aka Kwei Bi Wan / Restore the Spleen Formula / Ginseng & Longan Combination
Origin of Gui Pi Tang* - Restore the Spleen
Formulas To Aid The Living - JI SHENG FAN - by YANG YONG-HE, 1253 AD
The word 'Gui' in GUI Pi Tang means to restore; the 'Pi' in Gui PI tang is the Spleen, which is responsible for a wild variety of functions, the formula has many uses, because the organ system known as the Spleen has so many diverse functions. The Spleen regulates digestion, so the formula is sometimes used for digestive complaints. Disharmony between the Spleen and the Heart, often instigated by Heart Blood Deficiency, causes sleep problems, so GUI PI Wan is often used for insomnia.
The Spleen also supports the patency of the vessels. Strong Spleen Qi thus helps keep the blood within the vessels. That's a quick explanation of why GUI PI Tang is used for bleeding disorders caused by Spleen Deficiency.
Though GUI PI TANG is often used to stop excessive bleeding, it should be noted that it contains not a single hemostatic ('Stop Bleeding) herb"
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)
Note that the original formula didn't contain DANG GUI or YUAN ZHI; these were added 300 years later in a book on women's disorders (JIAO ZHU FU REN LIANG FANG).
Gui Pi Tang's TCM Uses
- Benefits the Spleen
- Stops Bleeding
- Nourishes the Blood
- Calms the Spirit
The Spleen transforms food energy into blood, to nourish the 'flesh' and assure the 'patency of the vessels' The Heart moves the blood and stores the Shen (spirit).
Thus, a weakened Spleen can effect the Heart, causing potential symptoms of both heart and spleen deficiency. Heart Blood Deficiency, with symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, forgetfulness, palpitations, and facial pallor, may be accompanied by signs of weak Spleen, such as chronic bleeding, digestive complaints, and fatigue. Most of the bleeding issues for which this formula is normally used involve uterine bleeding, but other chronic bleeding issues can also be indications for using GUI PI TANG.
The spleen and heart are injured by stress, too much worrying and overthinking, as well as by excessive or erratic dietary habits and .
Gui Pi Wan tonifies (strengthens) both the spleen and the heart, addressing both digestive and emotional issues, as well as symptoms of chronic bleeding. Note that chronic bleeding may be of the Excess Type or the Deficient Type and that Gui Pi Wan is only indicated for Deficiency Types.
Indications for Using Gui Pi Tang
- Chronic Bleeding
- Pale Tongue
- Thin Pulse
- Forgetfulness
- Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Dream-Disturbed Sleep
- Phobia
- Reduced Appetite
- Early Menses with Copious Flow
GUI PI WAN Ingredients
| Ren Shen | Ginseng | 12% |
| Fu Shen | Poria (Fu Shen) | 12% |
| Bai Zhu | Atractylodes (Alba) | 12% |
|
Long Yan Rou |
Longan Fruit | 12% |
| Huang Qi (Bei) | Astragalus Root | 12% |
| Dang Gui (Shen) | Tangkuei | 10% |
| Suan Zao Ren | Zizyphus | 10% |
| Yuan Zhi | Polygala | 8% |
| Mu Xiang (Chuang)(Cultivated) | Vladimiria (Cultivated) | 4% |
| Gan Cao | Licorice | 4% |
| Da Zao (Red) | Jujube - dates(Red) | 2% |
| Sheng Jiang | Ginger (Fresh) | 2% |
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
"If bad taste means strong medicine, you're cured. " Some people enjoy drinking herbal blends, but for many of us, effective doses of medicinal herbs taste bad. To make matters worse, cooking herbs can befoul your kitchen (if not your whole house). However using a little common sense can make this a lot easier.
First, while cooking herbs, ventilate the kitchen. This stops the odor from deterring you (and your family). If you find the taste of your medicine disagreeable, hold your nose when you drink your herbs. This eliminates almost all the taste. Drink your herbs lukewarm or at room temperature. Hot liquids must be sipped slowly. If you hate the taste, you'll want to drink it down quickly. Cold liquids have less taste but may be hard to digest.After drinking your medicine, chew a few raisins or place a drop of lemon juice on your tongue to eliminate any aftertaste.
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. Some doctors believe that formulas designed for the upper body should be taken after eating. Some medicines are best taken with other liquids such as wine (injuries or vascular problems), broth (to aid digestion of the herbs), or salt water (messenger to the Kidneys).
Gui Pi Tang Safety
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.
* 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)
* 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.