What Chinese patent medicine should be taken for liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency?

Aug 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency is a common syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), often caused by emotional distress, irregular diet, and other factors. Common symptoms include distension and pain in the hypochondriac region, abdominal distension with loose stools, and emotional depression. Patients may take medications such as Xiaoyao Wan, Jiawei Xiaoyao Wan, Xiangsha Liujun Wan, Chaihu Shugan Wan, or Shugan Jianpi Wan as directed by a physician. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Generally, liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency is a common syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), often caused by emotional distress, irregular diet, and other factors. Common symptoms include distending pain in the rib area, abdominal distension with loose stools, and emotional depression. Patients may use, under a physician's guidance, medicines such as Xiaoyao Pills, Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills, Xiangsha Liujun Pills, Chaihu Shugan Pills, and Shugan Jianpi Pills for treatment. Detailed information is as follows:

1. Xiaoyao Pills

Composed of Bupleurum (Chaihu), Angelica Sinensis (Danggui), White Peony Root (Baishao), and other ingredients, Xiaoyao Pills have the functions of soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, nourishing blood, and regulating menstruation. They can alleviate symptoms caused by liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency, such as emotional discomfort, distension and pain in the chest and ribs, dizziness, blurred vision, and loss of appetite. These pills are especially suitable for women with menstrual disorders caused by liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency.

2. Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills

Based on Xiaoyao Pills, Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills include Gardenia (Zhi Zi) and Tree Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi), providing the effects of soothing the liver to clear heat, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing blood. They are suitable for cases of liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency accompanied by heat symptoms, such as distending pain in the rib area, irritability and anger, bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, abdominal distension, and loose stools.

3. Xiangsha Liujun Pills

Containing Costus Root (Mu Xiang), Fructus Amomi (Sha Ren), Codonopsis (Dang Shen), and other components, these pills can strengthen qi, fortify the spleen, harmonize the stomach, and relieve indigestion caused by liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency. Symptoms such as dyspepsia, belching with poor appetite, epigastric fullness, and loose stools can be alleviated. These pills are suitable for cases primarily involving spleen deficiency accompanied by qi stagnation.

4. Chaihu Shugan Pills

Composed of Bupleurum (Chaihu), Green Tangerine Peel (Qing Pi), Aged Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), and other ingredients, these pills have the effects of soothing the liver, regulating qi, relieving distension, and alleviating pain. They can help improve symptoms such as chest and rib fullness and discomfort, and indigestion caused by liver qi stagnation. They also have a regulatory effect on spleen and stomach dysfunction caused by liver qi stagnation.

5. Shugan Jianpi Pills

Containing Codonopsis (Dang Shen), Yam (Shan Yao), Red Peony Root (Chi Shao), and other ingredients, these pills have the functions of soothing the liver, regulating qi, strengthening the spleen, and harmonizing the stomach. They are suitable for symptoms such as epigastric fullness, poor appetite, chest and rib distension, and loose stools caused by liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency, effectively addressing both liver soothing and spleen strengthening.

It is advisable to develop healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, avoid long-term mental stress and anxiety, and maintain a cheerful mood. In terms of diet, avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods, such as ice-cold beverages and fried foods, which may impair the function of the spleen and stomach.

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