Do you often feel bloated, burp constantly after meals, and have loose stools that seem undigested? Take a look at your tongue—is it swollen with teeth marks on the sides and coated with a thick, white, sticky layer? Well, this could very well be what we in traditional Chinese medicine call "spleen and stomach deficiency" knocking at your door.

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that "the spleen and stomach are the foundation of acquired constitution," serving as the "chief steward" responsible for digestion, absorption, and the transformation of food essence (i.e., nutrients from food). When the spleen and stomach become deficient, qi becomes insufficient, leaving the gastrointestinal tract lacking the strength to function properly. Peristalsis slows down, and digestive capacity naturally weakens.Food accumulates in the stomach, leading to bloating, belching, and loose stools. A swollen tongue with teeth marks and a thick, white coating are classic signs of weakened spleen-stomach transformation of fluids and internal dampness retention.

In such cases, don't rush to use harsh or expensive remedies. I often recommend a simple yet effective home remedy to friends and patients. It uses common ingredients, is affordable, and works well—most importantly, it targets the root cause. It is:

Dried Tangerine Peel 10g: Regulates qi and harmonizes the middle burner, aiding the spleen and stomach in smoothing qi flow and relieving bloating.

Poria 15g: Strengthens the spleen and drains dampness, expelling excess moisture trapped in the spleen and stomach.

Codonopsis 10g: Tonifies the middle and boosts qi, directly energizing the spleen and stomach—the body's "engine."

Hawthorn 10 grams: Promotes digestion and soothes the stomach, helping to break down accumulated food.

Simply boil them together in water and drink as tea. This little formula combination not only nourishes spleen and stomach qi (Dangshen), but also regulates qi and transforms dampness (Chenpi, Fuling), while aiding digestion (Hawthorn). It's quite effective for issues like indigestion, bloating, and loose stools caused by spleen and stomach qi deficiency.

Here's a real-life example: My neighbor, Old Wang, has been feeling bloated and uninterested in food since retiring. Even small meals leave him feeling stuffed, his stools remain loose and unformed, and he tires easily. Examining his tongue revealed a classic swollen, large tongue with teeth marks and a thick, white, greasy coating—a clear sign of spleen-stomach deficiency.I suggested he try this herbal tea recipe, brewing a pot daily to drink throughout the day. After about two weeks of consistent use, he happily reported significant relief from abdominal bloating, improved appetite, more formed stools, and increased energy levels. Of course, he also adjusted his diet, reducing intake of raw, cold, and greasy foods. Grandpa Wang's case demonstrates that identifying the root cause and applying the right method can yield results even with a simple remedy.

This gentle herbal formula is practical and effective, but only if a doctor has confirmed that your gastrointestinal motility issues stem from spleen-stomach deficiency or qi deficiency. If your condition is complex, or if you experience no improvement or discomfort after use, consult a doctor promptly. Additionally, pregnant individuals or those with specific medical conditions should consult a doctor before use.

Nurturing the spleen and stomach is a slow process. Daily attention to eating in moderation, avoiding raw, cold, and greasy foods, and keeping your stomach warm are more important than anything else. This simple herbal remedy is meant to help those in need, so we can avoid wasting money and taking unnecessary detours in our journey to improve our health.