Formula Formulas that tonify Qi

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

参苓白术散

Also known as:

Ginseng Poria and White Atractylodes Powder

Formula Composition

Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Bai Bian Dou
Bai Bian Dou
Lian Zi
Lian Zi
Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren
Sha Ren
Sha Ren
Jie Geng
Jie Geng
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula
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Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Augments the Qi
  2. Strengthens the Spleen
  3. Drains Dampness
  4. Stops diarrhea

Patterns Treated

Small Intestine Deficient and Cold, Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Stomach Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People in the Taiping Era (1107 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

Main Actions

Augments the Qi
Strengthens the Spleen
Drains Dampness
Stops diarrhea

Key TCM Concepts

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) and Liquorice (Gan Cao) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi. Its main actions are: 1) augments the Qi and 2) strengthens the Spleen.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Small Intestine Deficient and Cold, Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency or Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic gastritis, enteritis or irritable bowel syndrome for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Small Intestine Deficient and Cold
  • Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
  • Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
  • Spleen Qi Deficiency
  • Stomach Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Chronic gastritis Enteritis Irritable bowel syndrome Chronic hepatitis Chronic bronchitis Chronic nephritis Anemia Diabetes mellitus

Ingredients in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

Detailed information about each herb in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."

In the context of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, it is used because it is a powerful tonic for the Spleen Qi.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In general Bai Zhu's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen Qi. Fortifies the Spleen Yang and dispels Damp through urination. Tonifies Qi and stops sweating. Calms restless fetus when due to Deficiency of Spleen Qi."

In the context of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, it is used because it leaches out Dampness and assists the other key herbs in strengthening the Spleen.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, it is used because it warms and regulates the Middle Burner.
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Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In general Shan Yao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Tonifies the Lung Qi and nourishes the Lung Yin. Nourishes the Kidneys and consolidates Jing."

In the context of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, it is used because it tonifies the Spleen and supports the key herbs.
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Bai Bian Dou
Bai Bian Dou

Hyacinth beans

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In general Bai Bian Dou's main actions are as follows: "Treats Summer Heat. Strengthens the Spleen and clears Damp-Heat. Relieves diarrhea and vomiting."

In the context of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and stops diarrhea.
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Lian Zi
Lian Zi

Lotus seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Spleen
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In general Lian Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen, stops diarrhea. Strengthens the Kidneys, reinforces Essence. Nourishes the Blood and calms the mind."

In the context of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and stops diarrhea.
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Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren

Job's tears

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe kernel
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In general Yi Yi Ren's main actions are as follows: "Regulates water and encourages urination. Tonic to the Spleen and stops diarrhea caused by Spleen Deficiency. Reduces inflammation and eliminates pus. Dispels Wind-Damp Bi Pain. Expels Damp-Heat."

In the context of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and leaches out Dampness.
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Sha Ren
Sha Ren

Amomum fruits

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Sha Ren transforms Dampness and promotes the movement of Qi so the formula can tonify without causing Stagnation.
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Jie Geng
Jie Geng

Platycodon roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Jie Geng disseminates Lung Qi, helps spread nourishment throughout the body and guides the actions of the other herbs into the Lungs.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Use with caution if patient suffers from Heat from Yin Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.