Do any friends constantly feel physically heavy, lacking energy, experiencing chest tightness, copious phlegm that never seems to end, a tongue coating that is either white and slippery or thick and greasy, and bloating or indigestion after eating even slightly greasy food? In reality, these discomforts are all signals of "Spleen deficiency" and "phlegm-dampness" causing trouble in the body.

Today, I will share with you a classic ancient formula. It can regulate qi, fortify the spleen, dry dampness, and transform phlegm, helping you fundamentally break the vicious cycle of spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness.

Modern people are prone to spleen deficiency and dampness-phlegm due to their lifestyle and dietary habits. Staying up late for long periods and lacking exercise slow down the body's metabolism; coupled with frequent consumption of sweets, fried or grilled foods, and rich meats, these habits continuously burden the spleen and stomach's digestive functions.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that "the spleen governs transportation and transformation." The spleen and stomach are not only responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients but also serve as the "core hub" for water metabolism in the body, managing the absorption, transportation, and excretion of fluids. Once the functions of the spleen and stomach become imbalanced, their ability to metabolize water declines, leading to the stagnation and accumulation of dampness in the body, gradually forming phlegm-dampness. This phlegm-dampness, in turn, further hinders the functioning of the spleen and stomach, creating a vicious cycle of "spleen deficiency generating dampness, and excessive dampness damaging the spleen," making discomfort increasingly apparent.

To break free from this predicament, it is recommended to try the classic combined formula from the Ming dynasty text "Symptom, Cause, Pulse, and Treatment" — Er Chen Ping Wei San. This formula is a fusion of two renowned formulas, Er Chen Tang and Ping Wei San, omitting the overlapping ingredients of dried tangerine peel and licorice root, while integrating the advantages of both.

Its composition is quite concise: Pinellia tuber, dried tangerine peel, Poria cocos, magnolia bark, Atractylodes rhizome, and licorice root. The core effects are to dry dampness, strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and dissolve phlegm.

The formula's combination logic is very clear, focusing on the four-character principle of "dry, drain, regulate, and strengthen": use Pinellia and Atractylodes to dry dampness and dissolve phlegm, clearing existing phlegm-dampness in the body; rely on Poria to drain dampness and promote urination, allowing residual pathogenic dampness to be expelled through urine; utilize aged tangerine peel and magnolia bark to regulate qi and relieve stagnation, opening pathways for the expulsion of phlegm-dampness; and supplement with licorice and other herbs to strengthen the spleen and replenish qi, enhancing spleen and stomach functions to prevent the regeneration of dampness from its root cause.

However, it’s important to remind everyone that traditional Chinese medicine requires pattern identification and individualized treatment. Since each person’s constitution and syndrome type differ, do not prepare or take medications on your own. It is essential to use them under the guidance of a professional medical practitioner to ensure safety and efficacy.