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Preface: The Spleen and Stomach constitute the "Kun Yuan" (Earth Origin, symbolizing the earth that bears and generates) of the human body. Great is the Kun Yuan, upon which all things rely for growth; thus, the Spleen and Stomach are the mother of the hundred bones (the entire physical structure). Li Dongyuan's fame in his time stemmed from no other specialty than his profound understanding of the critical importance of the Spleen and Stomach. Quack physicians often damage patients' Spleen and Stomach when treating diseases. This is akin to wishing to nurture one's children while first destroying their mother; how can this be considered a method of preventive care? Herein, six formulas are examined, hopefully approaching the method of regulating the primal Qi and tonifying the root.

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, stir-fried), Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, stir-fried), Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix, stir-fried), Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen, stir-fried), Bian Dou (Phaseoli Semen), Lian Rou (Nelumbinis Semen).

This formula is indicated for cases of Spleen and Stomach deficiency characterized by anorexia.

The Spleen and Stomach correspond to the Earth element. Earth is the mother of all things; the various organs and limbs receive Qi from the Spleen and Stomach before they can become strong. If the Spleen and Stomach are deficient, the whole body will lack Qi reception, leading to progressive emaciation and weakness. Therefore, in treating miscellaneous diseases, priority should be given to the Spleen and Stomach. However, the Spleen and Stomach favor sweet flavors and dislike bitter ones; they favor aromatic qualities and dislike turbid ones; they favor dryness and dislike dampness; they favor free flow and dislike stagnation. In this formula, Ren Shen, Bian Dou, and Gan Cao possess sweet flavors. Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Shan Yao, Lian Rou, and Yi Yi Ren are sweet and slightly drying. Sha Ren is pungent, aromatic, and drying, capable of opening the appetite and awakening the Spleen. Jie Geng is sweet and slightly bitter; its sweetness implies a mild nature, serving as the "vessel and oar" (carrier) to guide the other herbs upward; its bitterness implies a descending nature, thereby connecting the Heavenly Qi with the Earthly Dao (facilitating the descent of Lung Qi to regulate water passages).

Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel, 10 liang), Ding Xiang (Caryophylli Flos, 1 liang), Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride), He Zi Rou (Terminalia Chebulae Fructus), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, 5 qian each).
Take 2 qian of the powdered medicine per dose.

This formula is indicated for pediatric cases of Spleen deficiency with poor transformation, where rice and grains are not digested, accompanied by loose bowels (slippery intestines) and drooling (saliva retention under the chin).

The Stomach governs reception, and the Spleen governs digestion and transportation; therefore, if reception occurs but digestion fails, the fault lies in Spleen deficiency. "Slippery intestines" refers to diarrhea with undigested food due to intestinal laxity. "Saliva retention" refers to excessive saliva accumulation below the jawline; both are manifestations of weak Earth (Spleen) failing to control Water (dampness/saliva). Fire generates Earth, hence Ding Xiang is used. Sweetness tonifies Earth, hence Gan Cao is used. Aromaticity promotes Spleen function, hence Chen Pi is used. Astringency resolves slipperiness, hence He Zi is used. Qing Pi is used because it soothes the chest diaphragm and pacifies the Liver, thereby restraining the element that overacts upon the Spleen (Wood overacting on Earth).