In Chinese medicine, the connection between the spleen and the stomach is considered the body's center of balance. The stomach sends all nutrients responsible for nourishing the body to the spleen, which then creates qi, the life force of the body. When a person's diet is nutrient poor, qi production becomes compromised resulting in spleen qi deficiency. Symptoms include decreased appetite; fatigue; sallow complexion; shortness of breath; taciturn behavior; abdominal bloating; and loose bowel movements, according to the Institute for Traditional Medicine. Many Chinese herbs are available to treat spleen qi deficiency, and as with all herbal treatments, a practitioner should be consulted prior to using them.
Gui Pi Tang
Gui pi tang is an herbal combination Chinese medicine practitioners recommend for treating spleen qi deficiency, according to "Acupuncture Today." The remedy was first introduced in the year 1253 by Yan Yonghe in his text "Formulas to Aid the Living." The herbal combination is indicated for the following spleen qi deficiency symptoms: depression; palpitations; and poor sleep with a pale tongue. There are approximately 12 herbs included in the gui pi tang formula including ginseng and astragalus. A practitioner should be consulted prior to using this and all other herbal formulas as there are very few scientific tests that corroborate their use.
Bupleurum
Bupleurum is an herb native to China, Japan and central Europe used to alleviate spleen qi deficiency, and is readily available in the United States. The root contains the active components that include saponins and plant sterols, which have been used anecdotally for centuries to reduce fevers and alleviate inflammation, and preliminary scientific research has supported their effectiveness. Their other uses related to spleen qi deficiency include angina and nausea. The dosage range for bupleurum is 1.5 to 6g of dried bupleurum root in a tea, according to "Acupuncture Today." The herb is also available in tincture and capsule forms. A practitioner should be consulted prior to using this and other medicinal herbs.
Hyacinth Bean
The hyacinth bean is the seed of the hyacinth plant, which is a vine that can grow up to 20 feet in length. The seeds are dried and baked and are used in herbal remedies for strengthening spleen qi in patients with spleen qi deficiency symptoms, according to "Acupuncture Today." The recommended dose for hyacinth bean is 5 to 10g daily as a decoction or a pill. As always, consult with a licensed practitioner prior to taking hyacinth bean or any other herbal remedy.
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