Common foods that invigorate qi and strengthen the spleen
Coix seed
【Properties】Cool in nature, sweet and bland in taste.
【Functions】Strengthens the spleen, eliminates dampness, benefits the stomach, stops diarrhea, nourishes the skin, and prolongs life.
【Indications】Spleen deficiency with diarrhea, facial and limb edema, difficulty urinating, cloudy and white discharge, obesity and fatigue, facial pigmentation.
Jujube
【Properties】Warm in nature, sweet in taste, belongs to the spleen and stomach meridians.
【Functions】Tonifies the middle burner, invigorates the spleen and stomach, nourishes the blood, calms the mind, darkens hair, and relieves pain.
【Indications】Diminished appetite and fatigue, pale complexion, palpitations and insomnia, excessive dreaming and forgetfulness, scanty menstrual flow, abdominal pain during menstruation, amenorrhea, premature graying of hair.
Millet
【Properties】Neutral in nature, sweet and salty in taste.
【Functions】Invigorates the spleen, nourishes the stomach, tonifies the blood, invigorates the qi, nourishes the heart, and calms the mind.
【Indications】Spleen deficiency weakness, abdominal distension and fullness, loss of appetite, limb fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loose stools, insomnia and excessive dreaming.
Chinese yam
【Properties】Neutral in nature, sweet in taste.
【Functions】Tonifies the spleen, nourishes the stomach, generates fluids, astringes essence, and beautifies the skin.
【Indications】Diminished appetite and loose stools, weakness and fatigue, thin and clear vaginal discharge, dull complexion.
Lotus seed
【Properties】Sweet and astringent in taste, neutral in nature.
【Functions】Tonifies the spleen, stops diarrhea, astringes essence, nourishes the heart, and calms the mind.
【Indications】Fatigue and weakness, excessive dreaming, excessive vaginal discharge, frequent urination, early waking and easy fright.
Shiitake mushroom
【Properties】Neutral in nature, sweet in taste.
【Functions】Tonifies the middle burner, invigorates the spleen, and nourishes the stomach.
【Indications】Weakness after illness, dull complexion, decreased appetite, fatigue, loose skin, constipation.
Mung bean
【Properties】Slightly warm in nature, sweet in taste.
【Functions】Invigorates the spleen, nourishes the stomach, dispels dampness, and eliminates heat.
【Indications】Spleen and stomach weakness, damp-heat vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal distension and pain, red and white vaginal discharge, diarrhea.
V. Chinese patent medicines that invigorate qi and tonify the spleen
1. Si Jun Zi Ke Li (Four Gentlemen Granules)
Indications: Spleen and stomach qi deficiency. Shortness of breath, weak voice, pale complexion, reduced appetite, loose stools, pale tongue with white coating, weak pulse.
Composition: Ginseng, Atractylodes, Poria, Licorice.
2. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Pills)
Indications: Spleen and stomach qi deficiency. Reduced food intake, fatigue, weakness in limbs, lack of energy, pale complexion, thin stools, weak pulse. Qi deficiency sinking syndrome. Prolapse of anus, uterine prolapse, chronic diarrhea, chronic dysentery, menorrhagia, shortness of breath, weak pulse, pale tongue.
Composition: Ginseng, Atractylodes, Astragalus, Licorice, Angelica, Bupleurum, Cimicifuga, Citrus peel.
3. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder)
Indications: Spleen deficiency with dampness. Shortness of breath, emaciation, chest and epigastric fullness, poor digestion, intestinal rumbling and diarrhea, sallow complexion, pale and greasy tongue coating, weak pulse.
Composition: Ginseng, Atractylodes, Poria, Licorice, Chinese yam, Amomum, White kidney bean, Coix seed, Platycodon, Lotus seed meat.
4. Gui Pi Wan (Restore the Spleen Pills)
Indications: Heart and spleen qi and blood deficiency. Palpitations, poor memory, insomnia, shortness of breath, reduced food intake, pale complexion, pale tongue with thin coating, weak pulse.
Spleen failing to govern blood syndrome. Menorrhagia, early menstruation, pale and watery menstrual flow, or continuous bleeding, subcutaneous purpura, pale tongue, weak pulse.
Composition: Ginseng, Atractylodes, Poria, Sour jujube seed, Angelica, Astragalus, Polygala, Longan meat, Licorice, Moschus, Ginger, Jujube.
