(307) Tonifying Formulas For Children

Started by HB KIM, Oct 12, 2010, 05:01 AM

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HB KIM

Introduction:

Out of the Five Zang organs (LV HT SP LU KD), the most common deficiencies found in children are Lung deficiency, Spleen deficiency, and Kidney deficiency. The best formulas for treating these deficiencies are discussed below. It should also be noted that each of these formulas can be taken in decoction, powder or pill form, regardless of the name of the formula.

A small amount of Lu Rong (deer horn) is in each of these formulas because the Yang Qi in children is not developed enough. This can be a cause of weaknesses.  However, only a small amount of Lu Rong must be used, because overuse can cause an imbalance in yin-yang, due to the primarily yang nature of children in general. 



Patterns and Formulas:

1. Spleen Deficiency: Xiao Er Jian Pi Tang (Children's Strengthen the Spleen Decoction)

Ingredients: Bai Zhu 6g,  Hou Po 4g,  Chen Pi 4g,  Ren Shen 4g,  Fu Ling 4g,  Gan Cao 3g,  Shan Zha 3g,  Mu Xiang 2g,  Sha Ren 2g,  Lu Rong 2g,  Sheng Jiang 3p,  Da Zao 2p.

This formula is created by using herbs from Ping Wei San (Cang Zhu, Hou Po, Chen Pi, Gan Cao) + Si Jun Zi Tang (Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Gan Cao) + Digestive Qi-Regulating herbs (Shan Zha, Mu Xiang, Sha Ren).

In children, the Spleen and Stomach are vulnerable and may easily have functional deficiencies. This formula may be used for poor appetite, a weak stomach, indigestion (food retention), abdominal pain with overeating, or in children who are too slim and need to gain weight. To modify this formula for children with obesity and excess patterns, Si Jun Zi Tang can be omitted.


2. Lung Deficiency: Xiao Er Bu Fei Yin (Children's Tonify the Lung decoction)

Ingredients: Huang Qi 8g,  Ren Shen 4g,  Mai Men Dong 4g,  Cang Zhu 4g,  Dang Gui 3g,  Chen Pi 3g,  Wu Wei Zi 2g,  Sheng Ma 2g,  Chai Hu 2g,  Lu Rong 2g

This formula is constructed with herbs from Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Huang Qi, Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Gan Cao, Dang Gui, Chen Pi, Sheng Ma, Chai Hu) + Sheng Mai San (Ren Shen, Mai Men Dong, Wu Wei Zi) + Lu Rong.

This formula should be used for children who catch cold easily, or have chronic rhinitis, frequent swollen tonsils, adenoiditis, chronic sinusitis, or weak Lung function. It targets the Nose, bronchi, and Lungs.


3. Kidney Deficiency: Xiao Er Shen Qi Wan (Children's Kidney Qi pill)

Ingredients: Shu Di Huang 12g,  Shan Yao 12g,  Gou Qi Zi 6g,  Shan Zhu Yu 6g,  Mu Dan Pi 4g,  Ze Xie 4g,  Fu Ling 4g,  Lu Rong 2g.

This formula is constructed with herbs from  Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, Shan Zhu Yu, Mu Dan Pi, Ze Xie, Fu Ling) + Gou Qi Zi, Lu Rong.

This formula can be used for children with enuresis, poor endurance/stamina, dry skin, dry atopic dermatitis fatigue, difficulty waking up in the morning, pain in the knee or foot, nose bleeds, or those who are easily wearied or irritated.



General Modifications: If there are heat signs, Hong Shen (Red ginseng) - steam treated Ginseng can be used instead of Ren Shen.

Dosage: When prescribing these formulas to children, use the childs age to determine number of days of treatment. For a 1 yr old - treat for 1 day. For a 2yr old - 2 days, a 5 yr old - 5 days, a 10 yr - 10 days... and so forth.