Gui Pi Tang
In traditional TCM context, Gui Pi Tang (归脾汤) is a classic herbal formula. It is traditionally used to tonifies Spleen Qi, nourishes Heart Blood, calms the Shen. Treats insomnia with palpitations, forgetfulness, fatigue, poor appetite, and pale complexion.
At a Glance
Traditional TCM Context
Classic formula · 8 ingredients
Tonifies Spleen Qi, nourishes Heart Blood, calms the Shen. Treats insomnia with palpitations, forgetfulness, fatigue, poor appetite, and pale complexion.
Direct Modern Evidence
0 exact formula papers
No direct research on this exact formula is currently linked in this library.
Safety Notes
Formula-specific safety information is limited
Formula-specific safety information is limited. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Traditional TCM Perspective
Traditional Formula Role
A classic formula for insomnia due to Heart and Spleen Deficiency. Tonifies Qi, nourishes Blood, and calms the Shen. Particularly suited for patients with fatigue, poor appetite, and sleep disturbance.
Core TCM Functions
Tonifies Spleen Qi, nourishes Heart Blood, calms the Shen. Treats insomnia with palpitations, forgetfulness, fatigue, poor appetite, and pale complexion.
Core TCM Patterns
What Current Research Does—and Does Not—Show
Two randomized controlled trials in the current TCMIO reference set examined Kami Guibi-tang, a modified variant of Gui Pi Tang, for insomnia and mild cognitive impairment in older adults. These studies evaluated the variant formula, not Gui Pi Tang as traditionally composed. No direct research on the complete Gui Pi Tang formula is currently linked.
Research is classified by how closely it matches this formula. Only studies that explicitly name and evaluate the exact formula composition are presented as direct evidence. Variant formulas, family-related formulas, and single-ingredient studies are shown separately.
Formula-Variant Research
(2)Important: These studies evaluated formula variants — not Gui Pi Tang as traditionally composed.
Each variant differs in composition from standard Gui Pi Tang. Results should not be interpreted as direct evidence of Gui Pi Tang's efficacy.
Efficacy and safety of Kami Guibi-tang in older adults with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial
This study evaluated a formula variant. Its composition may differ from Gui Pi Tang.
Kami Guibi-tang is a modified variant of Gui Pi Tang. It contains additional herbs beyond the standard Gui Pi Tang composition and is not identical to the traditional formula.
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-026-05348-9
Efficacy and safety of Kami-guibi-tang for mild cognitive impairment: a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
This study evaluated a formula variant. Its composition may differ from Gui Pi Tang.
This study evaluated a Kami-guibi-tang variant, which differs in composition from standard Gui Pi Tang.
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03428-6
PMID: 34620151
Safety & Boundaries
Formula-Specific Safety Notes
Formula-specific safety information is limited. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in acute febrile illness and excess-heat patterns. Use with caution in damp-heat syndromes.
General Safety Boundary
- TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
- Formula-level safety profiles may differ from individual herb profiles. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner for individualized guidance.
- For herb-specific safety information, see the individual herb profiles: Long Yan Rou, Fu Shen, Bai Shao, Bai Zi Ren and others.
Formula Composition
The following herbs compose Gui Pi Tang according to traditional formula structure. Roles are labeled in Traditional Formula Context.
Click any herb to view its full detail page.
Long Yan Rou
龙眼肉
Longan Arillus
Tonifies Heart and Spleen Blood, nourishes the Blood, calms the Shen. Key herb in Gui Pi Tang.
Fu Shen
茯神
Poria cum Radix Pini
Calms the Shen (spirit), strengthens the Spleen, promotes urination. Specifically used when insomnia has an anxiety/restlessness component.
Bai Shao
白芍
Paeonia lactiflora
Nourishes Blood, regulates menstruation, softens the Liver, alleviates pain, preserves Yin.
Bai Zi Ren
柏子仁
Platycladi Semen
Nourishes the Heart, calms the Shen, moistens the intestines, promotes bowel movement. Used in Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.
Dang Gui
当归
Angelica sinensis
Tonifies blood, regulates menstruation, alleviates pain
Fu Ling
茯苓
Poria cocos
Strengthens the Spleen, promotes urination, leaches out Dampness, calms the Shen. Core Spleen-tonifying herb.
Gan Jiang
干姜
Zingiberis Rhizoma
Warms the Middle Jiao, dispels Cold, restores Devastated Yang. Used for Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold.
Mu Xiang
木香
Aucklandia lappa
Promotes Qi circulation, alleviates pain, strengthens the Spleen, resolves Stagnation. Key herb for abdominal pain and bloating.
Traditional Formula Context: Ingredient roles (Chief/Deputy/Assistant/Envoy) reflect traditional TCM formulary theory. These classifications are educational and do not constitute modern pharmacological ranking.
Related Knowledge
Related Symptoms(3)
Related TCM Patterns(1)
Related Herbs(8)
Related Conditions(3)
Sources(2)
- 1.
Park JW, Kim J, et al.. Efficacy and safety of Kami Guibi-tang in older adults with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2026.
Bibliographic details
Reliability: High
Source type: Clinical Trial
- 2.
Yan Yonghe. Yan YH. Ji Sheng Fang (Formulas to Aid the Living). 1253 CE.. 1253.
Bibliographic details
Reliability: classic
Source type: classical_text
Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.
If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.