Can consuming Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan cause “internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept)?

May 14, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Its herbal composition includes Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Polygala Root (Yuan Zhi), Sour Jujube Seed (Suan Zao Ren), Costus Root (Mu Xiang), and Honey-fried Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao). Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan primarily functions to invigorate Qi, nourish blood, strengthen the Spleen, and nourish the Heart. Clinically, it is used to treat conditions arising from deficiency of both the Heart and Spleen, as well as insufficiency of Qi and blood—manifesting as palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, forgetfulness, poor appetite, fatigue, and sallow complexion—as well as bleeding disorders caused by Spleen’s failure to control blood, such as hematochezia, uterine bleeding (metrorrhagia), and leukorrhea.

Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan is a traditional Chinese patent medicine that functions to invigorate Qi, strengthen the Spleen, harmonize the Stomach, and alleviate diarrhea. So, does taking Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan cause “internal heat” (a TCM concept referring to symptoms such as sore throat, mouth ulcers, or constipation)?

Does Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan Cause “Internal Heat”?

Regarding whether Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan causes “internal heat,” when used appropriately for its indicated conditions, it generally does not induce such symptoms.

Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan is a traditional Chinese patent medicine that simultaneously tonifies both Qi and Blood. Its herbal composition includes Ginseng (Ren Shen), Honey-fried Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), Long Yan Rou (Dimocarpus longan aril), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), Fu Ling (Poria cocos), Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia), Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus jujuba seed), Mu Xiang (Saussurea lappa), and Honey-fried Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). Its primary therapeutic effects include invigorating Qi, nourishing Blood, strengthening the Spleen, and calming the Heart. Clinically, it is used to treat disorders arising from dual deficiency of the Heart and Spleen and insufficiency of Qi and Blood—manifesting as palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, forgetfulness, poor appetite, fatigue, and sallow complexion—as well as bleeding disorders (e.g., hematochezia, uterine bleeding, or leukorrhea) due to Spleen’s failure to control Blood.

In Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan, Ginseng and Honey-fried Huang Qi serve as the sovereign herbs, primarily functioning to strengthen the Spleen, nourish Qi, and promote Blood generation. Dang Gui and Long Yan Rou act as ministerial herbs to nourish Blood and calm the Spirit; thus, the formula exerts dual tonification of Qi and Blood. It should be noted that, as a tonic medicine, Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan must be used with caution in patients with Yin deficiency or excessive phlegm-damp accumulation. During treatment, patients should consume nutritionally rich yet easily digestible foods, and avoid raw, cold, greasy, or spicy foods, as well as tobacco, alcohol, and strong tea.

Additionally, maintaining emotional well-being and balancing work with adequate rest are essential; excessive rumination and mental stress should be avoided. We hope this article has been helpful to you!


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