists external pathogens, regulates sweat pores, and maintains body temperature. Deficiency in Wei Qi results in dry skin, dull hair, susceptibility to wind-cold, spontaneous sweating, and fluid leakage.
(4) Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi): “Ying” means both circulation and nourishment. Primarily derived from the nutrient essence transformed by the spleen and stomach, it is the refined, nutrient-rich component of food Qi. Ying Qi circulates within the meridians and is a crucial part of blood, providing nourishment throughout the body.
These are the main types of Qi acting systemically. Locally, each of the five zang organs has its own Qi, yet they mutually nourish and connect, forming an inseparable whole. Their ultimate source is stomach Qi. As Zhang Jingyue said: “Stomach Qi is the righteous Qi. It is equivalent to the body’s righteous Qi, originating from stomach Qi.” The Qi of the five zang organs generally represents their respective functions—heart Qi drives blood circulation, spleen Qi governs digestion and absorption, liver stores blood and regulates free flow, etc. There are also Qi of meridians and six fu organs, each with unique functions.
Qi plays multiple roles in life, primarily:
(1) Protecting the exterior and resisting external pathogens:
The *Huangdi Neijing* says: “When righteous Qi resides internally, evil Qi cannot invade.” Meaning if righteous Qi is strong within, external pathogens cannot attack. Another passage states: “Where evil Qi gathers, Qi must be deficient.” This implies pathogens invade because the body’s righteous Qi is weak. These emphasize that strong Qi ensures good health and resistance to external invasion; weak Qi makes one susceptible.
(2) Warming the body and maintaining body temperature:
Normal body temperature relies on Qi’s warming effect. If Qi fails to regulate warmth, symptoms like cold extremities and aversion to cold appear.
(3) Controlling body fluids and preventing leakage:
Spleen Qi controls blood circulation, preventing bleeding outside vessels; Wei Qi regulates sweat pore opening and closing, adjusting perspiration according to need; kidney Qi controls urination and semen secretion, ensuring regular excretion. Qi deficiency leads to bleeding, excessive sweating, or enuresis.
(4) Stimulating and propelling bodily fluids:
All physiological activities of organs and meridians, blood circulation, and distribution of body fluids depend on Qi’s stimulation and propulsion. If Qi is weak, organ and meridian functions decline, potentially causing blood stasis or fluid retention.
In summary, Qi is crucial for human life activities. To prolong life and health, one must pay attention to replenishing Qi.
What are the commonly used Qi-strengthening herbs?
(1) Ginseng. Since ancient times, ginseng has been regarded as a precious tonic. Many elderly, frail, or chronically ill patients have been revived by drinking a cup of ginseng tea. Hence, ancient people praised it for “rescuing from peril” and “reviving the dead,” bestowing names like “Earth’s Essence,” “Divine Herb,” and “Longevity Grass.”
Modern science has revealed the secrets behind ginseng’s “reviving the dead,” “anti-aging,” and “enhancing intelligence” powers: active components include ginsenosides and ginsan polysaccharides. Ginsenosides enhance mental and physical labor capacity, combat fatigue, improve cognitive efficiency, protect the heart, improve myocardial metabolism, lower blood glucose, and delay aging. Ginsan polysaccharides boost immunity, enhance defense against harmful stimuli, and exhibit anti-tumor effects.
Ginseng belongs to the Araliaceae family, sweet and slightly bitter, warm in nature. It greatly strengthens primordial Qi, generates body fluids, alleviates thirst, lightens the body, and extends life. Depending on processing methods, it includes red ginseng, fresh ginseng, sugar ginseng, and ginseng scraps. While all strengthen Qi, they differ:
Fresh ginseng: Nature is milder, neither hot nor dry. It strengthens Qi and generates fluids, ideal for reinforcing righteousness and enhancing resistance.
Red ginseng: Has a vigorous, warming, and drying nature, excelling in reviving yang Qi—ideal for emergency revival.
Sugar ginseng: Mildest in nature, weaker in effect, suitable for strengthening spleen and lungs.
Ginseng scraps: Mostly red ginseng scraps, similar in nature to red ginseng but milder and slower in action.
Wild ginseng: Non-warm, highly strengthens primordial Qi—top-grade ginseng—but rare and expensive, seldom used.
Ginseng can be consumed in various ways: stewed (simmer gently for over one hour to extract active components, dosage 3–9 grams); swallowed or chewed (dry, grind into powder, 10 grams per dose—small quantity saves medicine while ensuring efficacy); soaked in wine (chop ginseng or combine with other herbs, soak in good rice wine for about a month, drink 2–3 tablespoons twice daily; for brewing wine, use powdered ginseng with flour and grain, drink 2–3 tablespoons twice or thrice daily).
Since ginseng is expensive, proper storage is essential—prevent mold, insects, and spoilage. Store in cool, dry places; or place in a wooden box with lime, seal tightly.
Western ginseng: Has been used as a precious tonic for thousands of years. Also known as American ginseng, it mainly comes from the U.S. and Canada. It is sweet, slightly bitter, and cool in nature. It strengthens Qi and nourishes Yin, clears heat, and generates fluids—ideal for those who want to use ginseng but cannot tolerate its warmth. Replacing ginseng with Western ginseng enhances Yin-nourishing effects. Ideal for fatigue and thirst after intense activity, profuse sweating—excellent for sports health. When combined with walnuts, it greatly enhances brain function, improves memory, and prevents stroke. Often consumed by opera and singing performers for vocal health.
Usage: Grind into fine powder, take 3–5 fen (about 1–1.5 grams) with warm water; can also be decocted (5 fen to one qian, about 1.5–3 grams), boiled gently, used as tea, or mixed with other decoctions.
Not suitable for those with cold constitution and yang deficiency. Store in cool, dry places or dry and seal to prevent spoilage.
(2) Codonopsis. Derived from the root of *Codonopsis pilosula* (Campanulaceae), it is sweet and neutral in nature. Functions include strengthening central Qi, nourishing blood, and generating fluids—ideal for moderate tonification. Though similar to ginseng, its effects are milder. Clinically, it often substitutes ginseng for treating Qi deficiency. Modern research shows it has tonic effects, enhances resistance, increases red blood cells, decreases white blood cells, dilates peripheral blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and inhibits adrenal hypertensive effects.
Dosage: Usually 3–9 grams; up to 15–30 grams or more in severe or acute cases.
(3) Astragalus. Uses the root, a key Qi-strengthening herb capable of tonifying all body Qi. Listed as a superior herb in *Shennong Bencao Jing*. Made from roots of *Astragalus membranaceus* and *Astragalus mongholicus* (Fabaceae). Sweet taste, slightly warm nature. It strengthens defensive Qi, secures the exterior, tonifies central Qi, lifts clear Qi, expels toxins, promotes urination—ideal for tonifying and strengthening. Modern research and clinical use confirm its strong effects: strengthens heart, protects liver, stimulates central nervous system, etc. High doses (30–60 grams) lower blood pressure, promote diuresis, increase plasma protein, reduce urinary protein—commonly used for hypertension and kidney disease with yang deficiency, yielding good results. When combined with Angelica, it significantly accelerates erythrocyte electrophoresis in rats, restoring youth-like levels—indicating that Astragalus and Angelica together help “elderly” red blood cells revert to younger states, aiding anti-aging. Dosage: 3–9 grams; up to 30–120 grams in severe cases. Avoid in cases of chest tightness, fullness, exterior excess, real heat, or anger-prone individuals.
(4) White Atractylodes. From the rhizome of *Atractylodes macrocephala* (Asteraceae), bitter and sweet, warm in nature. It strengthens spleen Qi, dries dampness, promotes urination, secures the exterior, and stops sweating—commonly used for spleen and stomach Qi deficiency, spontaneous sweating, and threatened miscarriage. Modern research shows it increases gastric and intestinal secretions, speeds up motility, enhances blood circulation, lowers blood sugar, and promotes diuresis. *Shennong Bencao Jing* says: “Long-term use lightens the body and prolongs life, prevents hunger”—indicating long-term use can extend lifespan.
White Atractylodes strengthens Qi, focusing on spleen strengthening and generating Qi in the middle burner—suitable for generating blood and Qi to treat deficiency. In contrast, Codonopsis and ginseng strengthen spleen and lung Qi, better suited for urgent deficiency correction.
Dosage: Generally 5–10 grams; up to 15–30 grams in severe cases. Avoid combining with peach, plum, quail meat, or green fish.
(5) Polygonatum. From the rhizomes of various *Polygonatum* species (Liliaceae), sweet and neutral in nature. It strengthens spleen and lungs, nourishes kidneys and essence, strengthens tendons and bones, darkens gray hair, and delays aging. *Ri Hua Zi Bencao* says: “Treats five labors and seven injuries, strengthens tendons and bones, relieves hunger, withstands cold and heat, benefits spleen and stomach, moistens heart and lungs. Taking nine steams and nine sun-dryings, it preserves youthful appearance.” *Mingyi Bie Lu* lists Polygonatum as a superior herb, stating: “Mainly strengthens central Qi, removes dampness, stabilizes the five zang organs. Long-term use lightens the body, prolongs life, prevents hunger.” Since ancient times, people have regarded Polygonatum as a tonic for strength and longevity, earning names like “Immortal’s Leftover Grain” and “Immortal’s Rice.” Modern research confirms: Polygonatum enhances myocardial contractility, increases coronary blood flow, improves myocardial nutrition, prevents aortic atherosclerosis and fatty liver infiltration, boosts immunity, promotes hematopoiesis, and lowers blood sugar.
Because of its mild nature, Polygonatum is suitable for long-term use and recovery during illness. Ancient wisdom suggests “Polygonatum can substitute for ginseng and Astragalus”—a reference worth considering. When cooked with chicken, it strengthens spleen and stomach; when stewed with pork and sweetened with honey or rock sugar, it nourishes deficiency and moistens lungs. Dose: 9–15 grams; fresh, 30–60 grams. Oral use.
Avoid in cases of excessive phlegm-dampness causing stomach distension and poor appetite, or spleen and stomach yang deficiency causing diarrhea. Also, do not overconsume or overdose, as it may impair digestion and cause stomach fullness.
(6) Licorice. Also known as powdered grass. Uses the root and rhizome. Sweet and neutral in nature. Functions include strengthening spleen and stomach, suitable for poor appetite, fatigue, and limb weakness due to spleen and stomach Qi deficiency; also strengthens heart Qi, used for palpitations, restlessness, shortness of breath, and irregular pulse due to heart deficiency; can relieve spasms and pain; importantly, it clears heat and detoxifies, resolving poisoning from various drugs—such as protecting the liver in viral hepatitis treatment. Additionally, licorice harmonizes other herbs, moderates harsh effects, and protects stomach Qi. Raw licorice also moistens the lungs, effective for sore throat and cough due to lung heat. Modern research confirms: licorice is a lubricant expectorant, reducing irritation to the throat mucosa, suitable for throat inflammation. It also shows inhibitory effects on tuberculosis bacilli.
Honey-fried licorice (Zhi Gancao) is used for strengthening central Qi; raw licorice for clearing heat and detoxifying; raw licorice tail (Sheng Caoshao) treats urethral pain, suitable for dysuria. Usual dosage: 1–10 grams. Avoid in those with dampness in the spleen and stomach causing fullness and vomiting. Do not use long-term or in large quantities—excessive use may cause edema and hypertension. Licorice antagonizes Euphorbia, Kansui, Yuanhua, and Sea Algae.
(7) Schisandra. From the fruit of *Schisandra chinensis* (Magnoliaceae). Named for its five flavors—acid, pungent, sweet, bitter, and salty. It consolidates lung Qi, calms cough, nourishes kidney essence, stops sweating and diarrhea, generates fluids, and quenches thirst. Listed as a superior herb in *Shennong Bencao Jing*, which says: “Benefits Qi, treats coughing and upward rushing Qi, exhaustion, deficiency, strengthens yin, enhances male vitality.” The medical sage Sun Simiao said: “Eat Schisandra every May to strengthen the five zang organs. During summer, when tired and lacking energy, combine with Astragalus, ginseng, and Ophiopogon, add a little Phellodendron, decoct into tea—this instantly restores energy and vigor.” “Eat Schisandra every June to strengthen lung Qi—upward, it nourishes the source; downward, it nourishes the kidney.” Clearly, Schisandra has excellent tonic effects, enhancing physical strength with regular use. Modern research shows Schisandra, like ginseng, exhibits “adaptogenic” properties—enhancing resistance to non-specific stimuli, improving conditional reflex function, boosting cerebral cortex work capacity, stimulating the respiratory center; regulating cardiovascular systems and pathological physiology, improving abnormal circulation; enhancing vision and expanding visual fields in normal and eye disease patients; improving hearing; increasing skin sensory discrimination; regulating gastric juice secretion; and possessing antitussive, expectorant, and antibacterial effects—making it a versatile tonic.
Usual dosage: 1.5–9 grams. Avoid in cases of yang hyperactivity in the kidney, real heat in the lung, phlegm retention, liver fire, or initial stage of measles.
(8) Prince Ginseng (Tai Zi Shen). Also known as Child Ginseng. Uses the tuberous root. A fine tonic for mild tonification, its Qi-strengthening effect resembles ginseng and Codonopsis but is weaker. Suitable for poor appetite, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and shortness of breath due to spleen and stomach Qi deficiency. Though less potent than Codonopsis in strengthening Qi, it surpasses Codonopsis in generating fluids—can substitute for Western ginseng.
Prince Ginseng decocted: 9–30 grams per dose, oral use. During hot summer, 15 grams Prince Ginseng with prunes can be boiled into tea with ice sugar or white sugar—beneficial for strengthening Qi and generating fluids to quench thirst.
(9) Poria. From the dried sclerotium of *Poria cocos* (Polyporaceae), sweet and bland, neutral in nature. It strengthens spleen and promotes diuresis, enhances intellect and calms the spirit. It strengthens without being too aggressive, promotes diuresis without being too drastic—both reinforces righteousness and eliminates evil. Anciently called “superior elixir.” Modern pharmacological research found that the main active component, Poria polysaccharide, is a non-specific immune enhancer. It not only boosts resistance but also has strong anticancer effects. Poria also contains poria acid, proteins, lecithin, ergosterol, histidine, etc. Lecithin is a neurological tonic—scientifically justifying why ancient people believed Poria “protects spirit” and “enhances intellect.” Experimental studies also prove Poria lowers blood sugar, prevents ulcers, and promotes diuresis. As an anti-aging agent, ancient physicians often combined Poria with Atractylodes. As *Jingyan Fang* states: “Darkens hair, beautifies complexion, strengthens tendons and bones, sharpens hearing and sight, removes wind-dampness, moisturizes skin. Long-term use brings lightness and agility.” Medical texts also record using Poria with white芷 (white peony) in ointments and facial creams—long-term use prevents aging and wrinkles, giving a radiant complexion. Additionally, *Bai Bing Dan Fang Daquan* records: grind white Poria into extremely fine powder, mix with honey, apply nightly, wash off in the morning—moisturizes skin, enhances beauty, removes dark spots.
Decocted use: 9–15 grams; Poria skin 15–30 grams; Poria wood 15–30 grams. Avoid in cases of yin deficiency with dryness and fluid depletion, or in cases of seminal emission.
The above introduces commonly used Qi-strengthening herbs. However, since Qi includes Wei Qi, Zong Qi, Ying Qi, Yuan Qi, organ Qi, and meridian Qi, treatment must be individualized based on diagnosis. Below are common Qi deficiency syndromes:
General Qi deficiency: General fatigue, lethargy, low energy, weak speech, low voice, spontaneous sweating, fear of exertion, pale tongue, swollen and tender, weak pulse.
Lung Qi deficiency: Prominent symptoms include shortness of breath, weak speech, low voice, plus cough and phlegm.
Heart Qi deficiency: Prominent symptoms include shortness of breath, palpitations, restlessness, plus irregular pulse (slow or rapid), weak and soft, mental unrest.
Spleen and stomach Qi deficiency: Prominent symptoms include sallow complexion, fatigue, limb weakness, poor appetite, plus epigastric distension, indigestion, loose stools, and sinking Qi (e.g., prolapsed anus, frequent urination).
Kidney Qi deficiency: Dull complexion, dizziness, tinnitus, plus lower back and knee soreness, clear and long urine, decreased sexual function, pale tongue, weak pulse at the cun position.
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