Maltose (yi tang)

Saccharum granorum (maltose)

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens qi and spleen, eases pain from cold in the middle and moistens the lungs.

Safety notes

Not with dampness and heat. With diabetes, take the sugar into account. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Syrup of malted barley. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics'. Malt syrup (yi tang) made from sprouted grain is the main ingredient of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (Japanese: Shokenchuto), which is used for abdominal pain due to cold and exhaustion. In China the sweet syrup is also eaten as a sweet.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, slightly warm
Meridians: lung, spleen, stomach

Attributed effects

For exhaustion and tiredness from spleen deficiency with shortness of breath and poor appetite, abdominal pain from cold and deficiency in the stomach, and dry cough with laboured breathing from lung qi deficiency.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 30–60 g a day, dissolved in the strained tea at the end. According to the book, unrefined sugar from a natural source, such as malt syrup, is something quite different from refined sugar, an excess of which is harmful. Main ingredient of the formula xiao jian zhong tang.

Combinations

With cinnamon twig, white peony and licorice in xiao jian zhong tang for abdominal pain from cold

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Decoction Syrup, honey and oxymel
Formulas: Xiao jian zhong tang

Sources

All herbs from Asia →