How to treat spleen deficiency

Aug 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

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.

Generally, 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 to identify the underlying cause and improve the condition through general treatments, medications, and other methods under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Irregular Eating Habits: Long-term overeating, dieting, or consuming excessive amounts of raw, cold, or greasy foods can overload the spleen and stomach, weakening their transformation and transportation functions, thus causing spleen deficiency accompanied by abdominal distension and loss of appetite. Adjust your diet structure, eat meals regularly and in moderate amounts, avoid raw or fried foods, and consume more mild and easily digestible foods such as millet porridge, Chinese yam, and pumpkin to reduce the digestive burden on the spleen and stomach.

2. Excessive Fatigue: Prolonged physical or mental overexertion consumes the qi of the spleen, reducing the digestive and absorptive functions of the spleen and stomach, manifesting as fatigue and poor mental condition. Arrange work and rest periods reasonably, avoid staying up late, ensure 7-8 hours of sleep daily, and engage in light exercises such as walking and tai chi to help restore physical strength and strengthen the spleen's function.

3. Functional Dyspepsia: Insufficient gastrointestinal motility and reduced secretion of digestive enzymes hinder the digestion and absorption of food, leading to spleen deficiency over time, accompanied by postprandial fullness and belching. Patients should take medications such as domperidone tablets, compound digestive enzyme capsules, and health-promoting digestive oral liquid according to medical advice to enhance gastrointestinal motility and digestion.

4. Chronic Enteritis: Long-term inflammatory stimulation of the intestinal mucosa affects nutrient absorption, impairing the functions of the spleen and stomach and causing spleen deficiency, accompanied by chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. Patients should take medications such as Bifidobacterium quadruple strain tablets, montmorillonite powder, and herbal pills that nourish the spleen and benefit the intestines as directed by a physician to regulate intestinal flora and protect the intestinal mucosa.

5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Functional intestinal disorders repeatedly stimulate the spleen and stomach, causing spleen deficiency manifested as abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Patients should take medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, trimebutine maleate tablets, and lactobacillus tablets according to medical instructions to regulate intestinal motility and improve microbial balance.

In daily life, avoid excessive thinking, maintain a cheerful mood, and reduce the emotional impact on spleen and stomach functions. Abdominal massage can also be performed by gently massaging in a clockwise direction around the navel to promote gastrointestinal motility and alleviate discomfort caused by spleen deficiency, thus maintaining the health of the spleen and stomach.

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Can men take Xiaoyao Pills?

If men remain under long-term stress and experience symptoms such as low mood, irritability, chest discomfort, distension and pain on both sides of the ribs, reduced appetite, and indigestion—indicative of liver qi stagnation accompanied by spleen deficiency—taking Xiaoyao Pills may help regulate liver function, invigorate qi, strengthen the spleen, and harmonize the stomach. However, dosage and duration of treatment must be followed as directed by a physician. Prolonged self-administration should be avoided to prevent additional gastrointestinal irritation due to the medicine's slightly cooling nature.

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What are the best and fastest medications for strengthening the spleen in cases of spleen deficiency?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as "the best and fastest medicines for replenishing spleen deficiency." Spleen deficiency is often caused by factors such as irregular diet, excessive fatigue, and so on. Common symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools. Patients may take medications such as Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen Strengthening Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Dioscorea and Atractylodes Powder), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen-Qi Tonic Pills), Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (Saussurea and Hoelen Pill), and Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (Processed Aconite Restoring Middle Pills) as directed by a physician.

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How to manage spleen deficiency with damp-heat?

To regulate spleen deficiency with damp-heat, methods generally include consuming spleen-strengthening and dampness-resolving ingredients, engaging in moderate exercise regularly, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, selecting appropriate Chinese patent medicines that strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, and controlling food portions. Ingredients such as Chinese yam (Shanyao) and Poria (Fuling) can be chosen, as they help strengthen the spleen and boost qi while also assisting in expelling damp-heat. These ingredients can be prepared as congee or simmered in soups. Long-term moderate consumption may improve indigestion caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat.

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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: