What Chinese patent medicine should be taken for spleen deficiency with damp-heat?
Aug 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Spleen deficiency with damp-heat syndrome can generally be treated with Chinese patent medicines such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan, Huo Xiang Qing Wei Jiao Nang, Qing Re Qu Shi Ke Li, and Er Miao Wan. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San consists of ingredients like ginseng, poria (fu ling), and white atractylodes (bai zhu), and functions to strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, resolve dampness, and stop diarrhea. It is suitable for symptoms caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat, such as poor appetite, loose stools, and limb fatigue. By enhancing spleen function and promoting transformation and transportation, it helps reduce accumulation of dampness.
Generally, spleen deficiency with damp-heat can be treated with commonly used Chinese patent medicines such as Shenling Baizhu San, Xiangsha Liujun Pills, Huoxiang Qingwei Capsules, Qingre Qushi Granules, and Er Miao Pills. If symptoms persist, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Shenling Baizhu San: Composed of ginseng, poria (Fuling), atractylodes (Baizhu), and other ingredients, this formula strengthens the spleen and benefits qi, removes dampness, and stops diarrhea. It is suitable for symptoms such as poor appetite, loose stools, and limb fatigue caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat. It helps improve digestion and prevents accumulation of dampness by enhancing the spleen's transformation and transportation functions.
2. Xiangsha Liujun Pills: Containing costus root (Muxiang), cardamom (Sharen), and codonopsis (Dangshen), this formula benefits qi, strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the stomach, and resolves dampness. It is suitable for symptoms such as abdominal distension, indigestion, belching, and reduced appetite caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat. It regulates the qi circulation of the spleen and stomach, alleviating symptoms caused by dampness obstruction.
3. Huoxiang Qingwei Capsules: Containing agastache (Huoxiang), gardenia (Zhi zi), and siler (Fangfeng), this formula clears heat, resolves dampness, invigorates the spleen, and relieves stagnation. It helps alleviate symptoms such as bitter taste and bad breath, abdominal distension, and loss of appetite caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat. It clears damp-heat while promoting the function of the spleen and stomach.
4. Qingre Qushi Granules: Made from codonopsis (Dangshen), capillary wormwood herb (Yinchen), and other herbs such as岗梅根 (Gangmeigen), this formula clears heat, removes dampness, benefits qi, and promotes the production of body fluids. It is suitable for symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, feverish sensations, and dry mouth caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat. It simultaneously removes dampness and strengthens qi, preventing excessive damage to the spleen during dampness removal.
5. Er Miao Pills: Composed of atractylodes (Cangzhu) and phellodendron bark (Huangbai), this formula dries dampness and clears heat. It is suitable for symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the feet and knees, heaviness in the lower limbs, and short, dark urination caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat. It targets symptoms caused by downward invasion of damp-heat and eliminates damp-heat pathogens through drying dampness.
When taking the above-mentioned Chinese patent medicines, selection should be based on individual symptoms. It is recommended to use them under the guidance of qualified professionals to avoid self-medication. During treatment, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy, greasy, and sweet foods, and consume appropriate amounts of spleen-strengthening and dampness-resolving foods such as Chinese yam (shan yao) and coix seed (yi yi ren) to assist in improving spleen deficiency with damp-heat.
