Recently, the topic of strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness has gained significant attention. Indeed, excessive dampness can have a profound impact on the body. It not only affects the spleen and stomach’s ability to transform and transport, leading to symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal distension, and sticky stools, but also results in poor complexion, fatigue, and drowsiness, negatively affecting both life and work. Therefore, eliminating dampness is imperative. Today, we will introduce what traditional Chinese medicines to take for spleen deficiency and excessive dampness, presenting 10 options for your reference.
What Traditional Chinese Medicines to Take for Spleen Deficiency and Excessive Dampness: 10 Options
1. Jianpi Wan (健脾丸)
Jianpi Wan has the effects of tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, promoting digestion, and calming the mind. Its main ingredients include Dang Shen (党参), Bai Zhu (白术), Zhi Shi (枳实), and Shan Zha (山楂). It is particularly effective for individuals with spleen and stomach weakness, often experiencing abdominal bloating, poor appetite, and unformed stools. For those with a white tongue coating and persistent bad breath, even after brushing their teeth, this may also indicate spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, and Jianpi Wan can be used for adjustment. However, it is not suitable for individuals with colds or fevers, and those with hypertension or diabetes should use it cautiously.
2. Shenling Baizhu San (参苓白术散)
The formula of Shenling Baizhu San is based on the ancient Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子汤) with the addition of Shan Yao (山药), Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁), Bai Bian Dou (白扁豆), and Sha Ren (砂仁). It not only tonifies the spleen and stomach but also benefits lung qi. It is effective for those with spleen and stomach weakness, prone to poor appetite, fatigue, and shortness of breath with cough. For individuals who frequently experience sticky and unformed stools, poor digestion, and diarrhea after consuming greasy foods, Shenling Baizhu San is very suitable for adjustment. Note that patients with colds or fevers should avoid this medicine.
3. Liu Jun Zi Wan (六君子丸)
The formula of Liu Jun Zi Wan consists of Dang Shen (党参), Chao Bai Zhu (炒白术), Fu Ling (茯苓), and Ban Xia (半夏). Both Chao Bai Zhu and Fu Ling are excellent herbs for eliminating dampness, while Dang Shen tonifies the spleen and benefits qi. Therefore, Liu Jun Zi Wan has the effects of tonifying the spleen, benefiting qi, and eliminating dampness and phlegm. It can be taken by individuals with spleen and stomach weakness, small appetite, and phlegm accumulation. It also has a certain therapeutic effect on chronic gastritis. Generally, it should be taken for at least half a month, and the specific dosage should be adjusted according to the condition. It is recommended to take it half an hour before meals, but it is not suitable for pregnant women or those with symptoms of dry mouth, red tongue, and dry stools.
4. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan (藿香正气丸)
Most people know that Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan can prevent heat stroke, but its main functions are to disperse cold, transform dampness, relieve summer heat, and clear heat. It is suitable for individuals experiencing chest tightness, dizziness, and those suffering from wind-cold or summer-heat colds, as well as gastrointestinal colds with symptoms of fever, headache, diarrhea, and vomiting. It contains Huo Xiang (藿香), Hou Po (厚朴), and Fu Ling (茯苓), where Huo Xiang can regulate the spleen and stomach, treating diarrhea and vomiting, while Fu Ling and Hou Po can eliminate dampness. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan has minimal side effects and can be taken with cold medications or other heat-clearing medicines.
5. Ping Wei Wan (平胃丸)
Ping Wei Wan from Tong Ren Tang (同仁堂) has the effects of eliminating dampness, strengthening the spleen, and soothing the liver to relieve bloating. It contains Chao Cang Zhu (炒苍术), Hou Po (厚朴), and Chen Pi (陈皮), which can both strengthen the spleen and transform dampness, making it very suitable for individuals with spleen and stomach discomfort, abdominal bloating, lack of appetite, and chest tightness. Ping Wei Wan must be taken on an empty stomach, preferably half an hour before meals for optimal effect. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicines generally take time to show effects; if you wish to use Ping Wei Wan to eliminate dampness, the specific duration and dosage should be based on individual conditions.
6. Gui Pi Wan (归脾丸)
The main effects of Gui Pi Wan are to strengthen the spleen, benefit qi, nourish blood, and calm the mind. It is very suitable for individuals with both heart and spleen deficiency, prone to palpitations, insomnia, shortness of breath, and lack of appetite. For modern individuals who often sit for long periods in front of a computer, which can harm qi and blood, Gui Pi Wan can be used for maintenance. However, it is not suitable for those with diabetes, hypertension, or colds and fevers. During the medication period, there may be mild side effects such as dry mouth and nasal dryness, but they are not significant. It is prohibited to take it with cold medications.
7. Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan (木香顺气丸)
Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan mainly consists of Mu Xiang (木香), Sha Ren (砂仁), Hou Po (厚朴), and Cang Zhu (苍术). Both Cang Zhu and Hou Po are warming and drying, which can improve spleen and stomach damp-heat. Therefore, Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan has the effects of promoting qi, transforming dampness, and strengthening the spleen and stomach, and can be used to treat symptoms such as chest tightness, belching, abdominal bloating, and nausea caused by spleen and stomach disharmony. It can be purchased at regular pharmacies and is reasonably priced, around 20 yuan.
8. Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (附子理中丸)
Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan primarily functions to warm the middle and strengthen the spleen, improving spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. It contains Bai Zhu (白术), Dang Shen (党参), Fu Zi (附子), and Gan Jiang (干姜), suitable for individuals with cold hands and feet, spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, and those experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting after exposure to cold. The typical dosage is 8-10 pills, three times a day, and the duration should be based on individual conditions, generally showing significant effects within 1-2 weeks. The Gan Jiang and Fu Zi in the formula are warming and may cause heat symptoms, but this can be alleviated by reducing the dosage and increasing water intake, along with consuming more fruits and vegetables.
9. Huang Qi Jian Zhong Wan (黄芪建中丸)
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Wan is mainly composed of Huang Qi (黄芪), Bai Shao (白芍), and Rou Gui (肉桂), with the primary effects of tonifying qi, dispersing cold, and strengthening the spleen and stomach. It is suitable for individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, and insufficient qi, prone to palpitations and shortness of breath. However, it is contraindicated for pregnant women and patients with diabetes. Additionally, during the medication period, it is advised to avoid spicy and greasy foods and not to take other tonifying Chinese medicines simultaneously.
10. Bu Pi Yi Chang Wan (补脾益肠丸)
Bu Pi Yi Chang Wan, as the name suggests, can both tonify the spleen and repair the gastrointestinal tract. Its main effects are to strengthen the spleen and stomach, tonify qi, and solidify the intestines to stop diarrhea. It is commonly used to treat diarrhea and enteritis caused by spleen deficiency, suitable for individuals with symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and borborygmus. Bu Pi Yi Chang Wan has a good therapeutic effect on chronic colitis caused by spleen deficiency. Generally, noticeable effects can be seen after taking it for two weeks, and the specific duration should be based on individual conditions. If significant improvement is observed, long-term use is not necessary.
Conclusion: This concludes the introduction of what traditional Chinese medicines to take for spleen deficiency and excessive dampness. I hope this information is helpful. Although these medicines all have the effect of strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness, it is still essential to differentiate and target the treatment based on specific symptoms during the actual medication process. Additionally, consuming foods such as Shan Yao (山药) and Yi Yi (薏米) can also have the effect of strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness.