GUI PI TANG

Formulas that Tonify Qi & Blood (Spleen-Heart Qi and Blood)

This formula treats Spleen and Heart deficiency caused by overthinking or obsessive behavior, leading to blood and qi deficiency. 

Symptoms

Forgetfulness
Palpitations
Insomnia
Anxiety
Reduced appetite
Pallid complexion

Tongue: Pale.
Pulse: Thin and frail

Blood deficiency from Spleen weakness fails to nourish the Heart, causing restlessness, dream-disturbed sleep, and, in women, irregular or prolonged menstruation.

Ingredients

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix)    

Raw herbs  6g        Granulates 8.7g 

Huang Qi (Astragali Radix)   

Raw herbs  12g        Granulates 17.4g

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma) 

Raw herbs  12g        Granulates17.4g

Fu Ling (Poria) 

Raw herbs  12g        Granulates17.4g

Dang Gui (Angelicaesinensis Radix) 

Raw herbs 9g        Granulates 13g

Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi spinosae Semen) 

Raw herbs  12g        Granulates 17.4g

Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix ) 

Raw herbs  6g        Granulates 8.7g

Description 

This formula is built to strongly tonify Qi, support Blood, stabilise the Spirit, and regulate internal movement, making it suitable for deficiency patterns involving fatigue, digestive weakness, emotional restlessness, and disturbed sleep. The herbs are carefully balanced to nourish without cloying and to regulate without dispersing vitality.

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) is the primary Qi tonic in the formula. It powerfully supplements Yuan Qi and strengthens the Spleen and Lung, restoring the body’s fundamental energy reserves. By supporting Qi at the deepest level, Ren Shen enhances mental clarity, strengthens the Heart’s ability to house the Spirit, and improves the body’s capacity to absorb nourishment from other herbs. Its presence ensures that Blood and Yin tonification can occur effectively rather than stagnating.

Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) reinforces Defensive Qi and supports the Spleen’s role in transformation and transportation. It raises clear Yang, strengthens the Exterior, and stabilises the Qi so that energy does not leak through spontaneous sweating or exhaustion. Huang Qi works synergistically with Ren Shen to rebuild Qi while also supporting immune resilience and long-term vitality.

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma) strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness, ensuring that tonifying herbs do not burden digestion. It helps anchor Qi, supports fluid metabolism, and prevents the accumulation of Dampness that often accompanies chronic deficiency. Bai Zhu also contributes to calming the Spirit by stabilising the Middle Burner, which is essential for emotional and mental balance.

Fu Ling (Poria) gently drains Dampness while supporting the Spleen and calming the Shen. Its neutral nature makes it ideal for long-term use, helping to regulate fluid pathways without damaging Qi or Yin. Fu Ling also has a grounding effect on the mind, easing anxiety, restlessness, and palpitations associated with deficiency patterns.

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis Radix) nourishes and regulates Blood, ensuring that Qi tonification is supported by adequate Blood supply. It enriches the Liver and Heart, improves circulation, and alleviates dryness and weakness. Dang Gui’s warming yet moistening nature helps prevent stagnation while supporting emotional stability and hormonal balance, particularly in individuals with fatigue accompanied by Blood deficiency.

Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi spinosae Semen) is a key herb for calming the Spirit and nourishing Heart and Liver Blood and Yin. It addresses insomnia, irritability, and palpitations by anchoring the Shen and preventing deficient Heat from disturbing the mind. Suan Zao Ren also supports the preservation of fluids, making it especially valuable when restlessness is accompanied by dryness or night sweating.

Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix) ensures smooth Qi movement throughout the formula. While the other herbs focus on tonification and nourishment, Mu Xiang prevents stagnation by regulating Qi in the Middle Burner. It improves digestion, relieves fullness, and ensures that rich herbs like Dang Gui and Suan Zao Ren are assimilated effectively without causing bloating or discomfort.

Posology

Granules 
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water

Raw Plants
Boil in 1000 or 1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day

Contraindications

Not suitable for patterns dominated by cold from Yang deficiency or dampness accumulation; avoid with strong digestive weakness without adjustment