How to regulate the spleen and stomach when stool is hard at first and then soft, and what medications should be taken

Bowel movements that start hard and become soft are often related to abnormal spleen and stomach function. Medications such as Buzhong Yiqi Pills, Shenling Baizhu Powder, Renshen Jianpi Pills, Muxiang Shunqi Pills, and Xiangsha Liujun Pills can be taken for regulation, with selection based on individual constitution. If symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in stool, or sudden weight loss occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Buzhong Yiqi Pill (Supplement the Middle and Invigorate Qi Pill): Primarily functions to tonify the middle-jiao, boost qi, elevate yang, and lift sinking organs. Suitable for bowel irregularities caused by deficiency of spleen and stomach qi, especially when accompanied by fatigue, poor appetite, and a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen. It enhances gastrointestinal digestive function and improves alternating constipation and loose stools due to qi deficiency.

2. Shenling Baizhu Powder (Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder): Its core effects are strengthening the spleen and stomach and benefiting lung qi. It targets spleen and stomach weakness characterized by poor appetite and loose stools, effectively alleviating stools that start hard and end soft, as well as limb fatigue. It also improves indigestion caused by insufficient spleen function. With mild properties, it is suitable for long-term regulation.

3. Renshen Jianpi Pill (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pill): Functions to strengthen the spleen, nourish qi, harmonize the stomach, and stop diarrhea. Suitable for those with spleen-stomach deficiency complicated by food stagnation. In addition to regulating abnormal bowel movements, it helps relieve nausea, vomiting, and epigastric fullness. It aids digestion of accumulated food and restores normal digestive rhythm of the spleen and stomach.

4. Muxiang Shunqi Pill (Magnolia & Cyperus Qi-Regulating Pill): Excels at promoting qi circulation, resolving dampness, strengthening the spleen, and harmonizing the stomach. Used for difficult bowel movements caused by spleen-stomach qi stagnation and internal damp-turbidity. It relieves bloating and belching, promotes intestinal qi movement, and improves straining during defecation associated with stools that start hard and end soft.

5. Xiangsha Liujun Pill (Magnolia & Amomum Six Gentlemen Pill): Focuses on invigorating qi, strengthening the spleen, and harmonizing the stomach. Suitable for digestive issues caused by spleen deficiency with qi stagnation. It improves loose or partially hard stools and simultaneously relieves epigastric fullness, poor appetite, and fatigue due to spleen deficiency, providing both nourishment and regulatory benefits.

Daily dietary habits should be regular and portion-controlled. Include easily digestible foods such as yam, pumpkin, and millet. Avoid raw, cold, spicy foods, overeating, or binge eating. Light walking after meals can aid digestion. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, and reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach to support functional recovery.