Herbsmith Rx Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is a classical Chinese herbal formula recommended by holistic veterinarians to augment the qi, strengthen the spleen, leech out dampness, and stop diarrhea in dogs, cats, and horses. Comparable to Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder and Shen Ling Spleen Support, it augments the qi, strengthens the spleen, leeches out dampness, and stops diarrhea, addressing spleen and stomach vacuity with concurrent internal dampness. Built on the classical Si Jun Zi Tang qi-tonifying foundation of Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Zhi Gan Cao, with the addition of six herbs that strengthen the spleen, resolve dampness, and stop diarrhea, making Shen Ling Bai Zhu San the formula of choice when spleen qi deficiency has generated internal dampness manifesting as loose stools, chronic diarrhea, poor appetite, fatigue, and a pale tongue with a white greasy coating. Well suited for pets and horses with chronic digestive weakness, intermittent or persistent loose stools, poor appetite, and the general signs of spleen qi deficiency with internal damp accumulation. Available as a concentrated powder mixed into food; cats and dogs use the Canine Blend, while horses use the Equine/Horse Blend. Dosing varies by species and body weight, and your authorizing veterinarian will provide specific guidance.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
What It Supports
- Spleen qi tonification and digestive strengthening: Augments the spleen and stomach qi and strengthens the digestive function using the Si Jun Zi Tang base of Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Zhi Gan Cao, addressing the spleen qi deficiency root of the pattern that impairs the spleen's transforming and transporting function, produces internal dampness from unprocessed food and fluids, and generates the fatigue, poor appetite, and digestive weakness that characterize spleen and stomach vacuity.
- Dampness resolution and diarrhea stopping: Leeches out dampness and stops diarrhea using the combined damp-resolving and stool-firming actions of Fu Ling, Yi Yi Ren, Bai Bian Dou, Lian Zi, and Shan Yao, addressing the internal dampness generated by the spleen qi deficiency and the loose stools and diarrhea that arise when accumulated dampness in the middle jiao impairs the spleen's separating and transporting function, producing the characteristic chronic loose stool or diarrhea pattern of spleen qi deficiency with damp accumulation.
- Middle jiao qi movement and damp transformation: Moves qi in the middle jiao and transforms dampness using Sha Ren's aromatic qi-moving and damp-drying action, addressing the qi stagnation and damp accumulation in the middle jiao that prevent the spleen and stomach from restoring normal digestive function even as the qi-tonifying herbs are rebuilding the spleen qi, ensuring that the damp is actively transformed and moved rather than simply accumulating while the qi is being replenished.
- Lung qi ascending and spleen-lung axis support: Raises and diffuses the lung qi using Jie Geng as the upward-guiding herb that carries the formula's effects through the lung, supporting the spleen-lung qi axis and ensuring the spleen's ascending clear yang function is restored alongside the lung's descending and diffusing function, as the spleen and lung are mutually dependent in the generation and distribution of post-heaven qi from food and air.
TCVM Principles
- Primary action - spleen qi tonification and damp resolution: Tonifies the spleen and stomach qi with the Si Jun Zi Tang base (Ren Shen tonifies the yuan qi and spleen qi; Bai Zhu dries dampness and strengthens the spleen; Fu Ling leaches out dampness and calms the spirit; Zhi Gan Cao tonifies the spleen qi and harmonizes) while simultaneously resolving the internal dampness generated by the deficient spleen using the additional damp-resolving herbs (Shan Yao, Bai Bian Dou, Lian Zi, Yi Yi Ren), providing the dual action of tonifying the spleen to prevent further damp generation and resolving the existing damp accumulation that is perpetuating the loose stool and diarrhea pattern.
- Secondary action - qi movement, damp transformation, and upward guidance: Moves qi and transforms damp in the middle jiao with Sha Ren's aromatic action to ensure the damp is actively dispersed and the middle jiao qi flow is restored, preventing the qi-tonifying herbs from creating stagnation in a middle jiao already obstructed by accumulated damp; guides the formula upward through the lung with Jie Geng to support the spleen-lung qi axis and the ascending clear yang function of the spleen, and harmonizes the formula with Zhi Gan Cao to coordinate the tonic, damp-resolving, and qi-moving actions into a well-integrated treatment for spleen and stomach vacuity with internal dampness.
Available Forms
- Powder - Canine Blend (for dogs and cats): Available in 75 g, 150 g, 500 g, 900 g, and 1200 g sizes; mix into food at the recommended dose for your pet's weight. Cats and dogs both use this blend.
- Powder - Equine/Horse Blend (for horses only): Available in 150 g, 500 g, 900 g, and 1200 g sizes; mix into grain at the recommended dose for your horse.
Suggested Use
For Dogs (Canine Blend Powder):
- Under 30 lbs: ½ tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
- 30-80 lbs: 1 tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
- 80-120 lbs: 1½ tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
- Over 120 lbs: 2 tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
For Cats (Canine Blend Powder): ¼ tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
For Horses (Equine/Horse Blend, 1,000 lb horse): Two tablespoons twice daily for 20 days, then two tablespoons once daily in grain. If the horse initially refuses, start with a small amount mixed into grain and gradually increase until the horse is accustomed to the taste. Most horses will readily accept the herbs in their grain.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis), Shan Yao (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae), Bai Bian Dou (Semen Dolichoris Lablab), Lian Zi (Semen Nelumbinis Nuciferae), Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi), Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi), Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi Grandiflori)
Inactive Ingredient: Flaxseed
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Active Ingredient TCVM Actions
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is a ten-herb formula built on the Si Jun Zi Tang spleen qi-tonifying base with the addition of six damp-resolving, stool-firming, qi-moving, and upward-guiding herbs that extend the formula's action from simple spleen qi tonification to comprehensive spleen qi tonification with dampness resolution and diarrhea stopping:
- Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) - Ginseng Root: Principal herb; powerfully tonifies the yuan qi and spleen and lung qi, generates fluids, and calms the spirit; the foundational qi tonic of the Si Jun Zi Tang base, providing the primary spleen qi tonification needed to restore the spleen's transforming and transporting function and address the spleen qi deficiency root that is generating the internal dampness and digestive weakness of the spleen and stomach vacuity pattern.
- Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) - White Atractylodes Rhizome: Tonifies the spleen qi, dries dampness, and stabilizes the exterior; the principal damp-drying spleen tonic of the Si Jun Zi Tang base, simultaneously tonifying the spleen qi and drying the dampness generated by the deficient spleen, addressing both the qi deficiency root and the damp accumulation manifestation of the spleen and stomach vacuity pattern through its dual spleen-tonifying and damp-drying action.
- Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos) - Poria / Hoelen: Leeches out dampness, strengthens the spleen, and calms the spirit; the principal damp-leeching herb of the Si Jun Zi Tang base, draining the accumulated dampness from the middle jiao through the urine and strengthening the spleen to prevent further damp accumulation, working with Bai Zhu's damp-drying action to address the dampness from both drying and draining directions.
- Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis) - Honey-fried Licorice Root: Tonifies the spleen qi and harmonizes the formula in its honey-fried form, providing stronger spleen qi tonification than raw gan cao and harmonizing the interactions between the formula's tonic, damp-resolving, and qi-moving herbs to ensure the formula's actions are coordinated and well tolerated over the treatment course.
- Shan Yao (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae) - Chinese Yam Root / Dioscorea: Tonifies the spleen, lung, and kidney qi and yin, and firms the stools; adds spleen qi and yin tonification beyond the Si Jun Zi Tang base, contributing to the formula's stool-firming and diarrhea-stopping action through its astringent and spleen-tonifying properties while simultaneously nourishing the spleen yin to ensure the tonic herbs do not over-dry a spleen that may be both qi and yin deficient.
- Bai Bian Dou (Semen Dolichoris Lablab) - White Hyacinth Bean / Lablab Bean: Strengthens the spleen, resolves dampness, and relieves summer heat; contributes additional spleen-strengthening and damp-resolving action specifically oriented toward stopping diarrhea and resolving the damp turbidity in the middle jiao, working with Fu Ling and Yi Yi Ren to provide comprehensive dampness resolution from the middle jiao.
- Lian Zi (Semen Nelumbinis Nuciferae) - Lotus Seed: Tonifies the spleen qi, stops diarrhea, and calms the spirit; contributes the formula's primary diarrhea-stopping action through its astringent and spleen-tonifying properties, firming the stools and preventing the continued fluid loss through chronic loose stools and diarrhea while tonifying the spleen qi to address the deficiency driving the pattern.
- Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi) - Job's Tears / Coix Seed: Strengthens the spleen, leeches out dampness, and clears damp-heat; provides additional damp-leeching action working alongside Fu Ling to drain accumulated dampness from the middle jiao, and contributes mild spleen-strengthening action to support the formula's primary spleen qi tonification, particularly useful when there is a damp-heat component alongside the spleen qi deficiency.
- Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi) - Amomum Fruit / Cardamom: Moves qi in the middle jiao, transforms dampness, warms the middle, and stops diarrhea; the aromatic qi-moving and damp-transforming herb that addresses the qi stagnation and damp accumulation in the middle jiao, preventing the tonifying herbs from creating stagnation and ensuring the middle jiao qi flow is restored alongside the spleen qi tonification, warming the spleen and stomach to support the transformation and transportation of food and fluids.
- Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi Grandiflori) - Platycodon Root / Balloon Flower Root: Diffuses the lung qi, transforms phlegm, and guides the formula upward through the lung; the upward-directing guide herb that carries the formula's tonifying and damp-resolving actions through the lung channel, supporting the spleen-lung qi axis and the ascending clear yang function of the spleen, and ensuring the lung's role in water metabolism and qi distribution is supported alongside the spleen's transforming and transporting restoration.
Potential Drug Interactions
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San contains Ren Shen (ginseng), which affects platelet aggregation, blood glucose regulation, and certain hepatic enzyme pathways, making anticoagulant, antidiabetic, and hepatically metabolized pharmaceutical interactions the primary clinical concerns for this formula. Pets on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, antidiabetic medications, or immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals should use this formula under veterinary supervision, and herb-drug interaction research in dogs, cats, and horses remains limited.
Medication categories warranting extra caution include anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, antidiabetic medications and insulin (where Ren Shen's blood glucose effects may be additive or counteracting), immunosuppressive medications, hepatically metabolized pharmaceuticals, and diuretic medications (where Fu Ling's damp-leeching and Yi Yi Ren's draining actions may have additive effects on fluid balance). Your authorizing veterinarian will determine appropriateness based on your animal's condition, current medications, and laboratory results.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San used for in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is indicated for spleen and stomach vacuity with concurrent internal dampness, presenting with chronic loose stools or diarrhea, poor appetite, fatigue, abdominal distension, and a pale tongue with a white greasy coating reflecting the spleen qi deficiency and damp accumulation underlying the pattern. Comparable to Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder and Shen Ling Spleen Support, it is indicated when spleen qi deficiency has generated internal dampness that is producing the loose stool and diarrhea pattern, distinguishing it from Si Jun Zi Tang, which addresses spleen qi deficiency without significant damp accumulation.
How is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San administered to dogs, cats, and horses?
Mix the powder directly into food or grain at the dose recommended for your animal's species and body weight. Dogs and cats use the Canine Blend; horses use the Equine/Horse Blend. Dogs and cats receive the formula twice daily; horses receive two tablespoons twice daily for the first 20 days, then once daily for maintenance. If the horse initially refuses, start with a small amount mixed into grain and gradually increase until the horse is accustomed to the taste. Most horses will readily accept the herbs in their grain. Your authorizing veterinarian will confirm the appropriate dose and schedule for your individual animal.
How long does it take to see results with Shen Ling Bai Zhu San?
Many pets show improvement in stool consistency, appetite, and energy within 3 to 6 weeks of consistent use as spleen qi is tonified, dampness is resolved, and middle jiao qi flow is restored. Because chronic spleen qi deficiency with damp accumulation is typically a longstanding pattern rather than an acute condition, a longer course of 8 to 16 weeks or more is often needed to fully restore spleen function, clear the accumulated dampness, and maintain stool consistency and digestive strength over time. Your veterinarian will reassess the pattern periodically as the formula takes effect.
How does Shen Ling Bai Zhu San differ from Si Jun Zi Tang for spleen qi deficiency?
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is specifically indicated when spleen qi deficiency has generated internal dampness manifesting as chronic loose stools, diarrhea, and digestive weakness, while Si Jun Zi Tang addresses spleen qi deficiency without the significant damp accumulation component. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San's six additional herbs beyond the Si Jun Zi Tang base provide damp resolution, stool firming, middle jiao qi movement, and upward lung guidance that Si Jun Zi Tang does not provide. When the primary presentation is spleen qi deficiency with fatigue and poor appetite but without significant loose stools or damp signs, Si Jun Zi Tang may be more appropriate; when loose stools, diarrhea, or a greasy tongue coating indicate damp accumulation alongside the spleen qi deficiency, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is typically the formula of choice. Your authorizing veterinarian will determine which formula best matches your animal's specific TCVM pattern.