Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Damage to Spleen qi due to dietary irregularities, excessive worry, and overexertion leads to Spleen deficiency, resulting in weakened transportation and transformation functions, as well as impaired digestion and absorption. Consequently, signs of imbalance such as reduced food intake and fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, and indigestion occur.
1.Xiatian Formula
Efficacy: Strengthen the Spleen and harmonize the stomach, supports Spleen-stomach weakness and accumulation of phlegm-fluid retention.
Prescription: This product is a traditional Chinese medicine fermented preparation, produced by Hangzhou Huqingyu Pharmaceutical Factory. Xia Tian Qu is a fermented preparation made from medicinal materials such as Codonopsis Radix (dangshen), Poria (fuling), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (chenpi), Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (zhibanxia), Bos Taurus Domestici Gelatinum Corium Praeparatum (xiatianjiao), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (baizhu), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (gancao), with each piece weighing 9 grams.
Usage: Take 6 to 9 grams each time, decoct in a wrapping cloth or brew with boiling water for drinking, once daily.
Source: Practical Handbook of Chinese Patent Medicines.
2.Xiang Qu
Efficacy: Strengthens the stomach and promotes digestion, regulates qi and resolves food accumulation, clears heat and resolves dampness. It is used to supports Spleen deficiency and stomach weakness, gastrointestinal stagnation, fullness in the chest and diaphragm, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as wind-cold common cold.
Prescription: This product is a Chinese patent medicine, produced by multiple pharmaceutical factories including Xiangtan Pharmaceutical Factory and Changsha No.1 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory. It is prepared into a fermented medicinal preparation from Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata), Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), and Gaoliangjiang (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma), with each package weighing 30 grams.
Usage: Take 9 grams each time, decoct in water and use as tea, or steep with boiling water and drink. Take it 3 times a day.
Source: National Catalogue of Chinese Patent Medicines.
3.Stomach-Strengthening Powder
Efficacy: Strengthens the stomach and benefits the Spleen, regulates qi and promotes digestion; supports weak Spleen and stomach, poor appetite, abdominal pain due to food retention, and common cold.
Prescription: This product is a Chinese patent medicine, manufactured by Quanzhou Pharmaceutical Factory in Fujian Province. It contains drugs such as Armeniacae Semen Amarum, Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, and Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen.
Usage: Take 15 grams each time, decoct in water and use as tea, twice a day.
Source: National Catalogue of Chinese Patent Medicines.
4. Chinese Yam Tea
Efficacy: Strengthen the Spleen and benefit the stomach, supports Spleen-stomach weakness, poor appetite, fatigue and lack of strength.
Prescription: Rhizoma Dioscoreae (dried) 50 g, black tea 5 g.
Usage: Decoct in water and drink as tea, 1 dose per day.
Source: Experience prescription of Physician Han Guifang.
5. Pseudostellariae Radix Tea
Efficacy: Strengthens the Spleen and replenishes qi; supports Spleen deficiency with poor appetite. Those with inherently weak Spleen and stomach should consume it regularly.
Prescription: Radix Pseudostellariae (Taizishen) 9 g, Fructus Hordei Germinatus (Maiya) 9 g, black tea 3 g, brown sugar 30 g.
Usage: Decoct in water and use as tea, one dose per day.
Source: The author’s frequently used clinical formula.
6. Atractylodis Macrocephalae Oolong Tea
Efficacy: Warming the middle-jiao and strengthening the Spleen, supports anorexia, indigestion, abdominal distension, loose stools, and other conditions due to Spleen deficiency.
Prescription: Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma 6 g, Crataegi Fructus 5 g, Oolong tea 5 g.
Usage: Decoct in water and use as tea, one dose per day.
Source: Experience prescription of He Baoyi, Associate Chief Physician at Kaifeng Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Great article! I’ve been dealing with poor appetite and bloating for months—never thought about spleen qi deficiency. Which of these teas would you recommend starting with for a beginner? I’m trying to avoid anything too strong. Thanks!
This is so helpful! I’ve been dealing with poor digestion and fatigue for a while now, and herbal teas have made a huge difference for me. Ginger and licorice root tea is my go-to. Thanks for sharing these remedies!
Danke für diesen hilfreichen Artikel! Ich habe selbst oft mit Verdauungsproblemen zu kämpfen und werde die Tees definitiv ausprobieren. Besonders
Love this! I’ve been struggling with low energy and bloating after meals—definitely going to try some of these teas. Do you recommend drinking them before or after eating? Thanks for sharing such practical advice!