What is the difference between Buzhong Yiqi Pills and Shenling Baizhu Pills?

Buzhong Yiqi Pills and Shenling Baizhu Pills are both commonly used traditional Chinese medicines for regulating the spleen and stomach. The differences between them mainly lie in their core functions, applicable syndromes, targeted pathogenesis, accompanying symptoms, and clinical applications. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Core Functions: The Buzhong Yiqi Pill primarily functions to tonify the middle-jiao and replenish qi, lift yang energy, and treat sinking of qi. It focuses on strengthening the spleen and stomach qi while uplifting yang. In contrast, the Shenling Baizhu Pill primarily strengthens the spleen and stomach and benefits lung qi, emphasizing spleen-strengthening to eliminate dampness and simultaneously tonifying lung qi.

2. Applicable Syndromes: Buzhong Yiqi Pill is indicated for spleen-stomach qi deficiency with sinking middle qi, manifesting as fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal distension, etc. Shenling Baizhu Pill is suitable for spleen deficiency with poor digestion, loose stools, shortness of breath, and coughing, making it more appropriate for conditions characterized by spleen deficiency with excessive dampness.

3. Targeted Pathogenesis: Buzhong Yiqi Pill addresses yang sinking caused by spleen-stomach qi deficiency, with the core pathology being sinking of qi due to qi deficiency. Shenling Baizhu Pill targets internal accumulation of dampness due to spleen weakness, with the core pathology being spleen deficiency accompanied by dampness excess.

4. Accompanying Symptoms: Buzhong Yiqi Pill is often associated with symptoms of sinking such as anal prolapse and chronic, uncontrollable diarrhea. Shenling Baizhu Pill is commonly accompanied by loose stools, limb edema, excessive phlegm, and cough—symptoms related to dampness excess or insufficient lung qi.

5. Clinical Applications: Buzhong Yiqi Pill is frequently used in treating visceral ptosis and chronic diarrhea due to qi deficiency with sinking. Shenling Baizhu Pill is commonly prescribed for chronic gastroenteritis, indigestion, and cough due to combined spleen and lung qi deficiency with dampness accumulation.

When using these medications, attention should be paid to contraindications and precautions. Medication should be taken strictly under medical guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.