Spleen Support Formula (Wei Ling Tang), was first recorded in The Teachings of Dan Xi by Zhu Zhen-Heng in 1481. Spleen Support Formula addresses Spleen Qi deficiency with secondary Dampness accumulation. Rather than being overly tonifying like Six GentlePets (Liu Jun Zi Tang), it strengthens the Spleen simply by warming and drying it. Since Spleen deficiency is the primary pattern affecting cats, Spleen Support Formula is one of the most important formulas for cats. Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome and Magnolia bark both dry Damp. Magnolia bark additionally disperses stasis from the abdomen, while Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome warms the Spleen and Stomach. Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit assists in moving the Qi of the abdomen while also “cutting” the Damp. Ginger rhizome and Red jujube fruit tonify the Stomach and Spleen, respectively, without being cloying. Chinese licorice root and rhizome tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi while also harmonizing the formula as a whole. Asian water plantain rhizome, Japanese helwingia pith and Poria drain Damp and promote urination. White atractylodes rhizome tonifies the Spleen to reduce the production of Damp. Chinese cinnamon bark warms the Yang of the Middle Burner and supports healthy production and discharge of urine by the Bladder.
