What medication should be taken for spleen deficiency with damp-heat?
Aug 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
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:
Generally, spleen deficiency with damp-heat is a TCM condition caused by spleen qi deficiency and internal accumulation of damp-heat. Common symptoms include abdominal distension, loose stools, heavy limbs, poor appetite, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, yellow and greasy tongue coating, etc. 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 according to medical advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Composed of ginseng, white atractylodes, poria, and other ingredients, this formula can strengthen the spleen and stomach, benefit lung qi, and eliminate dampness. By invigorating the spleen and enhancing qi to improve transformation and transportation functions, it reduces dampness formation while assisting in expelling internal damp-heat through dampness-resolving components. It is suitable for cases dominated by spleen deficiency with mild damp-heat, accompanied by reduced appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
2. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan
Containing costus root, cardamom, codonopsis, white atractylodes, and other ingredients, this formula benefits qi, strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the stomach, and resolves dampness. Cardamom and costus root regulate qi and harmonize the stomach to resolve dampness stagnation, while codonopsis and white atractylodes strengthen the spleen and boost qi. It is suitable for symptoms such as abdominal distension, belching with reduced appetite, and unformed stools caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat.
3. Ge Gen Qin Lian Wan
Mainly composed of kudzu root, skullcap root, coptis rhizome, and honey-fried licorice, this formula clears heat, dries dampness, and stops diarrhea. Skullcap and coptis are bitter and cold in nature and are effective in clearing heat and dampness. Kudzu root relieves diarrhea by raising the yang qi and promoting the production of body fluids. It is suitable for symptoms such as fever, irritability, anal burning, and urgent diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat.
4. Qing Re Qu Shi Ke Li
Composed of codonopsis, capillary wormwood herb,岗梅根 (Gangmei root), and other ingredients, this formula clears heat, removes dampness, strengthens qi, and promotes body fluid production. Capillary wormwood herb clears heat and resolves dampness, while codonopsis strengthens the spleen and boosts qi, addressing both heat-clearing and spleen-strengthening. It is suitable for symptoms such as dry mouth, bitter taste, poor appetite, and heavy limbs caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat.
5. Jian Pi Wan
Containing codonopsis, white atractylodes, tangerine peel, fructus aurantii, and other ingredients, this formula strengthens the spleen, stimulates the appetite, resolves dampness, and harmonizes the middle jiao. By strengthening the spleen to enhance transformation and transportation, tangerine peel and fructus aurantii regulate qi and relieve stagnation, aiding in the elimination of damp-heat. It is suitable for cases of spleen deficiency with damp-heat accompanied by food retention, abdominal distension, and loose stools.
Develop good daily habits and avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, or sweet foods such as watermelon, fried foods, cakes, etc., to prevent increasing the burden on the spleen and stomach and avoid generating damp-heat.
