Should I take Jianpi Pills or Guipi Pills for spleen deficiency?

Aug 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

If spleen deficiency is primarily manifested as impaired digestive function, such as indigestion, abdominal distension, loose stools, and poor appetite, without significant symptoms of qi and blood deficiency, it is more appropriate to choose **Jianpi Wan** (Health-Spleen Pills), which can strengthen the spleen and stimulate the appetite, improving digestive problems caused by spleen weakness. However, if spleen deficiency is accompanied by symptoms of qi and blood deficiency such as palpitations, insomnia, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a sallow complexion, **Guipi Wan** (Restore-the-Spleen Pills) would be more appropriate.

Generally, for spleen deficiency, it is necessary to choose between Jianpi Pills and Guipi Pills based on specific symptoms. The former focuses on regulating the digestive function of the spleen and stomach, while the latter simultaneously strengthens qi and nourishes the blood. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

If the main symptoms of spleen deficiency include indigestion, abdominal distension, loose stools, poor appetite, and other signs of weakened digestive function, without significant symptoms of qi and blood deficiency, Jianpi Pills are more appropriate. These pills can strengthen the spleen and stimulate the appetite, improving digestive issues caused by spleen and stomach weakness.

If spleen deficiency is accompanied by palpitations, insomnia, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a sallow complexion—indicative of qi and blood deficiency—Guipi Pills are more suitable. Based on strengthening the spleen, these pills also nourish the blood and calm the mind, addressing both spleen deficiency and the resulting qi and blood insufficiency.

Before taking these medications, it is important to clearly identify your own symptom patterns to avoid selecting the wrong medicine and compromising effectiveness. If symptoms do not improve after taking the medication for some time, medical advice should be sought promptly to adjust the treatment plan. Additionally, maintaining dietary regularity is important to avoid increasing the burden on the spleen and stomach.

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What medication should be taken for spleen deficiency with damp-heat?

In general, spleen deficiency with damp-heat (Pi Xu Shi Re) is a TCM condition caused by spleen Qi deficiency and internal accumulation of damp-heat. Common symptoms include abdominal distension, loose stools, heaviness and fatigue in the limbs, poor appetite, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, and yellow greasy tongue coating. Patients may take medications such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan, Ge Gen Qin Lian Wan, Qing Re Qu Shi Ke Li, and Jian Pi Wan under the guidance of a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows:

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What medications should be taken for spleen deficiency?

Under normal circumstances, spleen deficiency is caused by insufficient spleen Qi and weakened transportation and transformation functions. Common symptoms include poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Patients may take medications such as Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Dioscoreae and Poria Powder), Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (Saussurea and Cardamom Six Gentlemen Pills), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen-Qi Tonifying Pills), and Qi Pi Wan (Spleen Awakening Pills) as directed by a physician. It is also important to develop good dietary habits and avoid consuming raw, cold, or greasy foods.

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How to treat spleen deficiency

In general, spleen deficiency may be caused by irregular eating habits, excessive fatigue, functional dyspepsia, chronic enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other related factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a physician's guidance through general treatments, medication, and other approaches. In daily life, one should avoid excessive worrying, maintain a cheerful mood, and minimize the impact of emotions on the functions of the spleen and stomach.

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What Chinese patent medicines are available for spleen deficiency and excessive dampness?

In general, for the condition of spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, commonly used Chinese patent medicines include Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Jian Pi Wan, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan, Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan, etc. If regulation is needed, it is recommended to select the appropriate medication according to specific symptoms under the guidance of a physician. In daily life, in addition to medicinal regulation, dietary adjustments can also be incorporated.