Chinese: 归脾汤
Pinyin: Guī Pí Tāng
Other names: Restore the Spleen Decoction, Ginseng and Longan Combination
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: AnemiaColitisAnxiety and seventeen other conditions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Source date: 1529 AD
Source book: Categorized Essentials for Normalizing the Structure
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Gui Pi Tang is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen), Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) and Liquorice (Gan Cao) as principal ingredients.
Invented in 1529 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi and Blood. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood and 2) tonifies Heart and 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 Gui Pi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency or Heart Blood Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menstruation or late menstruation for instance.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the twelve ingredients in Gui Pi Tang, we review the patterns and conditions that Gui Pi Tang helps treat.
The twelve ingredients in Gui Pi Tang
Ren Shen is a king ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartLungSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Ren Shen is a very powerful substances for tonifying the Spleen Qi and so is Milkvetch root (Huang Qi), another key herb in this formula.
Huang Qi is a king ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
2. Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi)
In general Huang Qi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Wei Qi and stops perspiration. Tonifies the Spleen Qi and the Yang Qi of the Earth Element. Tonifies the Qi and Blood. Expels pus and assists in the healing of wounds. Helps to regulate water metabolism in the body and reduce edema."
Bai Zhu is a king ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
3. Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu)
Part used: Dried rhizome
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomach
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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 Gui Pi Tang, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness.
Gan Cao is a king ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
4. Liquorice (Gan Cao)
Part used: Dried root and rhizome
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartLungSpleenStomach
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Gan Cao tonifies the Spleen and augments the Qi. Together with the 3 other key herbs in this formula it has a strong tonifying effect on the Spleen, which enables it to generate Blood.
Long Yan Rou is a deputy ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
5. Longans (Long Yan Rou)
Part used: Dried flesh of the fruit
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
In general Long Yan Rou's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Blood. Calms the spirit. Relieves fatigue, especially mental fatigue."
In the context of Gui Pi Tang, it is used because it "roots" and calms the Mind (Shen) by tonifying the Blood.
Dang Gui is a deputy ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
6. Dong Quai (Dang Gui)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartLiverSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Dang Gui tonifies the Blood and regulates women's menstruations. Its combination with Milkvetch root (Huang Qi), one of the key herbs in this formula, is very effective in generating and tonifying the Blood.
Suan Zao Ren is a deputy ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
7. Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren)
In general Suan Zao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Heart Yin and calms the spirit. Contains Fluid leakage."
Fu Shen is a deputy ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
8. Host-Wood Poria (Fu Shen)
Part used: The part of the mushroom that is attached to the host-wood, dried
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Fu Shen works together with Jujube seeds (Suan Zao Ren), another deputy in this formula, to calm the Mind (Shen). It also reinforces the Spleen-tonifying action of the four key herbs in this formula.
Yuan Zhi is a deputy ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
9. Chinese Senega Roots (Yuan Zhi)
Yuan Zhi calms the Mind (Shen) by facilitating the flow of Qi in the Heart. It is especially effective when it is balanced by the sour properties of Jujube seeds (Suan Zao Ren).
Mu Xiang is an assistant ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
10. Costus Roots (Mu Xiang)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: GallbladderLarge intestineLiverLungSpleenStomach
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
Mu Xiang regulates the Qi and revives the Spleen. It is especially effective in this when combined with Atractylodes rhizome (Bai Zhu), which is one of the key herbs in this formula. Its use also prevents indigestion due to the rich, cloying properties of the other herbs.
Sheng Jiang is an envoy ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
11. Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang)
Sheng Jiang works together with Jujube dates (Da Zao), the other envoy in this formula, to improve the appetite and regulate the nutritive and protective Qi, thereby facilitating the actions of the other ingredients. They also assist the four key herbs of this formula in strengthening the Spleen.
Da Zao is an envoy ingredient in Gui Pi Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
12. Jujube Dates (Da Zao)
Part used: Dried ripe fruit
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomach
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."
Conditions and patterns for which Gui Pi Tang may be prescribed
It's important to remember that herbal formulas are meant to treat patterns, not "diseases" as understood in Western Medicine. According to Chinese Medicine patterns, which are disruptions to the body as a system, are the underlying root cause for diseases and conditions.
As such Gui Pi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to treat eleven different patterns which we describe below.
But before we delve into these patterns here is an overview of the Western conditions they're commonly associated with:
Abnormal uterine bleeding Heavy menstruation Late menstruation Postpartum depression Absence of menstruation Early menstruation Nervous exhaustion Myasthenia gravis Postconcussion headache Anemia Allergic purpura Congestive heart failure Supraventricular tachycardia Cervicitis Peptic ulcers Colitis Depression Anxiety Perimenopausal syndrome Insomnia
Again it wouldn't be correct to say "Gui Pi Tang treats abnormal uterine bleeding" for instance. Rather, Gui Pi Tang is used to treat patterns that are sometimes the root cause behind abnormal uterine bleeding.
Now let's look at the eleven patterns commonly treated with Gui Pi Tang.
Qi is one of Chinese Medicine's vital subtances. Learn more about Qi in Chinese Medicine
Qi Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
Symptoms: Fatigue Coughing Dizziness Tiredness Weak voice Amenorrhea Weak limbs Cold limbs Low energy Weak knees Empty pulse Listlessness Loose stools Palpitations Poor appetite Spermatorrhea Weak lower back General weakness Prolonged menses Daytime sweating Aversion to speak Frequent urination Pale color periods Shortness of breath Shallow respiration Spontaneous sweating Pale menstrual blood Frequent Colds or Flu Thin and watery periods Pale bright face that is puffy or bloated
Gui Pi Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Qi Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as general weakness, weak voice, fatigue and listlessness. Patients with Qi Deficiency typically exhibit empty (Xu) or weak (Ruo) pulses as well as Pale tongue.
When Qi is Deficient, it typically appears as tiredness or weakness in the body. Since Qi is lacking, it is unable to perform any of its functions. Some of the symptoms for Qi Deficiency also commonly apply for other conditions.
This may apply to any of the different types of Qi, including the Qi... read more about Qi Deficiency
Blood (Xue) is one of Chinese Medicine's vital subtances. Learn more about Blood in Chinese Medicine
Blood Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Tongue color: Pale
Symptoms: Insomnia Tingling Dry skin Dry hair Dry lips Dizziness Pale lips Thin body Pale face Amenorrhea Depression Poor memory Late period Palpitations Scanty periods Blurred vision Pale complexion Slightly anxiety Tingling of limbs Pale menstrual blood Lower abdominal pain Numbness in the limbs Dull white shallow face Feeling of bearing down Withered and brittle nails
Gui Pi Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Blood Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as dizziness, scanty periods, amenorrhea and dull white shallow face. Patients with Blood Deficiency typically exhibit choppy (Se) or fine (Xi) pulses as well as Pale, thin and slightly tongue .
A Deficiency of Blood occurs when their entire body, a part of body or a particular Organ is insufficiently nourished by Blood. This can be caused by a loss of blood, insufficient Spleen Qi to produce Blood or congealed Blood which prevents new Blood from forming.
The Organs most likely to be... read more about Blood Deficiency
The Heart is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Heart in Chinese Medicine
Heart Blood Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Tongue color: Pale
Tongue shape: Thin
Symptoms: Anxiety Fatigue Insomnia Dizziness Pale face Pale lips Poor memory Tearfulness Palpitations Restlessness Easily scared Loss of libido Excessive dreams Feeling of guilt Dream disturbed sleep
Gui Pi Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Heart Blood Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as easily scared, excessive dreams, palpitations and insomnia. Patients with Heart Blood Deficiency typically exhibit choppy (Se) or fine (Xi) pulses as well as Pale thin and slightly dry tongue .
This pattern is manifested by a pale face, pale lips and a pale tongue due to lack of Blood supply. Heart Blood Deficiency may eventually cause Heart Yin Deficiency because Blood is a Yin element. Dizziness is also a symptom because not sufficient Blood is able to nourish the Brain.
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Spleen Blood Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi)
Symptoms: Fatigue Insomnia Lassitude Thin body Weak Limbs Depression Amenorrhea Loose stools Poor appetite Scanty periods Pale complexion Slight abdominal distention after eating
Gui Pi Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Spleen Blood Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as poor appetite, fatigue, lassitude and pale complexion. Patients with Spleen Blood Deficiency typically exhibit fine (Xi) pulses.
"Spleen Blood Deficiency" is often excluded as a pattern from the literature because it's technically Spleen Qi Deficiency that leads to Blood Deficiency.
As such it presents all the symptoms of of Spleen Qi Deficiency such as poor appetite, slight abdominal distension after eating, fatigue,... read more about Spleen Blood Deficiency
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Spleen not controlling Blood
Pulse type(s): Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
Symptoms: Fatigue Lassitude Weak Limbs Depression Loose stools Bloody urine Poor appetite Bloody stools Pale complexion Abnormal uterine bleeding Blood spots under the skin Slight abdominal distention after eating
Gui Pi Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Spleen not controlling Blood. This pattern leads to symptoms such as poor appetite, slight abdominal distention after eating, fatigue and lassitude. Patients with Spleen not controlling Blood typically exhibit weak (Ruo) or fine (Xi) pulses.
When Spleen Qi is Deficient, which is a pre-requesite in this case, the Spleen cannot fulfill its function of holding Blood in the vessels.
This is why bleeding symptoms appears all over the place: under the skin, in the stools, the urine or from the Uterus.
read more about Spleen not controlling Blood
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