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What is Gui Pi Tang

What is Gui Pi Tang

The Gui Pi Tang is an herbal tea that has been around for over 2000 years. Popular in chinese medicine, it is a simple formula consisting of only two herbal ingredients, Angelica Sinensis and Ophiopogon. The Chinese name literally means the Decoction for Replenishing Spleen and Stomach.

What are the benefits of Gui Pi Tang?

It replenishes qi and nourishes yin in spleen and stomach. It’s primary uses are:

  • To expel cold, stopping chills and fever
  • Relief of diarrhea (from spleen deficiency)
  • Help with constipation

For these reasons, this formula has been widely used to treat various kinds of digestive problems including vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating, stomach pain caused by acid reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps, and spasms.

What are the Main Functions of Each Ingredient in Gui Pi Tang?

The Chinese herbal ingredients in Gui Pi Tang have different functions to treat various digestive problems including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion, GERD , IBS , cramps and spasms .

  • Angelica Sinensis (dang gui) nourishes yin in spleen and stomach; it expels damp heat from lung and stops coughing with expectoration.
  • Ophiopogon (mai men dong) nourishes qi; it stops diarrhea and promotes urination.

Other Health Benefits of Gui Pi Tang

Although Vibrant Health Center primarily uses this Chinese herb for it’s stomach-healing properties, there are many benefits.

  • Gui Pi Tang is also used as a female tonic to treat infertility, irregular menstruation and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.
  • Dang gui (Angelica sinensis) boosts the immune system by increasing production of white blood cells and enhances the body’s ability to fight against bacteria and viruses.
  • Gui Pi Tang can also be prescribed for diabetes, hepatitis C, anemia and high cholesterol.

Are there any side effects associated with taking Gui Pi Tang?

It is generally safe and well-tolerated, but there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of. First, Gui Pi Tang can sometimes cause a feeling of heat or tingling in the head and neck. This is caused by the herbs in the formula stimulating blood circulation.

Second, if you have existing digestive problems that originate from outside conditions (i.e. a stomach virus), Gui Pi Tang may worsen these symptoms. And of course, if you have any pre-existing conditions or are pregnant or nursing, you should consult with your doctor before taking any new supplement.

Is there much research about the benefits of Gui Pi Tang?

There is research on the benefits of Gui Pi Tang, and it is an effective formula for tonifying the Kidneys and benefiting the brain. It has been shown to improve cognitive function and protect against age-related declines in mental ability. Additionally, it has been shown to be helpful for treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Below are some peer-reviewed, scientific journal articles where the benefits have been studied.

What does Gui Pi Tang taste like when it’s made traditionally? 

The tea tastes earthy, bitter and slightly sweet. It is often described as having a “Qi” or energy quality about it which makes it unique and distinct from other herbal formulations. Some people do find the taste to be quite strong and pungent, and prefer to water it down.

How to take Gui Pi Tang?

Gui pi tang is best taken as a decoction. This means the herbs are boiled together in water for 5-10 minutes and then consumed as a tea.

Dr. Herrin will review your specific needs and discuss this with you at the beginning of your treatment plan. Usage can vary based on what you are trying to treat. We look forward to helping you on your journey to better health.