Q1: 参苓白术散的功效是什么？

具有益气健脾、渗湿止泻的功效。主要用于脾胃气虚、湿浊内停所致的食少便溏、四肢乏力、形体消瘦、胸脘胀闷、面色萎黄等症状。

Q2: 参苓白术散适用于哪些现代疾病？

现代中医临床常用于辨证属脾胃气虚夹湿的病症，包括慢性腹泻、消化不良、肠易激综合征（腹泻型）、慢性胃炎、小儿疳积、贫血及病后体虚恢复等。

Q3: 参苓白术散适合改善脾胃虚弱、大便稀溏吗？

对于长期食欲不振、食后腹胀、大便稀溏或腹泻、四肢乏力、面色萎黄、形体消瘦等表现，且辨证为脾胃气虚、湿浊内停者，可用于辅助调理。

Q4: 哪些人不适合服用参苓白术散？

属实热或湿热内盛、阴虚火旺、外感发热期间，或大便秘结者，一般不宜服用。孕妇及特殊体质者应在专业医师指导下使用。

Qi-Tonifying Formulas

参苓白术散 · Shēn Líng Bái Zhú Sǎn

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

A classical formula for Spleen Qi deficiency with dampness producing chronic loose stools or diarrhoea. It gently strengthens the Spleen while promoting the resolution of dampness and stopping diarrhoea.

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Last reviewed September 2026

Formula CategoryQi-Tonifying Formulas

Primary PatternSpleen Qi Deficiency

Primary FunctionTonify Spleen Qi, resolve dampness, stop diarrhoea

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleTonify Qi, strengthen the Spleen, leach out dampness and stop diarrhoea

Main HerbsGinseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Honey-fried Licorice · Chinese Yam · White Hyacinth Bean · Lotus Seed · Coix Seed / Job's Tears · Amomum Fruit · Platycodon Root

Classical SourceTai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected when Spleen Qi deficiency presents chiefly as chronic loose stools and dampness rather than phlegm — a more sustained, diarrhoea-focused approach than Liu Jun Zi Tang, and broader than the plain tonifying base of Si Jun Zi Tang, which addresses deficiency without the damp-leaching component.

Overview

What Is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San?

1. Classical Source

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散), or Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder, is a classical Song-dynasty formula from the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era). It belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Spleen Qi, leach Dampness, and stop diarrhea.

This formula addresses Spleen Qi deficiency with interior Dampness, in which the Spleen fails to transform and transport, leading to loose stools or chronic diarrhea. Typical signs include poor appetite, abdominal fullness after eating, fatigue, a sallow complexion, loose stools or diarrhea with undigested food, a pale tongue with white greasy coating, and a moderate weak pulse.

Combining Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Zhi Gan Cao to tonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen, Shan Yao, Lian Zi, and Bai Bian Dou to further fortify the Spleen and astringe the Intestines, Yi Yi Ren to leach Dampness, Sha Ren to aromatically awaken the Spleen and move Qi, and Jie Geng to raise clear Yang and guide the formula upward to the Lungs, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San effectively replenishes Spleen Qi, resolves Dampness, and restores normal stool without being overly drying or cloying.

2. Digestive System Disorders

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is commonly used for chronic gastroenteritis, dyspepsia, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. It is effective for poor appetite, abdominal distention, and chronic loose stools due to spleen–stomach deficiency, helping restore spleen function and normalize digestion and stool consistency.

3. Respiratory System Disorders

For respiratory symptoms related to spleen deficiency—shortness of breath, weak cough, thin watery sputum—Shen Ling Bai Zhu San can be helpful. By regulating spleen function it may indirectly support lung qi’s descending/dispersion and reduce cough and sputum.

4. Other Conditions

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is used for pediatric malnutrition (ganji) from spleen deficiency and for chronic fatigue related to long‑standing spleen weakness. In children it promotes digestion and absorption to ameliorate wasting; in fatigued adults it replenishes qi, improves appetite, and restores energy.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Monarch (Jun) — Ginseng

Ginseng (Rén Shēn) — Sweet, slightly bitter; mildly warm

Greatly tonifies yuan qi
Strengthens spleen & lungs
Generates fluids; calms spirit

2. Ministers (Chen) — Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) and Poria (Fu Ling)

Atractylodes (Bái Zhú) — Sweet, bitter; warm

Strengthens spleen & tonifies qi
Dries dampness; promotes water metabolism

Poria (Fú Líng) — Sweet, bland; neutral

Promotes urination & drains dampness
Strengthens spleen; calms spirit

3. Assistants (Zuo) — Shan Yao, Lian Zi, Bai Bian Dou, Yi Yi Ren, Sha Ren

Chinese Yam (Shān Yào) — Sweet; neutral — Tonifies spleen & stomach; benefits lungs; stabilizes kidney

Lotus Seed (Lián Zǐ) — Sweet, astringent; neutral — Stops diarrhea; secures essence; calms heart

Hyacinth Bean (Bái Biǎn Dòu) — Sweet; slightly warm — Strengthens spleen; transforms dampness; relieves summer-heat

Coix Seed (Yì Yǐ Rén) — Sweet, bland; cool — Drains dampness; strengthens spleen; stops diarrhea

Amomum (Shā Rén) — Pungent; warm — Transforms dampness; warms spleen; regulates qi

These five herbs assist the monarch and ministers, enhancing spleen‑strengthening, damp‑resolving, and antidiarrheal effects. Each has distinct flavors and actions that cooperate to comprehensively regulate spleen–stomach function and remove internal dampness, relieving symptoms of spleen–stomach deficiency.

4. Envoys (Shi) — Jie Geng and Licorice (Gan Cao)

Platycodon (Jié Gěng) — Bitter, acrid; neutral — Disseminates lung; guides formula upward to upper burner

Licorice (Gān Cǎo) — Sweet; neutral — Tonifies spleen & qi; harmonizes all herbs

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathogenesis Targeted

Addresses spleen-stomach weakness, which impairs digestion and nutrient absorption. This leads to dampness accumulation and insufficient qi and blood, causing symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue.

2. Key Functions

The formula powerfully tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen, and promotes diuresis to drain excess dampness. It restores proper digestive function, halts diarrhea, and harmonizes qi and blood for overall recovery.

3. Clinical Indications

Primarily used for chronic spleen-stomach deficiency manifesting as poor appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath, and general weakness. Effective for chronic diarrhea and dyspepsia, particularly with signs of emaciation or sallow complexion.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Overall Compatibility Strategy

The formula primarily addresses spleen–stomach weakness. Ginseng, Atractylodes, and Poria form a foundational trio, strongly tonifying spleen qi and dispelling dampness. Supporting herbs further enhance these actions, while others guide the formula and harmonize the blend, reflecting TCM's holistic approach to systemic balance.

2. Synergistic Actions of the Herbs

Ginseng, Atractylodes, and Poria work synergistically to correct spleen weakness. Shan Yao, Lian Zi, and other assistants enhance spleen support and halt diarrhea. Sha Ren improves digestive function by transforming dampness and moving qi. Jie Geng and Gan Cao ensure balanced action, guiding therapeutic effects and harmonizing the entire formula for comprehensive treatment.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Shen Ling Bai Zhu San	Si Jun Zi Tang	Liu Jun Zi Tang	Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Primary Function	Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve dampness, stop diarrhoea	Tonify Spleen Qi	Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp	Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp, move Qi
Formula Category	Qi-Tonifying Formulas	Qi-Tonifying Formulas	Qi-Tonifying Formulas	Qi-Tonifying Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Spleen Qi Deficiency	Spleen Qi Deficiency	Spleen Qi Deficiency	Spleen Qi Deficiency
Main Conditions	Diarrhea, Poor Appetite, Bloating, Spleen Qi Deficiency	Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Mental Fog	Poor Appetite, Bloating, Stomach Discomfort, Diarrhea, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Excessive Mucus	Poor Appetite, Bloating, Diarrhea, Stomach Discomfort, Indigestion, Spleen Qi Deficiency
Main Herbs	Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Honey-fried Licorice · Chinese Yam · White Hyacinth Bean · Lotus Seed · Coix Seed / Job's Tears · Amomum Fruit · Platycodon Root	Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Honey-fried Licorice	Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Tangerine Peel · Pinellia Rhizome · Honey-fried Licorice	Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Tangerine Peel · Pinellia Rhizome · Aucklandia / Costus Root · Amomum Fruit · Honey-fried Licorice
Classical Source	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People, Song dynasty, 1107)	Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan (or derived from Si Jun Zi Tang + Chen Pi + Ban Xia)	Gu Jin Ming Yi Fang Lun (citing Ke Yunbo, Qing dynasty, ~1675)

How to tell them apart

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San focuses on dampness and chronic diarrhoea. Liu Jun Zi Tang is better when phlegm is more prominent. Si Jun Zi Tang is the pure tonic base. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is chosen for concurrent Qi stagnation and bloating.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

1. Concomitant Cold Pattern

If cold signs are present (abdominal cold pain, cold hands and feet), add warming‑middle and dispersing herbs such as Gan Jiang (dried ginger) and Rou Gui (cinnamon) to strengthen warming yang and dispel cold.

2. Concomitant Heat Pattern

If heat signs occur (bitter taste, dry throat, red tongue with yellow coating), add heat‑clearing and damp‑drying herbs like Huang Lian and Huang Qin to balance the formula and prevent warming herbs from generating excessive heat.

3. Excess Dampness

If dampness is heavy with frequent diarrhea, add damp‑drying, spleen‑transporting herbs such as Cang Zhu and Hou Po to enhance damp‑resolving and antidiarrheal effects.

4. Marked Qi Deficiency

If qi deficiency is prominent (severe shortness of breath, pronounced fatigue), increase the dose of Ginseng or add Huang Qi (Astragalus) to strengthen qi‑tonification.

5. Food Stagnation

If food stagnation is present with epigastric/abdominal fullness, add digestion‑promoting herbs such as Shen Qu, Mai Ya (sprouted barley), and Shan Zha (hawthorn) to aid digestion and reduce burden on the spleen and stomach.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Studies

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is a classic TCM formula widely used to support healthy digestion and address loose stool caused by spleen deficiency. By strengthening the spleen and stomach while gently drying dampness, this traditional herbal prescription helps improve digestion, reduce chronic loose stools, and restore overall digestive health, making it a popular natural option for those experiencing poor appetite or persistent diarrhea related to weakened spleen function.

Modern studies reveal Shen Ling Bai Zhu San's ability to regulate gastrointestinal function, promoting motility, enhancing digestive enzymes, and improving nutrient absorption. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, strengthening host immunity.

2. Clinical Efficacy

Numerous clinical trials affirm its effectiveness for spleen-stomach deficiency disorders. Studies consistently report significant improvements in appetite, reduced diarrhea frequency, increased physical strength, and enhanced patient quality of life.

3. Dosage‑Form Improvement Research

Research is advancing new formulations, such as capsules and tablets, to boost stability, convenience, and patient adherence. Ongoing efforts also focus on strengthening quality control and standardization to ensure consistent efficacy and safety.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Restrictions

While taking Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, avoid raw/cold, greasy, and spicy foods. Raw/cold foods may injure spleen yang; greasy foods are hard to digest and increase spleen burden; spicy foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the formula’s efficacy.

2. Special Populations

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use Shen Ling Bai Zhu San under physician guidance. Because of their special physiological states, medications may affect the fetus or infant, so exercise caution. For children, adjust doses according to age and weight and strictly follow medical advice.

3. Changes in Condition

If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear while taking Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, seek medical attention promptly to adjust the treatment plan. Do not arbitrarily increase or decrease the dose or continue blind medication.

4. Drug Interactions

Although Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is generally considered safe, inform your clinician of any concurrent medications to avoid potential interactions that could affect efficacy or cause adverse reactions.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Nong's Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $54.46

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $22.15

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $19.37

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

HJMEDICAL Nong's Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $56.60

FAQ

Questions About Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

Q1: What are the actions of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San?

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San has the actions of strengthening the Spleen, tonifying Qi, leaching Dampness, and stopping diarrhea. It also supports the Lung by “cultivating Earth to generate Metal,” making it useful when Spleen deficiency produces both loose stools and a weak cough.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness, including chronic diarrhea or loose stools, functional dyspepsia with fatigue, pediatric indigestion and loose stool, chronic bronchitis or weak cough of Spleen-Lung deficiency type, and recovery from illness with poor appetite and Damp accumulation.

Q3: Is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San suitable for improving loose stools, poor appetite, and fatigue?

For presentations of loose or watery stools, reduced appetite, epigastric fullness, fatigue and weak limbs, a pale complexion, a pale tongue with white greasy coating, and a weak or moderate pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp encumbrance — TCM commonly applies Shen Ling Bai Zhu San as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease, infection, or malabsorption.

Q4: Who should not take Shen Ling Bai Zhu San?

Those with Heat-type or Damp-Heat diarrhea, Yin deficiency with dry stool, or exterior pathogens that have not been released are generally not suitable. The formula is sweet, bland, and slightly warm; it can worsen Heat and trap an exterior pathogen. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why does this formula add so many Spleen-supporting and Damp-leaching herbs to Si Jun Zi Tang?

Si Jun Zi Tang tonifies Spleen Qi but is not enough when Dampness is already prominent. Shan Yao, Lian Zi, and Bai Bian Dou strengthen the Spleen and also astringe or stop diarrhea. Yi Yi Ren and Fu Ling leach Dampness. Sha Ren awakens the Spleen and moves Qi so the tonics are not cloying. Jie Geng raises clear Qi and guides the formula to the Lung.

Q6: How does Shen Ling Bai Zhu San differ from Si Jun Zi Tang or Liu Jun Zi Tang?

Si Jun Zi Tang is a basic Qi tonic for Spleen deficiency without much Dampness. Liu Jun Zi Tang adds Chen Pi and Ban Xia when Phlegm-Damp and nausea are more prominent. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is the preferred choice when loose stools and Damp encumbrance dominate, and when the practitioner also wants to support the Lung through the Spleen.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San?

The classical formula consists of Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao (the Si Jun Zi core); plus Shan Yao, Lian Zi, and Bai Bian Dou to strengthen the Spleen and help stop diarrhea; Yi Yi Ren to leach Dampness; Sha Ren to awaken the Spleen and move Qi; and Jie Geng to raise clear Qi and guide the formula upward to the Lung.

Q8: Is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San suitable for long-term use?

It is commonly used for a sustained course in chronic Spleen deficiency with Dampness under professional supervision, including in children and the frail elderly when the pattern matches. If Heat signs, thirst, or dry bound stool appear, the formula should be modified. It is generally better tolerated long-term than harsher drying or astringent prescriptions.

Q9: Can this formula help both chronic loose stools and a weak residual cough?

Yes. That is a classical use: Earth generates Metal. When Spleen Qi is too weak to transform Dampness, the Lung also loses nourishment and a weak cough or easy Phlegm may appear. Strengthening the Spleen, leaching Dampness, and using Jie Geng to guide the formula to the Lung can improve both presentations of the same root.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San?

Eating warm, cooked, regular meals, reducing raw-cold fruit, iced drinks, and greasy or overly sweet foods, and avoiding overwork that further consumes Spleen Qi all support the formula. Persistent bloody diarrhea, nocturnal fever, or progressive weight loss should be properly evaluated.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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