The spleen and stomach are the foundation of the human body after birth and are important digestive organs. If the spleen and stomach are not functioning well, other organs in the body will also be under greater pressure. It is very important to regulate the spleen and stomach problems. In this article, I will talk about the Chinese patent medicines for regulating the spleen and stomach, what to eat for a healthy spleen and stomach, and the symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency and coldness.
Chinese Patent Medicines for Regulating the Spleen and Stomach
1. Indigestion: Choose Bao He Wan
Indigestion is commonly manifested as stomach pain, bloating, loss of appetite, and even symptoms such as belching and heartburn, which are often referred to as "spleen and stomach disharmony" by the general public.
The common discomfort of the spleen and stomach is mostly caused by food stagnation in the stomach. Before the onset of the disease, patients often have a history of overeating or eating unclean food. The symptoms include stagnation of food, belching with sour and rancid odor, and other symptoms of poor digestion. The treatment can use the principle of promoting digestion and relieving stagnation. Chinese patent medicines such as (modified) Bao He Wan, Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan, and Bing Lang Si Xiao Wan are more suitable. Bao He Wan focuses on promoting digestion and resolving heat; modified Bao He Wan focuses on spleen deficiency and damp stagnation combined with food stagnation; Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan focuses on food stagnation combined with damp heat.
2. Abdominal Distension: Choose Xiang Sha He Wei Wan
For most patients with spleen and stomach disharmony, Xiang Sha He Wei Wan can be used to regulate symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, and irregular bowel movements caused by spleen and stomach weakness and poor digestion. This formula is based on Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, with the addition of herbs that regulate Qi, promote digestion, and dispel dampness. It has the effects of invigorating the spleen, stimulating appetite, promoting Qi movement, and resolving stagnation. However, it is not suitable for patients with obvious signs of excessive heat, such as bad breath, nausea, constipation, and a red tongue with yellow coating.
If the patient's stomach discomfort is relieved by rubbing or warmth, and they experience fatigue, cold hands and feet, they can choose Wen Wei Shu. As the name suggests, it has the function of warming the stomach and promoting digestion, and is suitable for stomach coldness, aggravated by cold food and cold weather. Other similar medicines include Xu Han Wei Tong Decoction, Wei Qi Zhi Tong Wan, and Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan. However, they are not suitable for patients with red tongue, yellow or greasy coating, or symptoms of damp heat and acute stomach pain.
3. Stomach Pain: Choose Niu Huang Qing Wei Wan
For stomach pain accompanied by increased stomach acid, thirst, preference for cold drinks, dry stools, and yellow urine, the treatment aims to clear heat and soothe the stomach. Medicines such as Niu Huang Qing Wei Wan, Huang Lian Shang Qing Pian, Yi Qing Jiao Nang, and Xin Qing Ning Pian can be used. However, these medicines should not be used excessively or for a long period of time, as they can damage the spleen and stomach Yang Qi and weaken the body. If there is no significant improvement after taking these medicines, it is recommended to seek specialized medical treatment.
For long-term history, dull pain in the upper abdomen, dry mouth and throat, unquenchable thirst, hot hands and feet, thinness, fatigue, and a red tongue with little coating, it is a case of spleen and stomach deficiency with Yin deficiency. The appropriate treatment is to nourish the stomach, such as Yin Xu Wei Tong Granules.
If symptoms such as bloating, nausea, sticky mouth, bitterness in the mouth, dry mouth, bad breath, and unsatisfactory bowel movements are present, it indicates damp heat. For this condition, Cheng Gu Kang can be used. If diarrhea is also present, Ge Gen Qin Lian Wei Wan can be taken.
4. Atrophic Gastritis: Choose Mo Luo Dan
Mo Luo Dan is suitable for patients with atrophic gastritis. It contains multiple ingredients and can be used for other stomach diseases as long as the symptoms match. It mainly has the functions of harmonizing the stomach, reducing reverse flow, invigorating the spleen, and relieving bloating. It can be used for Yin deficiency, damp obstruction, Qi stagnation, and blood stasis. However, it is not suitable for patients with Qi deficiency, weakness, dull complexion, and cold hands and feet.
What to Eat for a Healthy Spleen and Stomach
1. Millet
Millet has the function of invigorating the spleen and stomach, especially suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach. It is an ideal food for those with indigestion. Millet also has the effect of preventing nausea and vomiting. When cooking millet porridge, let it cool slightly after the porridge is cooked, and you will see a layer of fine and sticky substance floating on the top of the porridge. This is the porridge oil, which has the function of nourishing kidney essence, invigorating the spleen, and replenishing vital energy. It is especially suitable for people with chronic gastritis and chronic gastric ulcers.
2. Chinese Yam
Chinese yam has the function of invigorating the spleen and replenishing Qi. Regular consumption can improve the body's immune system. The amylase contained in Chinese yam can accelerate the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body, stimulate gastrointestinal peristalsis, and speed up the emptying of gastrointestinal contents. It is very suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach and indigestion. There are many ways to eat Chinese yam. It can be stir-fried, steamed, caramelized, or cooked into porridge with rice, millet, or dates for consumption.
