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Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, honey-fried, 1 qian each), Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 5 fen), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, 1.5 qian, honey-fried), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, stir-fried), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, pith removed), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix, 5 fen each).

For cases where fatigue and overwork injure the Spleen, resulting in deficiency of Middle Qi, manifesting as reluctance to speak, anorexia, loose stools, and gradual emaciation, this formula is indicated.

The Spleen governs the four limbs; thus, if the limbs are active incessantly, and one encounters hunger or famine without grain qi to nourish them, the Spleen will be injured. Injury to the Spleen leads to deficiency of Middle Qi and reluctance to speak. When Spleen Qi is insufficient to overcome the qi of food, anorexia occurs. When the Spleen is weak and insufficient to control dampness in the Central Palace (Middle Jiao), loose stools result. The Spleen governs muscles, hence emaciation. Among the five flavors, sweet flavor enters the Spleen first. In this formula, Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Bai Zhu, and Gan Cao are all sweet substances, thus they can enter the Spleen and tonify Middle Qi. Middle Qi refers to the Qi of the Stomach and Spleen. Humans resemble Heaven and Earth: when the Qi of Heaven and Earth ascends, all things grow; when it descends, all things die. Therefore, Sheng Ma and Chai Hu are used as assistants to ascend the clear Yang Qi, imitating the ascending and generating nature of Heaven and Earth. Chen Pi is used for two reasons: first, to unblock the Stomach and Spleen; second, to move the stagnation caused by sweet and warm herbs. For this syndrome, Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Astragalus Decoction to Establish the Middle) may also be used, as seen in the Shaoyang Disease section.

Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus, 1 dou), Jiu (Wine, 2 dou, decocted together).

For Liver Labor, manifesting as bluish complexion around the eyes and face, bitter taste in the mouth, inability to guard the Spirit, fearfulness preventing solitary sleeping, and blurred vision, this formula is indicated.

The Liver is the official of the General, from whom strategies arise. Thus, if one plans but cannot decide, or is frustrated and frequently angered, over time the Liver becomes labored. The Liver corresponds to the East and its color is green; when diseased, this color manifests on the face and eyes, causing a bluish hue. A bitter taste results from Liver heat transferring to the Fu organs, causing bile to overflow upwards. The Liver stores the Hun (Ethereal Soul); Liver labor allows evil to occupy the chamber of the Hun, leading to an inability to guard the Spirit and fearfulness preventing solitary sleep. Liver Qi connects to the Eyes; when Liver Qi is harmonious, the five colors can be distinguished. Now, since the Liver is injured by labor, vision becomes unclear. The Classics state: "Flavor is Yin; strong flavor is Yin within Yin." Gou Qi Zi has a strong flavor, thus it is sufficient to nourish the Yin of Jueyin (Liver). It is boiled in pure wine to facilitate the circulation of Qi and Blood. Other formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) may also be used. Ancient texts state that diseases of the Liver and Kidney share the same treatment principle, and further state that "when deficient, tonify the Mother." Since the Kidney is the Mother of the Liver, Di Huang Wan is also appropriate.