When the belly feels the effects of fatigue and upsets

Fatigue that sets in after meals, irregular appetite, a sensitive belly that knots up at the slightest worry, a feeling of cold in the centre, a desire for warmth on the belly, pale complexion… In TCM, these signs may be associated with Spleen Qi Deficiency, taken advantage of by a tense Liver. The Spleen, in the centre, transforms food and sends upwards what it draws from it; when it weakens, the Liver oversteps its bounds and weighs on it. Tradition speaks of Wood overacting on Earth (木乘土).

Bu Pi Yi Chang Wan is a modern preparation from the Chinese pharmacopoeia. It brings together two families of herbs. On one side, astragalus, codonopsis and atractylodes, which support Spleen Qi. On the other, a trio well known in tradition for harmonising the Liver and Spleen: atractylodes, white peony and saposhnikovia (Fang Feng). Chinese angelica and amomum complete the whole.

Strengthening Earth, softening Wood

Four herbs in equal parts form the foundation: astragalus, codonopsis and atractylodes support the Spleen, white peony softens the Liver. Saposhnikovia provides the link: according to the physician Wang Ang (汪昂), its pungency disperses the Liver and its aroma relaxes the Spleen. Chinese angelica nourishes the Blood, and amomum, aromatic and warm, warms the centre.

Tonifies the Spleen and supports the Qi: Astragalus and codonopsis support Spleen Qi; atractylodes helps it transform food and dries the Dampness that builds up when it weakens.

Harmonises the Liver and Spleen: Atractylodes strengthens Earth, white peony relaxes what tightens, and saposhnikovia keeps the peony from confining the Qi it has just softened. Tradition sums it up this way: soften without confining.

Promotes intestinal comfort: Amomum awakens the Spleen and warms the centre, Chinese angelica nourishes the Blood. When the Spleen regains its strength and the Liver relaxes, the belly regains its calm.