Shi Pi Yin — Bolster the Spleen Drink

On this page

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

Overview

Shi Pi Yin — the “Bolster the Spleen Drink” — is from Ji Sheng Fang. It addresses Yang-deficient edema — Yin Water type, where Spleen and Kidney Yang have failed to transform fluids, producing accumulating cold dampness in the lower body with abdominal coldness, loose stools and reduced urination.

The formula combines warming Yang herbs (Fu Zi, Gan Jiang) with Spleen-strengthening herbs (Bai Zhu, Fu Ling) and Qi-moving herbs (Hou Po, Mu Xiang, Da Fu Pi) to lift the heavy stagnation.

I prescribe Shi Pi Yin as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Shi Pi Yin is prescribed for Yang-deficient (Yin) edema:

• Generalised edema, particularly of the lower limbs and abdomen
• Cold abdomen
• Abdominal distention
• Loose stools
• Reduced urination
• Cold extremities
• Fatigue, lassitude
• No thirst
• Tongue — pale, swollen, slippery white coat
• Pulse — deep, slow, weak

Key herbs

1. Fu Zi (prepared aconite) — warms Kidney Yang
2. Gan Jiang — warms the middle
3. Bai Zhu — tonifies Spleen and dries Damp
4. Fu Ling — drains Damp through urine
5. Cao Guo (round cardamom) — warms and dries Damp
6. Mu Gua (Chinese quince) — relieves Damp leg swelling
7. Hou Po, Mu Xiang, Da Fu Pi — move Qi to assist fluid movement
8. Sheng Jiang, Da Zao, Gan Cao — harmonise

Formula actions

1. Warms and tonifies Spleen and Kidney Yang
2. Drains Damp and reduces edema
3. Moves Qi to support fluid transformation

Conditions treated

1. Heart failure with cold-pattern edema (alongside cardiology care)
2. Chronic kidney disease with edema (alongside nephrology care)
3. Liver cirrhosis with ascites and cold pattern
4. Chronic peripheral edema in older adults
5. Hypothyroidism-related fluid retention — see hypothyroidism
6. Cold-pattern fluid retention with diarrhoea

Cautions

Contains Fu Zi (prepared aconite) — use only pharmaceutical-grade preparations.

Not appropriate in pregnancy or in Heat patterns or Yin deficiency.

Edema needs medical evaluation to identify underlying cause.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.