INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

 

Barley, sprout 93.7mg

Hawthorn Berry 70.3mg

Dangshen, root 70.3mg

White Atractylodes, root 70.3mg

Wolfporia, fruit 46.9mg

Mandarin, peel 23.4mg

 

Store below 30°C

Contains 200 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 482236

Manufactured In Australia.

 

Indications: bloating, distended, full, poor digestion, acid reflux, farting and burping.

Actions: stimulate digestive function to relieve all symptoms.

Dosage: 8 pills before food. If you forget take them after food.

Children: 6 months an over 1 pill per year of age up to the age of 10 as directed above.

Use with Bloating for long-term problems.

Over use, don’t under use. Treat sooner rather than later.

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Jian Pi Tang – "Indigestion"

A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to strengthen digestion, improve nutrient absorption and restore healthy digestive function after chronic weakness or illness.

 

What is Jian Pi Tang?

Almost everyone experiences indigestion from time to time.

But for some people, the problem isn't simply what they've eaten.

It's that their digestive system has gradually lost its ability to digest food efficiently.

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Meals leave them feeling:

• heavy

• tired

• bloated

• sluggish

• full for hours

 

They may notice loose stools, poor appetite, fatigue or even gradual weight loss despite eating well.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognised this pattern centuries ago.

​

Jian Pi Tang (健脾汤) was developed to strengthen the digestive system itself, helping the body once again extract nourishment from food.

​

At Chiron Medical we call it "Indigestion", because poor digestion is the complaint that most commonly brings people to this remarkable formula.

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Unlike formulas designed to break down excess food, Jian Pi Tang helps rebuild digestive strength from within.

 

A Formula with Hundreds of Years of Clinical Experience

Jian Pi Tang developed through the great tradition of Chinese internal medicine and has been refined over centuries as one of the principal formulas for Spleen Qi Deficiency—the TCM pattern most closely associated with chronic digestive weakness.

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It remains widely prescribed throughout China for patients recovering from prolonged illness, poor digestion and fatigue associated with impaired digestive function.

 

Why We Call It "Indigestion"

Many digestive complaints sound similar but have completely different causes.

One person overeats.

Another simply cannot digest a normal meal.

Jian Pi Tang is designed for the second person.

 

Typical symptoms include:

• poor appetite

• feeling full quickly

• fatigue after eating

• bloating after even small meals

• loose stools

• undigested food in stools

• low energy

• muscle weakness

• pale complexion

 

Chinese medicine sees these as signs that the digestive system itself has become weak.

Rather than forcing digestion, Jian Pi Tang nourishes and strengthens it.

 

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Jian Pi Tang is prescribed for Spleen Qi Deficiency with impaired digestive function.

 

Digestive Disorders

• chronic indigestion

• poor appetite

• bloating after meals

• loose stools

• chronic diarrhoea

• slow digestion

• post-illness digestive weakness

 

Recovery After Illness

Frequently prescribed following:

• prolonged infections

• surgery

• chronic fatigue

• digestive illness

• antibiotic-associated digestive weakness

 

Nutritional Support

Traditionally used where poor digestion contributes to:

• fatigue

• muscle weakness

• poor weight maintenance

• poor concentration

• reduced vitality

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The Herbs That Make the Formula

 

Digestion is much more than breaking food into smaller pieces. It is the body's ability to extract nourishment, transport nutrients and convert every meal into usable energy.

​

Jian Pi Tang was designed to rebuild this process from the ground up. Some herbs strengthen the digestive system, others improve movement through the stomach and intestines, while several help break down food that has begun to stagnate. Together they don't simply relieve digestive symptoms—they restore the body's ability to nourish itself.

 

Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root)

 

Traditional Role

Dang Shen is the head chef of the kitchen. It strengthens the Spleen and replenishes Qi, providing the energy needed to digest food, absorb nutrients and recover from fatigue. When digestion has become weak through chronic illness or overwork, Dang Shen helps put the engine back to work.

 

Biomedical Role

Research suggests Dang Shen supports gastrointestinal function, regulates immune activity and improves resistance to fatigue. Experimental studies also indicate beneficial effects on energy metabolism and digestive health.

 

Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome)

 

Traditional Role

A busy kitchen needs strong foundations. Bai Zhu strengthens the digestive system while drying excess Dampness, helping the body process food efficiently instead of allowing it to sit, ferment and create bloating or loose stools.

 

Biomedical Role

Modern research suggests Bai Zhu supports intestinal barrier integrity, regulates inflammatory pathways and enhances digestive enzyme activity, contributing to healthier gastrointestinal function.

 

Fu Ling (Poria)

 

Traditional Role

Fu Ling is the quiet organiser behind the scenes. It strengthens digestion without overburdening it, helps regulate fluid metabolism and keeps the digestive environment calm and balanced, particularly in chronic digestive weakness.

 

Biomedical Role

Research demonstrates immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties together with beneficial effects on gut microbiome health and gastrointestinal function.

 

Gan Cao (Liquorice Root)

 

Traditional Role

Every successful team needs someone who keeps everyone working together. Gan Cao harmonises the formula, protects the digestive tract and moderates the actions of the stronger herbs so recovery can occur steadily and comfortably.

 

Biomedical Role

Liquorice possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and gastroprotective properties while supporting mucosal healing throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

 

Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel)

 

Traditional Role

Food cannot nourish the body if it never keeps moving. Chen Pi keeps the digestive conveyor belt flowing, regulating Qi, relieving bloating and directing food downward so it continues its journey instead of becoming stuck.

 

Biomedical Role

Studies suggest Chen Pi improves gastric emptying, enhances digestive motility and reduces intestinal gas while demonstrating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

 

Mai Ya (Barley Sprout)

 

Traditional Role

Mai Ya is the formula's food processor. It breaks down accumulated food, particularly grains and starchy meals, relieving the heaviness and fullness that develop when digestion begins falling behind.

 

Biomedical Role

Barley Sprout contains naturally occurring digestive enzymes that support carbohydrate digestion and gastric emptying. Research suggests improvements in gastrointestinal motility, digestive efficiency and post-meal bloating.

 

Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit)

 

Traditional Role

Rich foods demand extra work. Shan Zha specialises in digesting meat and fatty meals, clearing food stagnation and helping the stomach recover after heavy eating before discomfort has time to develop.

 

Biomedical Role

Modern research demonstrates improved gastric emptying together with beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity and healthy cardiovascular function. Studies also suggest anti-inflammatory actions that support digestive and metabolic health.

 

Why These Herbs Work Together

Jian Pi Tang recognises that healthy digestion depends on more than simply eating the right foods. The digestive system must have the strength to break food down, the movement to transport it efficiently and the capacity to transform nutrients into energy.

 

The formula approaches this challenge from several directions. Dang Shen, Bai Zhu and Fu Ling rebuild the digestive engine, while Chen Pi keeps food moving smoothly through the gastrointestinal tract. Mai Ya and Shan Zha clear food stagnation before it causes bloating or discomfort, and Gan Cao harmonises the entire prescription while protecting the digestive system throughout recovery.

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the formula strengthens Spleen Qi, improves the transportive and transformative functions of the Middle Burner, resolves Dampness and relieves food stagnation. Rather than simply easing symptoms, it restores the body's capacity to digest and utilise nourishment effectively.

 

From a modern biomedical perspective, the constituent herbs have demonstrated effects on gastrointestinal motility, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal barrier integrity, gut microbiome composition, inflammatory regulation and nutrient utilisation. These complementary actions support a healthier digestive environment while improving the body's ability to absorb and convert food into usable energy.

 

Rather than simply treating bloating or poor appetite, Jian Pi Tang helps rebuild digestive capacity itself—allowing the body to produce the energy, resilience and nourishment that healthy digestion is meant to provide.

 

What Does Modern Research Say?

Research has investigated the constituent herbs for:

 

Functional Dyspepsia

• delayed gastric emptying

• chronic indigestion

• poor appetite

 

Gastrointestinal Health

• intestinal barrier integrity

• microbiome regulation

• inflammatory bowel conditions

• chronic diarrhoea

 

Nutritional Recovery

Experimental studies suggest:

• improved nutrient absorption

• reduced fatigue

• immune support

• improved muscle metabolism

Although more research is needed on the complete classical formula, modern findings strongly support its traditional role in improving digestive function.

 

Jian Pi Tang vs Bao He Tang (Indigestion vs Bloating)

These two formulas are often confused because both are used for digestive complaints.

In reality, they treat opposite problems.

Think of digestion like a fireplace.

Sometimes the fire is too weak.

Sometimes you've thrown far too much wood onto it.

The treatment is completely different.

 

Jian Pi Tang ("Indigestion")

Best suited for:

• weak digestion

• fatigue after eating

• poor appetite

• chronic loose stools

• low energy

• long-term digestive weakness

The digestive fire is too weak.

Its job is to strengthen digestion.

 

Bao He Tang ("Bloating")

Best suited for:

• overeating

• food stagnation

• abdominal fullness

• burping

• offensive wind

• constipation after overeating

• bloating after rich meals

The digestive system has simply been overloaded.

Its job is to clear the backlog.

 

How They Work Together

One of the most elegant concepts in Chinese medicine is knowing when to clear and when to strengthen.

Imagine someone who has eaten poorly for years.

They develop chronic food stagnation.

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Initially, Bao He Tang helps remove the accumulated burden from the digestive tract.

Once digestion begins moving again, Jian Pi Tang helps rebuild digestive strength so the problem is less likely to return.

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In clinical practice, practitioners often prescribe:

Bao He Tang first...

to remove excess.

Jian Pi Tang afterwards...

to rebuild healthy digestive function.

Together they form an excellent therapeutic partnership.

 

Beyond Indigestion

Modern medicine increasingly recognises that digestive health influences:

• immunity

• hormones

• energy

• mood

• brain function

• inflammation

Chinese medicine recognised this relationship thousands of years ago.

Healthy digestion creates healthy energy.

Healthy energy supports every other organ.

Jian Pi Tang therefore has effects that extend well beyond the stomach.

 

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

 

Classical Pattern

Spleen Qi Deficiency

Typical presentation:

• poor appetite

• fatigue

• loose stools

• abdominal distension after eating

• pale tongue

• weak pulse

 

Formula Strategy

Jian Pi Tang:

• Tonifies Spleen Qi.

• Improves digestion.

• Harmonises the Stomach.

• Supports nutrient transformation.

• Builds Qi and Blood.

 

Common Clinical Modifications

Frequently adapted for:

• chronic diarrhoea

• IBS

• post-antibiotic recovery

• chronic fatigue

• post-viral weakness

• elderly digestive decline

 

For Medical Doctors

 

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• gastrointestinal motility

• gastric emptying

• intestinal barrier integrity

• gut microbiota composition

• immune regulation

• inflammatory cytokines

• nutrient absorption

Major bioactive compounds include:

• atractylenolides

• codonopsis polysaccharides

• glycyrrhizin

• hesperidin

• ferulic acid

These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and immunomodulatory effects that align with the formula's traditional use.

 

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical monitoring is advisable in patients taking:

• proton pump inhibitors

• prokinetic agents

• corticosteroids (liquorice content)

• antihypertensives (high cumulative liquorice intake)

• anticoagulants (general botanical precaution)

 

Feeding the Body's Engine

Every cell depends on nourishment.

Every organ depends on digestion.

When digestion weakens, the rest of the body gradually follows.

Jian Pi Tang was designed to strengthen the body's ability to turn food into energy—not simply to relieve indigestion for a day, but to restore digestive resilience over time.

That is why we call it "Indigestion."

It reminds us that lasting digestive health isn't only about what we eat.

It's also about how well our body is able to use it.

 

Key Takeaways

• Jian Pi Tang is a classical formula traditionally prescribed for chronic indigestion caused by digestive weakness, rather than overeating.

• At Chiron Medical it is called "Indigestion" because it strengthens digestive capacity, improves nutrient absorption and supports healthy energy production.

• Unlike Bao He Tang ("Bloating"), which removes food stagnation after overeating or dietary excess, Jian Pi Tang rebuilds the digestive system once the excess has been cleared.

• Modern research supports the constituent herbs' roles in gut barrier integrity, microbiome regulation, digestive motility and immune function.

• Together, Bao He Tang and Jian Pi Tang illustrate one of the core principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine: first remove what shouldn't be there, then strengthen what should.

 

Clinical Perspective

Within the Chiron Medical digestive range, Bao He Tang ("Bloating") and Jian Pi Tang ("Indigestion") are complementary rather than competing formulas. Bao He Tang is the "clean-up crew," used when food has accumulated and digestion has become overwhelmed after overeating or consuming rich, greasy foods. Jian Pi Tang is the "builder," restoring digestive strength once the backlog has been cleared or when long-standing digestive weakness is the primary problem. Used appropriately, they represent two stages of digestive recovery: remove the burden, then rebuild the engine. This sequence reflects one of the most elegant treatment strategies in Traditional Chinese Medicine and explains why these formulas are so often used together in clinical practice.

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Clinical Insights

 

Chronic Indigestion and Poor Appetite

Indigestion is designed for people whose digestive system has become sluggish, weak or inefficient.

Typical symptoms include:

• poor appetite

• bloating after meals

• fullness after eating only small amounts

• slow digestion

• excessive gas

• fatigue after eating

• poor nutrient absorption

• mild loose stools

Rather than simply relieving indigestion, the formula strengthens digestive function so food can be broken down, absorbed and converted into energy more efficiently.

 

Children with Poor Appetite

Poor appetite is one of the most common reasons children present for treatment.

When children experience:

• fussy eating

• slow growth

• poor weight gain

• low appetite

• frequent bloating

• fatigue

practitioners frequently combine:

• Control Sugar (Shen Ling Bai Zhu San)

This combination strengthens digestive development while Indigestion improves appetite and digestive efficiency, helping children obtain better nutrition during important stages of growth.

 

More Severe Food Stagnation

Sometimes digestion becomes overwhelmed after:

• overeating

• rich meals

• excessive fatty foods

• holiday eating

 

When symptoms include:

• marked bloating

• abdominal fullness

• offensive belching

• food sitting heavily in the stomach

practitioners commonly combine:

• Bloating (Bao He Tang)

This combination clears retained food while Indigestion restores the digestive capacity needed to prevent repeated episodes.

 

Malabsorption Syndrome

Some people digest food but fail to absorb nutrients efficiently.

Typical features include:

• chronic loose stools

• weight loss

• nutritional deficiencies

• bloating

• chronic digestive weakness

• poor energy

Practitioners frequently combine:

• Sudden Vomiting (Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Tang) where digestive infection or acute gastrointestinal disturbance has impaired absorption.

• Food Allergies (Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang) where bowel and digestive dysfunction contribute to malabsorption.

Together these formulas help restore intestinal function while Indigestion rebuilds the digestive system's ability to extract nutrients from food.

 

Recovery After Gastrointestinal Illness

Many patients notice that digestion remains poor long after gastroenteritis has resolved.

Symptoms often include:

• poor appetite

• bloating

• early satiety

• fatigue after meals

• sluggish digestion

During recovery practitioners may combine:

• Sudden Vomiting (Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Tang)

until the acute illness has settled, before transitioning towards Indigestion to rebuild digestive strength and appetite.

 

Digestive Fatigue

Some people simply feel exhausted every time they eat.

Where meals consistently produce:

• sleepiness

• abdominal heaviness

• lack of energy

• poor concentration

Indigestion helps improve digestive efficiency so that food becomes a source of energy rather than fatigue.

 

Understanding the Chiron Medical Digestive Network

One of the strengths of the Chiron Formula Network is recognising that digestive disorders develop progressively.

 

Food Overload

Bloating (Bao He Tang)

Too much food overwhelms an otherwise healthy digestive system.

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Functional Digestive Weakness

Indigestion (Jian Pi Tang)

The stomach and intestines gradually lose their efficiency, producing poor appetite, bloating and sluggish digestion.

↓

Control Sugar (Shen Ling Bai Zhu San)

Long-standing digestive weakness begins affecting nutrient absorption, metabolism and bowel function.

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Food Allergies (Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang)

Chronic digestive dysfunction begins influencing immune tolerance, resulting in food sensitivities and gastrointestinal reactivity.

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Watery Bowels (Li Zhong Tang)

Digestive warmth becomes depleted, producing chronic watery diarrhoea and poor digestive resilience.

 

Acute Digestive Illness

Sudden Vomiting (Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Tang)

Acute gastroenteritis with nausea and vomiting.

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Sudden Diarrhoea (Huang Lian Jie Du Tang)

Inflammation progresses into the bowel, producing enteritis and inflammatory diarrhoea.

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Building Digestion Before Treating Disease

One of the oldest principles in Chinese medicine is:

"A healthy digestive system is the foundation of good health."

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Modern medicine increasingly supports this concept. The digestive tract is responsible not only for nutrient absorption, but also for immune regulation, hormone production, metabolism and communication with the nervous system through the gut-brain axis.

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Indigestion (Jian Pi Tang) is designed for the stage where digestion has become inefficient but before more complex digestive disorders have developed. By improving appetite, strengthening digestive function and enhancing nutrient absorption, it helps restore one of the body's most fundamental physiological processes.

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Within the Chiron Medical Digestive Network, Indigestion represents the transition from occasional digestive upset to chronic digestive weakness. Recognising this stage early allows practitioners to rebuild digestive function before problems progress to malabsorption, food intolerance, chronic diarrhoea or metabolic dysfunction.

 

It reinforces one of the central principles of the Chiron Formula Network:

Healthy digestion doesn't simply prevent bloating—it provides the energy, nutrients and resilience that support every other system in the body.