At present, there is no proprietary Chinese medicine that can both relieve the liver of depression (by unblocking the liver’s qi to treat depression) and strengthen the spleen to dispel dampness (by tonifying the spleen to expel dampness). Proprietary Chinese medicines that have the effects of relieving the liver of depression and strengthening the spleen to dispel dampness include Shu Liver Relief Capsule and Xiang Sha Ping Stomach Granules.
1. The main effects of Shu Hepatolytic Capsule are to relieve the liver and depression, strengthen the spleen and calm the mind (strengthening the function of the spleen and stabilizing the mind).
This drug is commonly used in the treatment of mild and moderate monophasic depression, which is characterized by liver depression and spleen deficiency. Symptoms include depressed mood, delayed interest, difficulty in falling asleep, dreaming, waking up early, nervousness and restlessness, irritability, tightness in the chest, poor appetite, fatigue, sweating, and pain.
Occasionally, adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, headache, dizziness or fainting, insomnia, loss of appetite or anorexia, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, rash, and panic are seen. Contraindications to the drug are unclear. Note that patients with hepatic insufficiency should be cautious.
2. The main effects of Xiang Sha Ping Stomach Granules are strengthening the spleen, warming the middle and drying dampness. It is often used in the treatment of dietary irregularities, food and dampness stagnation, gastric distension and pain, dyspepsia. The precautions and contraindications for Xiang Sha Ping Stomach Granules are not clear. Caution should be taken when the spleen and stomach are weak.
Before taking the drug, it should be used under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and should not be purchased and used on its own, so as not to delay the condition.