Ginseng and Longan Combination

Origin of Gui Pi Tang* - Restore the Spleen 

Formulas To Aid The Living - JI SHENG FAN - by YANG YONG-HE,  1253 AD

Gui Pi Tang has many uses.  The Spleen regulates digestion, so the formula is sometimes used for digestive complaints.

Disharmony between the Spleen and the Heart causes sleep problems, so GUI PI Wan is often used for insomnia.  

The Spleen also supports "the flesh", (muscles), and the patency of the blood vessels. That's  why GUI PI Tang is used for bleeding disorders caused by Spleen Deficiency. The use of the formula to treat bleeding was first noted about 100 years after the formula was written. When used for this purpose today, the formula is often enhanced by adding hemostatic herbs, most commonly E JIAO (ass hide glue)

Gui Pi Tang TCM Uses

• Benefits the Spleen
• Stops Bleeding
• Nourishes the Blood
• Calms the Spirit

The spleen and heart are injured by stress, too much worrying and overthinking, as well as by excessive or erratic dietary habits.

Gui Pi Wan tonifies (strengthens) both the spleen and the heart, addressing both digestive and emotional issues, as well as some kinds of chronic bleeding.

GUI PI TANG Ingredients

Dosage of GUI PI WAN

Granules: 2-4 grams, 2-3 times a day

Tablets: 6 tablets, 2-3 times a day

Teapills: 8 teapills, 3 times a day

Whole Herbs: Combine 1 package of herbs with 1-2 liters of water. Medium boil for 45 minutes, until liquid is reduced to 2- cups. Drink 1 cup in the AM and 1 cup in the PM.

Tips on Drinking Chinese Herbal Decoctions

Herbs can be absorbed up to 30% better when taken on an empty stomach. Allow at least a half hour after taking herbs before eating or taking additional medicines. There are some exceptions. If your medicine proves difficult to digest, try taking it with food or after eating.

Gui Pi Tang Safety & Side Effects

• Contraindicated for those with Interior Heat.
• Contraindicated for those with Yin Deficiency with Heat signs.

Pregnant or nursing women should consult their health care provider before taking any supplement.  Gui Pi Tang is not effective or recommended for bleeding during pregnancy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is powerful and reliable, but it can be complex. As TCM is not based on symptoms alone, self-diagnosis and self-treatment aren't recommended. Best to start a low cost online-herbal-consultation.

FAQs

What does "Gui Pi" mean?

"Gui Pi" (歸脾) literally means "Restore the Spleen" or "Return to the Spleen." In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen is responsible for producing Qi and Blood from food. When the Spleen is weak, it cannot adequately nourish the Heart, leading to fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, poor concentration, and forgetfulness. Gui Pi Wan was developed to strengthen the Spleen while nourishing the Heart.
More About "The Spleen"
More About "The Heart"

What is Gui Pi Wan used for?

Gui Pi Wan is traditionally prescribed for the TCM pattern of Heart Blood Deficiency combined with Spleen Qi Deficiency.

Common symptoms include:

difficulty falling asleep
waking frequently during the night
anxiety
excessive worrying
poor memory
poor concentration
fatigue
palpitations
dizziness
reduced appetite
easy bruising
pale complexion

Is Gui Pi Wan good for insomnia?

Yes—when insomnia is caused by Heart Blood Deficiency and Spleen Qi Deficiency.

People with this pattern often:

fall asleep easily but wake repeatedly
dream excessively
awaken feeling unrested
worry excessively
feel mentally exhausted

Other forms of insomnia, such as those caused by Liver Fire, Heart Fire, or Yin Deficiency, require different formulas.

Is Gui Pi Wan good for anxiety?

Gui Pi Wan is one of the most commonly prescribed formulas for anxiety associated with Blood Deficiency rather than excess Heat or Liver Qi Stagnation.

Typical signs include:

chronic worrying
nervousness
poor concentration
forgetfulness
fatigue
poor sleep

Is Gui Pi Wan good for memory?

Poor memory is a classic indication for Gui Pi Wan when memory problems result from inadequate nourishment of the Heart by Blood. Patients often describe difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, and forgetting names or recent events, especially during periods of prolonged stress or overwork.

Can men take Gui Pi Wan?

Yes.

Although frequently prescribed for women, Gui Pi Wan is equally appropriate for men with the same TCM pattern.

Men commonly take it for:

chronic fatigue
poor sleep
anxiety
poor memory
overwork
mental exhaustion
palpitations

How long does Gui Pi Wan take to work?

Some people notice improved sleep or reduced anxiety within one to two weeks. More chronic conditions, especially long-standing fatigue or Blood Deficiency, may require one to three months of consistent treatment.

What's the difference between Gui Pi Wan and Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan?

Gui Pi Wan treats:

Heart Blood Deficiency
Spleen Qi Deficiency
fatigue
poor appetite
chronic worrying

Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan is used for:

Heart Yin Deficiency
Kidney Yin Deficiency
night sweats
dry mouth
heat sensations
restless insomnia

What’s the Difference Between Gui Pi TANG, Gui Pi PIAN, Gui Pi WAN, or Gui Pi SAN

• PIAN = Tablet (modern looking pill)
• WAN = Pill (old-style or handmade pill, or black teapill)
• TANG = Water Decoction (boiled whole herbs)
• SAN = Powder (milled or granulated)

Our Clinical Perspective

In our experience, Gui Pi Wan is often overlooked because many people assume that insomnia and anxiety are caused by excess stress or "too much energy." In fact, a large number of patients suffer from deficiency, not excess. Their minds remain active at night because the Heart is no longer adequately nourished by Blood. Gui Pi Wan was specifically designed for this classic TCM pattern. Another very useful formula for this pattern is Dr. Shen's Good Sleep & No Worries Pill.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.