Gui Pi Tang
Star归脾汤 (Restore the Spleen Decoction)
Source: Ji Sheng Fang (Formulas for Rescuing Lives) — Yan Yonghe (Song, 1253)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) treats the dual deficiency of Heart Blood and Spleen Qi, a pattern frequently seen in those who overwork mentally and physically. The Spleen's failure to generate adequate Blood leads to Heart Blood deficiency; meanwhile Spleen Qi deficiency causes fatigue and digestive weakness. The formula simultaneously tonifies Qi, nourishes Blood, and calms the spirit.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huang Qi | 12g | 12.9% | Jun (Chief) | Strongly tonifies Spleen and Lung qi to generate blood |
| Long Yan Rou | 12g | 12.9% | Jun (Chief) | Nourishes Heart blood and calms the spirit |
| Ren Shen | 6g | 6.45% | Chen (Deputy) | Tonifies source qi and strengthens the Spleen |
| Bai Zhu | 9g | 9.68% | Chen (Deputy) | Strengthens the Spleen and augments qi |
| Dang Gui | 9g | 9.68% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes and generates blood |
| Suan Zao Ren | 12g | 12.9% | Zuo (Assistant) | Nourishes Heart yin and calms the spirit |
| Fu Shen | 9g | 9.68% | Zuo (Assistant) | Quiets the Heart and calms the spirit |
| Yuan Zhi | 6g | 6.45% | Zuo (Assistant) | Facilitates the Heart-Kidney axis and calms the spirit |
| Mu Xiang | 6g | 6.45% | Zuo (Assistant) | Moves qi and revives the Spleen so the tonics do not cause stagnation |
| Gan Cao | 3g | 3.23% | Shi (Envoy) | Tonifies qi and harmonizes the formula |
| Sheng Jiang | 3g | 3.23% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the middle burner |
| Da Zao | 6g | 6.45% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the middle and supports qi and blood |
Total weight: 96g
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly warm (+0.74)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 26%, warm 74%.
Taste
- pungent 14%
- sweet 60%
- sour 7%
- bitter 14%
- bland 5%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 81%
- Heart 61%
- Lung 32%
- Stomach 29%
- Liver 23%
- Gallbladder 19%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Decoct with small amount of Sheng Jiang and Da Zao. Simmer 30 minutes, take warm in 2 doses.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day. Pills: 6–9g twice daily. May be used long-term.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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Formula Network
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Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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