Shēn Líng Bái Zhú Sǎn
Shēn Líng Bái Zhú Sǎn (参苓白术散, “Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder”) comes from Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE). Tones Spleen Qi, eliminates moisture, stops diarrhea.
Main action
Tones Spleen Qi, eliminates moisture, stops diarrhea
Ideal for spleen deficiency with humidity. The Jie Geng acts as a boatman, raising the Qi of the Spleen while guiding the formula to the Lung.
Indications
- chronic diarrhea
- Fatigue with heaviness
- Abdominal distension
- Vomiting
- Cough with watery phlegm
- Tongue
- Pale, wet white coating
- Pulse
- Weak and slippery, especially in Spleen position
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rén Shēn 人参 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 9g | Tonifies the primordial Qi |
| Bái Zhú 白术 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 9g | Tones spleen, dries moisture |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, drains moisture |
| Shān Yào 山药 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Tones Spleen, Lung and Kidney |
| Yì Yǐ Rén 薏苡仁 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, drains moisture |
| Lián Zǐ 莲子 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Tones spleen, astringes intestines |
| Bái Biǎn Dòu 白扁豆 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 12g | Tones spleen, eliminates moisture |
| Shā Rén 砂仁 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Moves Qi, dries moisture, prevents stagnation |
| Jié Gěng 桔梗 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Diffuses Lung Qi, guides upward |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo 炙甘草 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Harmonizes, tonifies Qi |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Powder: take 6-9g with hot water, 2-3 times/day. Or decoction: boil 30 min
Current uses being studied
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- chronic diarrhea
- Malabsorption
- Chronic enterocolitis
- Children with malnutrition
Precautions
- Do not use in excess heat or real fullness
- Caution in constipation
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 参苓白术散
- English name
- Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder
- Source
- Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE)
- Dynasty
- Song
- Category
- Tonify Qi
- Constitutions
- Qi Deficiency Constitution
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
