Xiaomai Tang for Generating Fluids and Quenching Thirst, and Xiaomai Zhou for Relieving Vexation and Stopping Sweating

Xiaomai Tang (Wheat Decoction) is a very simple little formula. It is composed of Xiaomai (Tritici Fructus) 5 qian (15g), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes Radix, sliced) 5 qian (15g), and Maimendong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 5 qian (15g). Method of decoction: boil with 2 bowls of water (about 600 ml) down to 1 bowl (about 300 ml); take hot, twice daily.

This formula comes from Yi Xin Fang (The Heart of Medicine, quoting Gu Jin Lu Yan Fang). Xiaomai Tang generates fluids and quenches thirst, and treats xiaoke (wasting-thirst) with excessive drinking.

Qianjin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) also contains a formula called Xiaomai Tang, but its composition and action differ from the one above. The Xiaomai Tang in Qianjin Yao Fang is composed of Xiaomai 5 qian, Renshen (Ginseng) and Houpo (Magnolia Bark) each 4 qian, Gancao (licorice) 1 qian, fresh ginger juice in appropriate amount, Qingzhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam) 2 qian 5 fen, and Fuling (Poria) 3 qian. This, too, is decocted in water, the dregs removed, and taken warm; it treats incessant vomiting.

Yinshi Bian Lu (Dietary Notes) contains a dietary formula made of Xiaomai 1-2 liang, Jingmi (Oryzae Sativae Semen) 3 liang, and Dazao (jujube) 5 pieces. This formula supplements the heart and spleen and stops deficiency sweating; it treats insufficiency of heart qi, nervous palpitations, severe palpitations and unease, insomnia with many dreams, women's zang-zao (organ agitation), spontaneous sweating, night sweating, and spleen-deficiency diarrhea. The action of Xiaomai Zhou (Wheat Congee) is very similar to Zhang Zhongjing's Ganmai Dazao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction), except that Xiaomai Zhou is made entirely of food ingredients, whereas Ganmai Dazao Tang contains Gancao, which is not a food ingredient.

Xiaomai Zhou may be used for neurasthenia, insomnia, mild anxiety disorder, mild depression, as well as palpitations, arrhythmia, spontaneous sweating, night sweating, and hyperhidrosis in modern medicine; it may also treat diarrhea and loose stools caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach. As a dietary therapy, Xiaomai Zhou is very safe and may be eaten long-term, but it is contraindicated in those allergic to wheat flour.

Wheat is not a common Chinese medicinal; it is not available in pharmacies or city vegetable markets and must be bought on online shopping platforms. Medicinal wheat usually uses Hua Xiaomai (Huai wheat); for those with excessive sweating, Fuxiaomai (floating wheat) is even more suitable.