04 Herbal Solution: Wu-xing-jian-pi-san

The herbal prescription known as wu-xing-jian-pi-san or a variation of it is often used to strengthen the spleen-stomach subsystem, resulting in the revitalization of the spleen and stomach.

01 An Herbal Analysis

Wu-xing-jian-pi-san is a fangzi (prescription), and the analysis of a fangzi is called fangjie (analysis of a prescription). For education purposes, we will use this as an example so that we may be able to analyze any prescription given to us in our daily life.

Wu-xing-jian-pi-san (Five Elements Invigorating Spleen Powder) comprises:

• Shan-yao (Chinese yam): Strengthens the spleen and stomach, clears heat, and detoxifies.
• Fu-ling (Poria cocos): Strengthens the spleen, improves appetite, and addresses loose stools and diarrhea.
• Qian-shi (Gorgon fruit): Nourishes the spleen and kidneys, and astringes semen.
• Lian-zi (Lotus seeds): Strengthens the spleen and clears heart fire.
• Yi-mi (Pearl barley): Strengthens the spleen, removes dampness, lowers blood sugar, and relieves pain.

This formula, documented in the Ben-cao-gang-mu, strengthens the spleen and stomach while supporting all five internal organs.

They are both medicinal herbs and edible food. We first look up each medicinal herb in Ben-Cao-Gang-Mu, a medical book.

Shan-yao (Chinese yam)

Shan-yao is a well-known spleen-strengthening herb. Old herbal medicine practitioners basically have it when they issue prescriptions. Shan-yao can replenish spleen and stomach deficiency, clear away heat and detoxify.

Fu-ling (Poria cocos)

Fu-ling is also a well-known spleen-strengthening herb. Old herbal medicine practitioners basically have it when they issue prescriptions. It is mainly used to treat spleen deficiency, poor appetite, loose stools and diarrhea.

No matter what disease a herbal professional is treating, it is always right to do some conditioning to strengthen the spleen and nourish the stomach, and these two medicines go through the liver meridian, which can also regulate the liver qi.

Qian-shi (Gorgon fruit)

Qian-shi is a commonly used medicine for kidney tonification. One of its functions is to nourish the spleen and kidneys and astringe the semen.

Lianzi (Lotus seeds)

In addition to strengthening the spleen, lian-zi has another outstanding effect, which is to clear the heart fire. Lotus seeds taste slightly bitter and can clear the mind and anchor the spirit.

Yi-mi (Pearl barley)

Yi-mi strengthens the spleen and removes dampness, lowering blood sugar and relieving pain. It is also good for the lungs.

02 Origin of the Prescription

The prescription is called wu-xing-jian-pi-san (Five Elements Invigorating Spleen Powder) because these five medicinal herbs, in addition to strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, also revitalize all five internal organs. Although the herbs are not specifically targeted at the other organs, they are relatively comprehensive.

This prescription is recorded in the medical book Ben-cao-gang-mu (Compendium of Materia Medica or Great Pharmacopoeia). The Ben-cao-gang-mu is an encyclopedic book on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compiled by Li Shizhen during the Ming Dynasty. It is considered the most comprehensive and important book in the history of TCM. Many self-learners of traditional herbal medicine will refer to this book for self-help, although most people will seek professional advice.

03 Treating the Root, Not Just the Symptoms

While treating symptoms is relatively easy, addressing the root cause is crucial. In this case, simply addressing the “sinking of middle qi” with Gui-zhi would provide temporary relief. However, Dr. Guo focused on the underlying spleen deficiency and insufficient vital yuanqi. After three months of treatment, the patient’s health significantly improved.

04 The Significance of Early Intervention

This case exemplifies how spleen deficiency, manifested as loose stools, can lead to seemingly unrelated symptoms like heart problems. Another case of a younger man with milder symptoms due to spleen deficiency from overthinking further emphasizes the importance of early intervention.

05 Collateral Benefit: Improved Insomnia

Strengthening the spleen and stomach offers numerous health benefits, including improved sleep.

01 The Spleen’s Role in Sleep

While insomnia is often associated with the nervous system and the heart, spleen health plays a crucial role. The spleen transforms nutrients into vital yuanqi, which nourishes the liver and then the heart. From the heart, it is distributed to the lungs and the spleen itself. A deficient spleen deprives the heart of vital yuanqi, leading to weakness and impaired spirit, resulting in insomnia.

02 A Holistic Approach to Health

This principle applies to other conditions as well. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are linked to blood waste, the removal of which depends on the spleen and liver. Kidney leakage also benefits from spleen strengthening and vital yuanqi replenishment.

06 Eliminating Loose Stools: A Practical Guide

Persistent loose stools warrant attention. Consider spleen deficiency as a potential cause and take steps to address it.

Wu-xing-jian-pi-san is a mild and safe herbal remedy that can be used daily to support spleen-stomach health. It may also improve mild insomnia, offering a dual benefit.

Personalized Guidance: Seeking Expert Advice

For personalized guidance on revitalizing your spleen with herbal medicine in order to solve the problem of loose stools, please visit the SUPPORT section or contact us via the CONTACT form.

07 Coming Up Next: Calming Nerves and Insomnia

Ancient wisdom offers numerous methods for health revitalization and longevity. The next section will explore practical techniques for calming the mind and improving sleep.

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