What traditional Chinese patent medicines are recommended for liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, “Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Deficiency” is a syndrome triggered by various emotional factors—such as anxiety and depression. Once Liver Qi stagnation develops, it may further lead to Blood Stasis, Phlegm-Dampness accumulation, and Food Stagnation. So, which proprietary Chinese medicines are suitable for this pattern? Below, we address this question.

Proprietary Chinese Medicines for Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Deficiency

Clinically, the pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Deficiency is more commonly observed in female patients. Its pathogenesis primarily involves impaired Liver coursing and draining function and weakened Spleen transportation and transformation. Key clinical manifestations include distending pain in the chest and hypochondriac regions, abdominal distension, and loose stools.

1. Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Powder to Disperse Liver Qi): This formula is a representative prescription for soothing the Liver and regulating Qi. Its primary actions are to soothe the Liver, relieve depression, regulate Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It is indicated for Liver Qi stagnation, presenting clinically with pain in both hypochondriac regions, frequent sighing, emotional depression, epigastric and abdominal distension, reduced appetite, thin white tongue coating, and wiry pulse. In this formula, Bupleurum (Chai Hu) soothes the Liver and resolves depression; Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Qiao), and Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) regulate Qi and relieve distension; Chuanxiong (Ligusticum wallichii) invigorates Blood, moves Qi, and unblocks the channels; White Peony Root (Bai Shao) and Licorice Root (Gan Cao) relax tension and relieve pain. Together, these herbs synergistically soothe the Liver, regulate Qi, and alleviate pain.

2. Xiao Yao San (Free-and-Easy Wanderer Powder): Primarily used to soothe the Liver and resolve depression, this formula treats Liver Qi stagnation with concurrent Spleen deficiency. Clinical manifestations include anxiety, depression, distending fullness in the chest and hypochondriac regions, bitter and dry mouth, epigastric discomfort with acid regurgitation, loss of appetite, pale-red tongue, thin white coating, and wiry pulse.

Knowledge Extension: Precautions for Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Deficiency

1. Maintaining a balanced and rational attitude toward life events—and avoiding excessive worry, rumination, or emotional suppression—is a crucial preventive and therapeutic measure against Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Deficiency.

2. Healthcare providers should thoroughly review patients’ medical histories and perform comprehensive physical examinations. Adopting an empathetic, compassionate, patient, and sincere approach fosters trust between clinicians and patients—playing a vital role in both treatment and nursing care for depressive disorders (“Yu Zheng”). Psychological interventions are essential: helping patients develop accurate understanding and healthy attitudes toward their condition, strengthening confidence in recovery, and eliminating underlying emotional triggers—all contribute significantly to complete resolution of depressive syndromes.

The above outlines key information regarding this topic. We hope this content proves helpful to you.