Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar)
- Chinese
- 饴糖
- Pinyin
- Yi Tang
- Latin
- Saccharum Granorum
Known in TCM as Yi Tang (饴糖), this sweet, slightly warm herb enters the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach. Traditionally, it tonifies Qi and warms and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; the most direct grain-derived nourishment for Middle Burner deficiency-Cold, most often applied for abdominal pain, cough, and digestive weakness. Modern research has identified Maltose among its active constituents.
Part used: Sugar
Also Known As
Latin: Saccharum Granorum | Pinyin: Yi Tang | Chinese: 饴糖
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet
- Temperature
- slightly warm
- Channels
- Lung, Spleen, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Tonifies Qi and warms and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; the most direct grain-derived nourishment for Middle Burner deficiency-Cold
- Moistens the Lung and stops cough from Lung dryness or deficiency
- Relaxes spasm and alleviates pain, particularly abdominal cramping from Middle Burner deficiency-Cold
Secondary Actions
- A food-medicine produced by fermenting grain (traditionally barley or wheat) starch into sugar
Classic Formulas
- Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction)
Classical References
- Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage, Zhang Zhongjing, c. 200 CE) uses Yi Tang as the chief herb in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, where its heavy sweetness both tonifies Qi and relaxes spasm
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Maltose
- Trace dextrins and grain-derived carbohydrates
Studied Effects
- Primarily studied as a food ingredient and formula-component sweetener rather than as an independently active pharmacological agent
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Diabetes or blood sugar dysregulation, due to high sugar content
Cautions
- Damp-Heat, Excess Heat, or Phlegm-Damp accumulation, where its sweet, tonifying nature may aggravate the pattern
- Dosage requires adjustment in individuals managing blood glucose
Conditions
- Abdominal Pain Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Cough Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Digestive Weakness Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Fatigue Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar) used for?
Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar) is traditionally used to Tonifies Qi and warms and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; the most direct grain-derived nourishment for Middle Burner deficiency-Cold, Moistens the Lung and stops cough from Lung dryness or deficiency, Relaxes spasm and alleviates pain, particularly abdominal cramping from Middle Burner deficiency-Cold. Research has investigated its effects on: Primarily studied as a food ingredient and formula-component sweetener rather than as an independently active pharmacological agent.
What are other names for Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar)?
Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar) is also known as Malt Sugar, Granorum. In TCM: 饴糖 (Yi Tang); Saccharum Granorum.
Is Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar) safe during pregnancy?
Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar) is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.
What are the contraindications for Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar)?
Maltose (Barley Malt Sugar) should not be used in: Diabetes or blood sugar dysregulation, due to high sugar content. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.