Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
In traditional TCM context, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散) is a classic herbal formula. It is traditionally used to tonifies Spleen Qi, leaches out Dampness, stops diarrhea. Treats Spleen Deficiency with Dampness presenting as loose stools, fatigue, poor appetite, and pale complexion.
At a Glance
Traditional TCM Context
Classic formula · 7 ingredients
Tonifies Spleen Qi, leaches out Dampness, stops diarrhea. Treats Spleen Deficiency with Dampness presenting as loose stools, fatigue, poor appetite, and pale complexion.
Direct Modern Evidence
1 exact formula paper
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 Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness. Strengthens the Spleen, drains Dampness, and stops diarrhea. Widely used for chronic digestive disorders including IBS-D and chronic diarrhea.
Core TCM Functions
Tonifies Spleen Qi, leaches out Dampness, stops diarrhea. Treats Spleen Deficiency with Dampness presenting as loose stools, fatigue, poor appetite, and pale complexion.
What Current Research Does—and Does Not—Show
An animal study in the current TCMIO reference set investigated Shenling Baizhu San in a rat model of ulcerative colitis, focusing on intestinal flora modulation. No human clinical trials on the complete formula are currently linked in this library.
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.
Exact Formula Research
(1)Studies where the formula name, composition, and study subject are confirmed to match Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Safety & Boundaries
Formula-Specific Safety Notes
Formula-specific safety information is limited. Consult a qualified professional before use.
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: Fu Ling, Bai Zhu, Dang Shen, Gan Cao and others.
Formula Composition
The following herbs compose Shen Ling Bai Zhu San according to traditional formula structure. Roles are labeled in Traditional Formula Context.
Click any herb to view its full detail page.
Fu Ling
茯苓
Poria cocos
Strengthens the Spleen, promotes urination, leaches out Dampness, calms the Shen. Core Spleen-tonifying herb.
Bai Zhu
白术
Atractylodes macrocephala
Tonifies Qi, strengthens the Spleen, dries Dampness, promotes water metabolism, stabilizes the Exterior.
Dang Shen
党参
Codonopsis pilosula
Tonifies Middle Jiao Qi, strengthens the Spleen, nourishes Blood, generates Fluids. Gentler substitute for Ren Shen.
Gan Cao
甘草
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Tonifies Spleen Qi, clears heat, detoxifies, moderates other herbs
Chen Pi
陈皮
Citrus reticulata
Regulates Qi, strengthens the Spleen, dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm. Classic herb for digestive Stagnation.
Sha Ren
砂仁
Amomum villosum
Transforms Dampness, promotes Qi circulation, warms the Spleen, stops diarrhea, calms the fetus.
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(4)
Related TCM Patterns(3)
Related Conditions(3)
Sources(2)
- 1.
Multiple authors. Effect of Shenling Baizhu San on Intestinal Flora in a Rat Model of Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2022.
Bibliographic details
Reliability: Moderate
Source type: Animal Study
- 2.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition — Shen Ling Bai Zhu San. Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020, Vol. I. 2020.
Bibliographic details
Reliability: official
Source type: official_compendium
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.