Shen Ling Bai Zhu San — Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San — Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder — is the classical Chinese herbal formula for Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness producing chronic diarrhoea and digestive weakness. It is built upon the foundational Qi-tonifying formula Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) with the addition of several herbs that specifically resolve Dampness and stop diarrhoea. The formula gently but comprehensively addresses all aspects of the Spleen’s impaired function: poor transformation and transportation of food and fluids, accumulation of Dampness, and the resulting chronic loose stools. It is particularly suited to the type of digestive weakness seen in patients who have had prolonged illness, poor diet or overuse of cold and raw foods. Unlike Liu Jun Zi Tang, which specifically addresses Phlegm, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is better suited to Dampness with diarrhoea as the primary manifestation.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness producing chronic loose stools, characterised by: chronic loose stools or diarrhoea, poor appetite, fatigue and lassitude, abdominal distension and fullness (particularly after eating), a pale complexion, a pale swollen tongue with a thick white greasy coating, and a weak, slippery pulse.

Key herbs

1. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root) — powerfully tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi; the principal Qi-tonifying herb
2. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome) — tonifies Spleen Qi and dries Dampness
3. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — tonifies Spleen, resolves Dampness and leaches out retained fluids via urination
4. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza root) — tonifies Qi and harmonises the formula
5. Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita rhizome) — tonifies Spleen, Lung and Kidney Qi; astringes the intestines to stop diarrhoea; gently nourishes without causing stagnation
6. Bai Bian Dou (Dolichos lablab seed) — tonifies Spleen and resolves Dampness; stops diarrhoea; particularly effective for Damp-induced digestive weakness
7. Lian Zi (Nelumbo nucifera seed) — tonifies the Spleen and Kidney; astringes the intestines and stops diarrhoea; calms the Shen
8. Yi Yi Ren (Coix lacryma-jobi seed) — resolves Dampness and promotes urination; tonifies Spleen and stops diarrhoea
9. Sha Ren (Amomum villosum fruit) — promotes the movement of Qi, dries Dampness and stops diarrhoea; harmonises the Stomach
10. Jie Geng (Platycodon grandiflorus root) — opens the Lung Qi; since the Lung governs the Large Intestine, opening the Lung helps regulate the bowels

Conditions treated

1. Chronic loose stools and diarrhoea from Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness — the formula’s primary indication
2. IBS with loose stools, poor appetite and fatigue from Spleen Qi deficiency
3. Post-illness digestive weakness with chronic loose stools
4. Chronic fatigue syndrome with digestive symptoms from Spleen Qi deficiency
5. Childhood digestive weakness — the formula is very gentle and particularly well suited to children
6. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in remission with Spleen Qi deficiency and Dampness

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.