The classic foundational formula for “strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness,” where each ingredient synergistically contributes:
Red Adzuki Beans & Common Red Beans (Chief Ingredients - Primary Dampness-Dispelling Agents)
Functional Analysis: Distinction is crucial here. Red adzuki beans (slender, dark red) are both food and medicine, with core functions of “promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, detoxifying, and expelling pus,” exhibiting potent dampness-dispelling effects. Red beans (round, bright red) are more commonly consumed and primarily function to “tonify the spleen, boost qi, and nourish blood.” Using both together enhances dampness-expelling and water-draining effects while also providing tonification.
Role in this formula: As the primary agent, it expels excess “dampness-water” from the body through diuresis, addressing the symptoms.
Gorgon Nut (Minister Herb - Strengthens Spleen and Consolidates Essence)
Efficacy: Tonifies spleen to stop diarrhea, benefits kidneys to secure essence, removes dampness to halt leukorrhea. Its neutral nature both fortifies the spleen (enhancing digestive transformation of dampness—addressing root causes) and provides astringency to prevent excessive diuresis.
Key Role in This Formula: “Strengthens the spleen to treat the source of dampness.” It forms a perfect pairing with the “water-draining” action of adzuki beans: one drains while the other nourishes, one promotes while the other consolidates. This approach expels dampness without harming vital energy, thereby strengthening the foundation.
Dried Tangerine Peel (Auxiliary Herb - Regulating Qi and Drying Dampness)
Effects: Also known as aged tangerine peel (typically referring to aged material). Regulates qi and strengthens the spleen, dries dampness and transforms phlegm. Its aromatic nature awakens the spleen, aiding spleen-stomach transformation; Its bitter-warm nature dries dampness.
Function in this formula: Promotes qi circulation. Heavy dampness obstructs qi flow, causing distension and fullness. Chenpi's qi-moving action resolves distension while assisting dampness-drying, serving as the essential finishing touch in spleen-strengthening and dampness-expelling formulas.
Formula Summary: This formula embodies the complete approach of "draining water and expelling dampness (Adzuki beans/Red beans) + Strengthening the spleen and consolidating the foundation (Euryale seed) + Regulating qi and invigorating the spleen (Dried tangerine peel)" approach. It focuses not only on expelling existing dampness (eliminating pathogens) but also on restoring the spleen and stomach's inherent ability to transform and transport fluids (strengthening the healthy qi), thereby preventing the recurrence of dampness. This makes it a balanced choice that addresses both the root cause and the symptoms.
Core symptoms of “dampness” it addresses:
Physical sensations: Body heaviness, dizziness like being wrapped in cloth, heavy limbs, easy fatigue, and persistent sleepiness.
Digestive issues: Poor appetite, abdominal bloating, loose stools, sticky residue clinging to the toilet bowl.
Tongue manifestations (typical features): Swollen tongue body, teeth marks on the tongue edges, white greasy or thick coating.
Other: Oily face or hair, pronounced eye bags, sensation of bodily swelling.
Suitable for:
Individuals frequently exposed to humid environments (e.g., southern China's spring dampness or rainy season) or those who regularly consume raw, cold, sweet, or greasy foods.
Office workers with sedentary lifestyles and insufficient exercise, experiencing stagnant qi and internalized dampness.
Those with weak spleen and stomach function, poor digestion and absorption, exhibiting “weakness-related obesity” or a constitution prone to weight gain even from water intake.
As a daily health tea during summer or the long summer season (humid and hot period).
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