What are the effects of Jianpi Pill and Guipi Pill?

Generally speaking, Jianpi Pill and Guipi Pill are both commonly used traditional Chinese patent medicines. Their core functions include strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, regulating spleen and stomach function, improving digestion and absorption, relieving symptoms related to spleen deficiency, and assisting in alleviating deficiencies of both qi and blood. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Strengthening the Spleen and Invigorating Qi: Both formulas focus on strengthening the spleen, targeting symptoms caused by deficiency of spleen and stomach qi, such as fatigue, low energy, reluctance to speak, and bodily lassitude. By tonifying spleen and stomach qi, they enhance the digestive and transformative functions of the spleen and stomach, thereby improving systemic energy deficiency.

2. Regulating Spleen and Stomach Function: Jianpi Pill primarily addresses dysfunction in digestive transformation, while Guipi Pill simultaneously regulates gastrointestinal function and promotes the production of qi and blood. It is suitable for symptoms such as abdominal distension, belching, and poor appetite caused by weakened spleen and stomach function. Both help restore normal ascending and descending movements of qi in the spleen and stomach, returning digestive function to normal.

3. Improving Digestion and Absorption: Jianpi Pill contains digestive ingredients such as hawthorn and malt, which promote food digestion. Guipi Pill indirectly enhances the efficiency of nutrient absorption by strengthening the spleen and stomach. Both help relieve symptoms such as postprandial fullness and stool containing undigested food caused by food stagnation and indigestion.

4. Relieving Symptoms Associated with Spleen Deficiency: For symptoms arising from spleen deficiency—such as diarrhea, loose stools, and sallow complexion—Jianpi Pill is particularly effective for diarrhea due to spleen deficiency with food retention, whereas Guipi Pill is more suitable for sallow complexion and fatigue associated with spleen deficiency accompanied by qi and blood deficiency. By addressing the root cause of spleen dysfunction, these formulas alleviate discomfort at its source.

5. Assisting in Improving Qi and Blood Deficiency: Guipi Pill also has a blood-tonifying effect and can help improve conditions where insufficient production of qi and blood stems from spleen deficiency. It is indicated for symptoms of dual deficiency of qi and blood, such as palpitations, insomnia, and poor memory. Jianpi Pill supports the generation of qi and blood by strengthening the spleen, thus indirectly promoting the abundance of qi and blood.

The two formulas differ in their clinical indications and should be selected based on differential diagnosis of symptoms. During treatment, consumption of raw, cold, greasy, or oily foods should be avoided, as they may impair the efficacy of the medicine.