The spleen is the foundation of acquired constitution and the source of qi and blood production. When the spleen and stomach are healthy, qi and blood are sufficient, the organs are harmonious, and all diseases are eliminated. However, many people suffer from symptoms such as reduced appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, acid reflux, belching, excessive phlegm, and fatigue. When trying to strengthen the spleen and stomach, they often buy Chinese patent medicines randomly and take them without proper guidance. As a result, they either experience more bloating after tonifying or become even weaker after eliminating stagnation. The core issue isSpleen and stomach issues are categorized into various types such as qi deficiency, dampness excess, yang deficiency, food stagnation, yin deficiency, and disharmony between liver and spleenThe symptoms and tongue manifestations of different syndrome types vary greatly, and the corresponding spleen and stomach tonifying medicines also have their own specific focuses.

Today, I organized the most commonly used clinical10 Kinds of Chinese Patent Medicines for Strengthening the Spleen and StomachCovering 90% of common spleen and stomach issues, from basic qi replenishment to dampness elimination, warming yang, promoting digestion, and nourishing yin, each formula is precisely tailored to the individual, teaching you how to select the right medicine for your symptoms without pitfalls, and effortlessly nurture your spleen and stomach!

Core Principle: Strengthen the Spleen and Stomach by First Differentiating Syndromes, Avoid "One-Size-Fits-All" Tonic / Resolve Food Stagnation

The core of spleen and stomach issues often lies indysfunction in transportation and transformationHowever, the triggers are divided into deficiency and excess:

• Deficiency Syndromes: Qi Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, Deficiency of Both Heart and Spleen, Mainly Focus on "Tonifying", Tonifying Qi / Warming Yang / Nourishing Yin / Nourishing Blood
• Excess Syndrome / Mixed Deficiency and Excess: Dampness Excess, Qi Stagnation, Food Accumulation, Liver-Spleen Disharmony, Cold-Heat Complex, Phlegm-Dampness, Mainly Focus on "Regulation", Resolving Dampness / Regulating Qi / Promoting Digestion / Soothing Liver / Balancing Cold and Heat, For Deficiency Syndrome with Excess Factors NeedSupplement and Regulate SimultaneouslyAvoid purely supplementing or purely eliminating.
• All medication use first looktongue picturePale, swollen tongue with tooth marks is the core signal of spleen and stomach deficiency; greasy coating indicates dampness or stagnation; red tongue with little coating indicates yin deficiency. Only by examining accompanying symptoms and achieving precise correspondence can treatment be effective!

1. Four Gentlemen Pill / Mixture - Pure Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency, Tonify Spleen and Boost Qi "Basic Version"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Pure Spleen-Stomach Qi Deficiency, Without Dampness, Without Cold, Without Qi Stagnation

Core symptoms: mental fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath and reluctance to speak, poor appetite and lack of interest in food, loose stools (not formed but not sticky to the toilet), sallow complexion, fatigue with slight activity, no abdominal distension, no aversion to cold, no excessive phlegm;

Typical tongue appearance: tongue body pale and swollen, with slight tooth marks on the edges, tongue coating thin, white, and moist, without greasy coating or slippery coating;

Key points of medication: Pure tonification without purgation, it is an introductory formula for tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi. The medicinal properties are mild, suitable for the elderly, children, and those with mild spleen deficiency. Take after breakfast and dinner, ideal for initial regulation of spleen deficiency.

2. Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder / Pill - Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Abundance, Strengthen Spleen and Stomach + Resolve Dampness "First Choice for Modern People"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Spleen-Stomach Qi Deficiency + Internal Retention of Dampness (The Most Common Type of Spleen Deficiency in Modern People)

Core symptoms: On the basis of qi deficiency in Sijunzi Wan, new symptoms include sticky stools, incomplete bowel movements, heavy body and limbs, profuse clear and thin phlegm, phlegm in the throat, abdominal distension and fullness, and worsening of symptoms after consuming raw or cold foods.

Typical tongue appearance: pale and swollen tongue body with obvious tooth marks, white greasy or white slippery tongue coating, heavy moisture sensation on the tongue surface

Key points of medication: Strengthen the spleen and promote diuresis simultaneously, while also addressing phlegm. It is the preferred choice for individuals with spleen deficiency who lead a sedentary lifestyle, prefer cold environments, and enjoy sweet and greasy foods. Taking it before meals enhances the dampness-removing effect. After symptoms are alleviated, switch to Sijunzi Wan for consolidation to avoid long-term dampness removal that may deplete yin.

3. Fuzi Lizhong Wan - Spleen Yang Deficiency with Cold Stagnation, Warms Spleen Yang + Dispels Cold "Specifically for Fear of Cold and Loose Stools"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Prolonged Spleen-Stomach Qi Deficiency Consumes Spleen Yang, Deficiency + Cold

Core symptoms: On the basis of qi deficiency, new symptoms include aversion to cold and cold intolerance, cold abdomen, immediate abdominal pain and diarrhea after consuming raw or cold food or exposure to cold wind, loose watery stools or stools containing undigested food, clear and abundant urine, cold hands and feet, and in women, accompanied by cold lower abdomen and clear, thin vaginal discharge.

Typical tongue appearance: the tongue body is pale white like paper, enlarged and full, with deep tooth marks, the tongue coating is white, slippery, and greasy, and the tongue surface is heavily moist.

Key Points of Medication: Strong in warming yang and dispelling cold, contraindicated for those without obvious signs of cold (to avoid internal heat). Reduce dosage after symptoms are alleviated; avoid long-term high-dose use. Suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals, as well as those with spleen yang deficiency who frequently indulge in cold.

4. Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan — Spleen Deficiency with Qi Stagnation, Tonify Spleen + Regulate Qi "Specifically for Abdominal Distension and Belching"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Spleen-Stomach Qi Deficiency + Qi Stagnation, Deficiency + Blockage

Core symptoms: On the basis of qi deficiency, new symptoms include abdominal distension and fullness, frequent belching, worsening abdominal distension after meals, slight relief after burping, chest tightness and loss of appetite, loose stools with difficulty in defecation, and worsening abdominal distension after anger.

Typical Tongue Appearance: The tongue body is pale and swollen with tooth marks, the tongue coating is thin, white, and slightly greasy, and the tongue color is slightly dark (mild qi stagnation and blood stasis).

Key Points of Medication: Tonify without causing stagnation, regulate qi without depleting qi. It is the first choice for individuals with spleen deficiency due to excessive thinking, prolonged sitting, or poor mood. Taking it after meals enhances the effect of regulating qi and harmonizing the stomach. After abdominal distension is relieved, switch to Sijunzi Wan for consolidation.

5. Baohe Pills - Food Stagnation, Promote Digestion and Resolve Accumulation "Emergency Relief for Overeating and Abdominal Distension"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Food Stagnation due to Improper Diet (Excess Pattern, also treatable for mild cases of Spleen Deficiency with Accumulation)

Core symptoms: Abdominal distension after overeating, belching with sour and putrid odor (burping with a sour and rotten smell), halitosis, loss of appetite, foul-smelling stools or containing undigested food, abdominal pain upon pressure.

Typical tongue appearance: pale and swollen tongue, thick and greasy coating, white greasy or yellow greasy;

Key points of medication: Strong ability to promote digestion and resolve stagnation, primarily used for "emergency relief." Discontinue use once symptoms are alleviated; long-term use is not recommended (to avoid depleting spleen and stomach qi). Suitable for both adults and children experiencing bloating from overeating. Best taken after meals.

6. Yang Wei Shu Granules — Insufficient Stomach Yin, Nourishing Yin and Stomach "Specifically for Dry Mouth and Hunger Without Desire to Eat"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Stomach Yin Deficiency (Spleen-Stomach Yin Deficiency, often caused by staying up late, excessive consumption of spicy foods, or chronic illness depleting Yin)

Core symptoms: dry mouth and throat, hunger without desire to eat (feeling hungry but not wanting to eat), dull burning pain in the stomach, dry and hard stools like sheep droppings, stomach pain worsens after eating spicy food, accompanied by restlessness and heat in the palms and soles.

Typical tongue appearance: red tongue with little coating, dry and cracked tongue surface, no tooth marks or slight tooth marks;

Key Points of Medication: Nourishing Yin without causing greasiness, distinct from all warm-natured spleen-tonifying herbs. Contraindicated for those with spleen-stomach yang deficiency and aversion to cold. Suitable for individuals with stomach yin deficiency who stay up late and enjoy spicy foods. Taking before meals enhances the effect of nourishing yin and stomach.

7. Jiawei Xiaoyao Wan -- Liver-Spleen Disharmony, Soothe Liver + Strengthen Spleen "Essential for Anger and Abdominal Distension"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Liver Qi Stagnation Overwhelming Spleen Earth (Liver and Spleen Coexisting Disease, Mixed Deficiency and Excess)

Core symptoms: Abdominal distension and reduced appetite after anger or poor mood, distending pain in the hypochondrium, frequent belching, sallow complexion, irregular menstruation and breast distending pain (in women), alternating dry and loose stools, accompanied by irritability and susceptibility to anger

Typical tongue appearance: pale and swollen tongue with tooth marks, red edges, thin white or slightly greasy coating;

Key points of medication: Harmonize liver and spleen, first soothe the liver then strengthen the spleen to prevent liver qi from further "bullying" the spleen and stomach. Ideal for spleen-deficient women with poor mood and abdominal bloating during menstruation. Take morning and evening, combined with massaging Taichong point for double the effect.

8. Banxia Xiexin Wan -- Cold and Heat Intermingled in Spleen and Stomach, Harmonizing Cold and Heat "Specifically for Acid Reflux and Abdominal Distension"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Spleen-Stomach Weakness + Cold-Heat Complex (Middle Jiao Qi Mechanism Blockage, Cold and Warmth Coexistence)

Core symptoms: epigastric fullness, acid reflux and heartburn, aversion to cold and stomach pain upon consuming cold foods, aversion to heat and acid reflux upon consuming spicy foods, loose stools but with dry mouth and bitter taste, accompanied by belching and nausea;

Typical tongue appearance: pale and swollen tongue with tooth marks, red tongue tip, and yellow-white coating

Key points of medication: balancing cold and heat, harmonizing the stomach and relieving distension, preferred for acid reflux and abdominal distension without obvious predominance of cold or heat, to be taken after meals to avoid irritating the gastric mucosa on an empty stomach, suitable for chronic gastritis and reflux esophagitis characterized by intermingled cold and heat.

9. Er Chen Wan -- Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness, Strengthen Spleen + Resolve Phlegm "Specifically for Excessive Phlegm and Abdominal Distension"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Spleen-Stomach Qi Deficiency + Internal Phlegm-Dampness Generation (The spleen is the source of phlegm production, with phlegm-dampness rising upward)

Core symptoms: reduced appetite and abdominal distension, loose stools, profuse clear and thin phlegm, persistent phlegm in the throat, chest tightness, heavy body sensation, oily complexion, aggravated phlegm production upon waking in the morning;

Typical tongue appearance: pale and swollen tongue body with obvious tooth marks, white thick greasy tongue coating, sticky and greasy tongue surface;

Key points of medication: Strengthen the spleen and resolve phlegm simultaneously, with mild medicinal properties. It is the preferred choice for individuals with spleen deficiency and excessive phlegm. It can be combined with Shenling Baizhu Powder to enhance the effects of strengthening the spleen and resolving dampness, while avoiding the consumption of spleen and stomach qi caused by taking phlegm-resolving medicine alone.

10. Guipi Wan - Deficiency of both heart and spleen, tonify spleen + nourish blood "Specifically for spleen deficiency insomnia and palpitations"

Core Syndrome Pattern: Spleen-Stomach Qi Deficiency + Heart Blood Deficiency (Spleen deficiency affecting the heart, heart and spleen both diseased)

Core symptoms: Spleen deficiency symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, fatigue, and lack of energy, accompanied by palpitations, panic, insomnia, excessive dreaming, easy awakening, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, sallow or pale complexion, pale lips and nails, and in women, scanty menstrual flow, light-colored menstrual blood, and delayed menstrual periods.

Typical tongue appearance: pale and swollen tongue body with tooth marks, pale and lusterless tongue color, thin and white tongue coating;

Key Points of Medication: Strengthen the spleen and nourish blood, nourish the heart and calm the mind. The medicinal properties are relatively greasy and nourishing. For those with spleen deficiency and dampness excess, thick and greasy tongue coating, first take Shenling Baizhu Powder to resolve dampness, then use Guipi Pills. Suitable for people with prolonged illness and physical weakness, postpartum, staying up late, and excessive thinking.

Core Summary: 10 Types of Spleen and Stomach Strengthening Chinese Patent Medicines Precise Comparison Table

General Principles for Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach: Choose the Right Medicine + Cultivate Good Habits, and the Spleen and Stomach Will Not Recur

Strengthening the spleen and stomach has never been about relying solely on medicine. Chinese patent medicines serve as an auxiliary. By correcting habits that harm the spleen and incorporating daily maintenance, the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach can be fully restored and recurrence can be avoided. These five points are the core, and everyone can achieve them:

1. Dietary Nourishment for the Spleen: Warm, Soft, Bland, and Fresh Foods; Avoid Raw, Cold, and Greasy Foods

Spleen and StomachWarmth-loving and cold-averse, softness-loving and hardness-averse, blandness-loving and greasiness-averseEat more neutral spleen-strengthening foods such as millet, Chinese yam, pumpkin, lotus seeds, and fox nuts, cooked into porridge or soft dishes; avoid ice-cold drinks, cold dishes, fried foods, overly sweet and greasy foods, and overeating. Eat three meals at regular times and in moderate portions, stopping when you are about 70-80% full.

2. Daily Routine for Nourishing the Spleen: Avoid staying up late and reduce prolonged sitting

Sleep before 23:00, as nighttime is the critical period for spleen and stomach repair and the generation of qi and blood; take a 15-20 minute nap at noon to nourish the heart and spleen, replenishing qi and blood; stand up and walk for 5 minutes every hour of sitting to avoid stagnation of qi and worsening spleen deficiency.

3. Exercise for Nourishing the Spleen: Gentle Movement to Promote Digestion

People with spleen deficiency should avoid strenuous exercise (which consumes qi and damages the spleen). Instead, choose gentle exercises such as brisk walking, Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and abdominal massage for 20 minutes daily to promote the movement of spleen and stomach qi. Take a slow walk for 10 minutes after meals to prevent food stagnation and qi stagnation.

4. Emotional Nourishment of the Spleen: Reduce Worry and Anger

Excessive contemplation impairs the spleen, and liver stagnation overacts on the spleen. Overthinking and anger over a long period can directly lead to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach in transportation and transformation. After meals, avoid dwelling on worries and refrain from engaging in work. Massage Zusanli (the primary acupoint for strengthening the spleen) daily.和Taichong point (soothing liver) ** 2 minutes each, harmony between liver and spleen leads to healthy spleen and stomach.

5. Nourishing the Spleen with Medication: Stop when the illness is cured; avoid blindly taking it long-term.

All spleen and stomach tonics, except for mild spleen deficiency where Sijunzi Wan can be used long-term, the rest areStop when the disease is curedAfter symptoms are relieved, discontinue the medication or switch to a foundational formula for consolidation. Avoid long-term use of tonics that may cause stagnation, purgatives that may deplete qi, or warming herbs that may lead to excessive internal heat.

Important Reminder

1. If spleen and stomach issues are accompanied bySevere stomach pain, vomiting blood, black stool, sudden weight lossSeek medical attention promptly to rule out organic issues such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and tumors; do not rely solely on Chinese patent medicines for regulation.
2. Pregnant women, lactating women, children, individuals with hypertension, and diabetic patients should consult a professional TCM practitioner before taking Chinese patent medicines to reduce dosage or adjust medication.
3. This article is for reference only in the popularization of traditional Chinese medicine. The specific dosage and combination of Chinese patent medicines should be adjusted based on individual constitution and condition. Do not take them blindly without professional guidance.

Are you troubled by poor spleen and stomach health? Is it reduced appetite and fatigue, sticky stools, or abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, and sensitivity to cold? Share your core symptoms + tongue appearance in the comments section, and we'll help you accurately identify the syndrome type and guide you in choosing the right spleen and stomach strengthening medicine!