Here are no profound terms, only practical wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine
Old friends will know what I am going to say just by looking at the title, and new friends may have heard of it as well, it isFour Spirits Soupa classic dietary therapy formula that has been passed down for centuries.
The origin of Four Spirits Soup can be traced back to the Qing DynastyThe benchmark formula for "strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness" in traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapyIt has no complex compatibility, yet it is precise.Align with the spleen and stomach's characteristics of "preferring warmth, fearing dampness, and needing nourishment"The ancients believed that the spleen is the foundation of postnatal life. In winter, when yang qi is stored internally, the digestive and transformative functions of the spleen and stomach weaken. At this time, nourishing with gentle ingredients allows the spleen and stomach to accumulate energy during a period of rest and recuperation, laying the foundation for health in the coming year.
The core function of Four Gods Soup isStrengthen the spleen and dispel dampness, consolidate the intestines and nourish the stomach. The spleen and stomach are most afraid of being troubled by dampness. In winter, when cold and dampness are heavy, dampness wraps around cold and invades the body, leading to poor digestion, lack of appetite, and sticky stools.
The original intention of the combination of Sishen Tang isIt means using gentle ingredients to help the body "expel dampness without causing coldness, and tonify the spleen without causing greasiness." This approach not only alleviates the "burden" on the spleen and stomach but also provides essential nourishment, allowing the functions of the spleen and stomach to gradually recover. With a sufficient source for the production of qi and blood, immunity will naturally improve accordingly.
The formulation of Sishen Tang is both fixed and flexibleThe core four ingredients are balanced in combination and can be adjusted according to individual constitution. The traditional classic formula is:Chinese yam, lotus seed meat, gorgon fruit, poria cocosIfdampness is relatively heavyIf so, you can addCoix SeedIfQi deficiency is evidentIf so, you can add someCodonopsis pilosulaAfter washing the ingredients, they can be directly used to make soup or ground into powder for consumption.
Four core ingredients each play their role in protecting the spleen and stomach with peace of mind
Chinese yamIt is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, capable of tonifying the deficiency of the spleen and stomach while also nourishing spleen yin. Its nature is mild and not drying, making it suitable for both spleen and stomach weakness and poor digestion. It can be paired with other herbs and is known as a "gentle nourishing agent for the spleen and stomach."
Lotus Seed MeatTonifying the spleen to stop diarrhea and nourishing the heart to calm the mind not only enhances the spleen and stomach's transportation and transformation functions but also addresses issues of loose stools caused by spleen deficiency. Additionally, its gentle nature helps alleviate the irritability brought on by spleen and stomach discomfort in winter.
Euryale feroxKnown as the 'fruit of the spleen,' it is particularly effective in tonifying the spleen and securing astringency. It helps the spleen and stomach firmly retain essential nutrients, preventing the waste of 'eating without absorption.' It is especially beneficial for those with chronic loose stools and indigestion, and it also aids in dispelling dampness.
PoriaPromoting diuresis and draining dampness, strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach, it can expel accumulated dampness from the spleen and stomach without damaging their healthy qi, allowing the spleen and stomach to function better in an environment free from dampness pathogens.
The benefits of Four Spirits Soup have long been praised by the ancients: "It is mild in nature and gentle in effect, and can be taken for a long time without harm." It does not discriminate by constitution, offering gentle nourishment, making it suitable for most people to regulate their health in winter.
Here is a simple summary, basically the following groups of people are suitable.
Spleen and stomach weakness, heavy dampness, sticky stool that adheres to the toilet；People who feel cold in winter, have poor appetite, and experience bloating after eating a little; people with insufficient qi and blood, dull complexion, and easy fatigue; people with weak constitution who easily get sick when seasons change; people who need gentle regulation of the spleen and stomach after childbirth or illness; people who have damaged their spleen and stomach due to long-term staying up late and irregular diet.
Atrophic gastritis + polyps, cured by modified Sishen Decoction!
Traditional Chinese medicine diet therapy truly holds great wisdomShare a solid case of improvementThe 63-year-old Ms. Li's spleen and stomach issues were regulated with Sishen Tang.
Ms. Li has atrophic gastritis stage C2 + gastric polyps, often experiences bloating, poor appetite, sticky stools, diarrhea after eating cold foods, catches colds during seasonal changes, and feels generally lethargic.
I diagnosed her condition as:
Etiology and Pathogenesis:Deficiency of the spleen and stomach is the root cause, while internal accumulation of cold-dampness is the manifestation. Long-term irregular diet leads to impaired spleen function in transportation, stagnation of dampness, and insufficient production of qi and blood.
Treatment principle approach:Strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness, consolidate the intestines and harmonize the stomach, neither cold nor greasy, gently regulate spleen and stomach function.
Analysis of the Prescription:Based on the classic Four Spirits Soup (Chinese yam + lotus seed meat + fox nut + poria), coix seed is added to enhance dampness-removing power, and a small amount of codonopsis is used to replenish qi, aligning with the core principle of "removing dampness without being cold, tonifying the spleen without being greasy," which precisely corresponds to the spleen and stomach's characteristic of "preferring warmth and fearing dampness."
Regulation Process:After washing the ingredients, make soup 3-4 times a week (with pork ribs / lean meat), occasionally grind into powder and mix as breakfast, persist for 3 months.
Follow-up:Abdominal distension and diarrhea have completely disappeared, stools are formed and do not stick to the toilet, appetite has significantly improved, no more colds during seasonal changes, follow-up examination shows polyps have shrunk, gastritis symptoms have lessened, and overall complexion has brightened.
The entire prescriptiontonifying without stagnation, warming without drynessIt is not a medicine, but a part of daily diet. It can be boiled in water as tea, used in soups or porridge, or ground into fine powder and mixed with boiling water. Consistently consuming it from Major Snow to Major Cold will gradually improve spleen and stomach function and significantly enhance the body's resistance.
