When a person has health problems, it can often be seen from their face and facial expressions. Today, we are talking about a condition called spleen deficiency. Spleen deficiency is generally characterized by a lack of radiance and a yellowish complexion on the face, as well as dark lips. So, what medicine should one take for spleen deficiency? Let's take a look together!
What medicine is good for spleen deficiency?
Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)
Bai Zhu can tonify qi, strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, promote diuresis, stop sweating, and calm the fetus. It can be used for symptoms such as weak spleen, poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue, sweating, stagnant phlegm, edema, weak qi during pregnancy, restless fetus, and swollen feet.
Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula)
Dang Shen can tonify the middle and replenish qi, generate fluids, and nourish blood. It is commonly used for symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, poor appetite, loose stools, and damage to both qi and fluids. It is also beneficial for post-illness weakness and malnutrition.
Xiyang Shen (American Ginseng)
Xiyang Shen can tonify qi, nourish yin, clear heat, and generate fluids. It is suitable for conditions such as lung deficiency with chronic cough, wheezing, coughing up blood, and loss of voice. It is also effective for fatigue and exhaustion after intense physical activity.
Renshen (Panax Ginseng)
Renshen can greatly tonify primordial qi, has a strengthening effect, and can resist aging. It is suitable for conditions such as long-term illness with physical weakness, palpitations, cold limbs, shortness of breath, exhaustion, heart failure, and neurosis. It can also improve immune function and promote recovery from diseases.
Huangqi (Astragalus)
Huangqi can tonify qi, lift yang, nourish essence, stabilize the exterior, promote diuresis, and reduce swelling. It is suitable for conditions such as spontaneous sweating, night sweats, edema, internal injury fatigue, spleen deficiency, diarrhea, and prolapse, as well as any conditions of qi deficiency and blood deficiency. However, it should not be used for those with high fever, excessive thirst, and constipation caused by excess heat.
Dietary taboos for spleen deficiency
Tian Luo (River Snail)
Tian Luo has a cold nature and a sweet and salty taste. Because of its cooling properties, the "Suixiju Ying Shi Pu" clearly advises, "Those with weak spleen should avoid eating it."
Bang Rou (Freshwater Clam) has a cold nature and a sweet and salty taste. While it can nourish yin and clear heat, it should not be eaten in large quantities by those with spleen deficiency as it can easily damage the spleen and stomach yang. Therefore, Wang Mengying, a dietary expert from the Qing Dynasty, warned in the "Suixiju Ying Shi Pu", "Brou, sweet and salty, cold. Those with weak spleen and slippery stools should avoid it."
Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries)
Gou Qi Zi has a neutral nature and a sweet taste. However, ancient physicians also believed that Gou Qi Zi has a cold nature. The "Bielu" states that it is "slightly cold", and the "Shiliao Bencao" believes it is "cold and non-toxic". The "Bencao Qiuzhen" also states, "Gou Qi Zi, sweet and cold, moistening in nature." Because of this, it should be avoided by those with weak spleen and stomach or those who often have weak and cold spleen and stomach with loose stools, as emphasized in the "Bencao Jing Shu", "For those with weak spleen and stomach who often have diarrhea, it should not be consumed."
Shan Zha (Hawthorn)
Also known as Tangzhu and Shanlihong, Shan Zha can stimulate appetite and aid digestion, but it can also harm the spleen and stomach.
The "Bencao Gangmu" states, "For those with weak spleen, unable to digest food, experiencing sourness, distension, and fullness in the chest and abdomen, chewing two or three pieces of Shan Zha after each meal is excellent, but it should not be consumed in large quantities, as it may harm the spleen and stomach." The "Bencao Jing Shu" also points out, "For those with weak spleen and stomach and accumulation and stagnation, it should be used together with tonics, but excessive consumption should be avoided." Furthermore, Zhu Danxi from the Yuan Dynasty believed, "If there is no food stagnation in the stomach and the spleen is unable to transform, and there is no desire to eat, consuming it excessively will counteract the spleen and stomach's ability to generate qi." Therefore, people with spleen deficiency should not consume it and should avoid frequent consumption.
