Western medicine perspectives for spleen health.

The spleen is part of your body’s lymphatic system. An abnormal organ which is a storage house for blood. Produces white blood cells and any excess red blood cells playing an important role of the immune system. The lymphatic system helps remove cellular waste, maintain fluid balance, and make and activate infection-fighting white blood cells for the immune system. The spleen’s key responsibility for making substances that play an important role in inflammation and healing.

The spleen sits in the upper left part of your abdomen. It’s located behind your ribs, under your diagram, and above and behind your stomach.

This fist-shaped, oblong organ is purple. It can become significantly larger when a person is sick or injured. Enlargement (splenomegaly) occurs in many diseases begin and malignant, anemia, malaria, leukemia. Bacterial infections would be treated based on starting disorder one of the causes of enlargement is latent vaccinosis  Latent vaccinosis refers to a condition where an individual carries the inactive form of a vaccine in their system. Latent: This term indicates that the infection is dormant or inactive. In the context of vaccinosis, it means that the vaccine has been administered, but the immune response is not currently active. Vaccinosis: This term combines “vaccine” and “-osis,” which generally refers to a pathological condition. In this case, it specifically relates to the long-term effects or consequences of vaccination. My personal opinion is that since 2020 with the introduction of the CV 19 inoculations many issues have arisen since and have made it notable fact that many people now have become seriously ill related to white blood cells disorders. Food for thought? Enlargement may behind heart disease and Electrocardiogram will confirm this.

Symptoms:

Many symptoms can overlap but there are a few distinct and associated with the spleen itself.

Deep seated pain in the left hypochondrium, impaired appetite, sallow or yellow skin, scanty urine, physical weakness. More frequent colds or infections. Easy bleeding and bruising. Bloating and fullness in the stomach.

Infections such as viral infections such as HIV, mononucleosis and bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and endocarditis, parasite infections such as malaria and toxoplasmosis stress the immune function of the spleen. It may cause it to overproduce antibodies and immune cells.

Liver disease conditions affecting the liver such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause pressure to build up in the blood vessels that run through the level and spleen known as portal hypertension which vascular pressure can create blood to pool and cause spleen to enlarge. Blue flag it addresses enlarged liver and spleen issues as it is a multipurpose herb.

Other possible causes include:

Cancers -blood such as leukemia or myeloproliferative neoplasms and lymphomas can infiltrate the spleen with foreign cells that continue to multiply again. In Chinese medicines spleen is the creator of all these causes.

Focal lesions. Benign growths such as cyst or abscesses, as well as metastatic cancer that spreads from elsewhere.

Autoimmune diseases. Chronic inflammatory conditions such as lupus, sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause an overactive immune system response and spleen hyperplasia.

Blood disorders. Conditions such as hemolytic anemia and neutropenia that can cause early destruction of red blood cells can overload the spleen, whose job is to remove them.

Inherited metabolic disorders. Conditions that cause various substances to build up in your blood and store in your organs such as Niemann -pick disease, Gaucher disease and sickle cell disease can infiltrate the spleen.

Craving for sweet foods high sugar content is also an indication of spleen issues.

Herbal treatments:

Spleen and pancreas herbal treatment.

Blue flag, bearberry, fenugreek ,thiphala, ginger, cardamon, cloves, jersey tea, fennel, garlic, turmeric, burdock root,karela (bitter gourd) ajwain (carom seeds), gentian, white horehound, cinnamon bark, sting nettle, licorice root (not to be used in HBP) rehmannia to be used in place. Boswellia removes inflammation. Good old aspirin although is a powerful anti inflammatory may be responsible for a feeble immune response.

White cell stimulators:

The following increase ability of the white blood cells to attack bacteria and invading cells.

Licorice root, Siberian ginseng, Golden seal, calendula, thuja, Echinacea (activates T CELLS).

Mugwort for weakened digestion

Herbs for lymphatic system – Known as Lymphatics are a group that expend their influence upon the lymphatic system stimulating the circulation of lymph and tending to disperse glandular swellings.

Herbs such as Cleavers, Echinacea, Golden seal, Marigold, violet and Poke root, red clover, garlic, comfrey, shitake mushroom ,reshi mushroom,argimony and blue flag, may be considered for the lymphatic system the strengthen body defenses.

Parasite cleanse should apply with treatment-Herbs such as mugwort, oregano wormwood, black walnut, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate skin tea, garlic and onions.

Vitamins

A,B12,C,D

Nutrients –

Chlorella.

Potassium (make a potato peeling broth) Zinc, Iron.

Collagen peptides or spirulina in mornings has all amino acid profile for liver detoxification and antihistamines.

Households should have in the cupboard for emergency use gripe water I recommend use this of gripe water to settle down spleen and use in respiratory issues related to cold and flu. Think back when you have a newborn baby why did we use gripe water.

Dill Seed Oil 1.8mg, Caraway Oil 120mcg, Cinnamon Bark Oil 120mcg, Clove Bud Oil 120mcg, Cardamom Oil 36mcg.

Eastern Medicine perspective for spleen health.

Spleen Blood Deficiency can also be explained by the Generation Cycle of the Five Elements theory you will come across the difference between western and eastern diagnosis and treatment of the spleen. We can use this knowledge to gain a further insight of ways we can better our health by marrying up the information we have and see what suits our bodies.

Have you ever thought about why Chinese people drink warm water with their meals and consume chicken soup a lot.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen-Pancreas system (also commonly just referred to as the Spleen) encompasses all the other organs of digestion, including the stomach and small & large intestine.

Spleen is a vital organ found under the ribcage, in the upper left part of your abdomen. According to Western Medicine, your spleen is the largest organ in the lymphatic system, making spleen health crucial. It is sister to your tonsils, adenoids, and thymus. Is like a youth hostel for the different aspects of your blood.

Your lymphatic system is a compilation of tissues and organs that rid your body of waste, toxins, and other non-beneficial materials. Your “lymph” is a powerful fluid that contains white blood cells, the little warriors that fight infections. According to Western Medicine, the spleen keeps your bodily fluids in balance, yet it is possible to live without it. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers similar ideas yet expands upon these premises. 

• Your Spleen function in Chinese medicine is very different from its function in Western medicine
• It is much more like a ‘housekeeper’ for your body
• It supplies the building blocks for Blood, which renews and repairs your body
• When it fails, systems stop working properly, with the build-up of debri

Spleen related symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, chronic tiredness, poor appetite or strong appetite, weight gain, sweet cravings, abdominal bloating, soft bowel movements or constipation. Some health concerns that are explained under a “Spleen qi deficiency” Chinese medicine diagnosis Include anaemia, Irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, functional dyspepsia, Crohn’s disease, reflux or GERD, adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia, amenorrhea, chronic fatigue and weight management, haemorrhoids, prolapses, and even varicose veins!

The Spleen has an arguably much bigger role in Chinese Medicine than in Western medicine. It rules transformation and transportation of food Essences (nutrition), Qi, and Body Fluids and their distribution to other Zang Organs.

Another function of the spleen is to produce blood. The Spleen produces blood using nutrients, with good digestion with good food, good nutritional value. So, when there is blood deficiency, we have to look why the spleen is not in harmony with the rest of the body, we also need to take into account what is wrong with the diet, the digestive system, or absorption usually referred to as leaky gut.

Spleen-related condition, especially involving the Spleen blood can be judged by the lips’ color and appearance. The lips are rosy and moist if the Spleen QI and Spleen Blood are strong. The lips are pale if Spleen Blood is deficient. The lips are dry if Spleen yin is Deficient. If the Spleen has excessive heat the lips are likely to be red and dry and have a sweet taste.
An excessive intake of cold food, drinks and raw foods, including excessive juicing, can damage the Spleen’s function of transformation and transportation leading to Spleen-Qi Deficiency. Eating too little (dieting) or eating a protein-deficient diet can also cause Spleen Deficiency; therefore, eating too much or eating too little will affect to Spleen Qi Deficiency. Energy drinks such as V and red bull deplete the spleen function.

Emotional burdens such as excessive worrying, over thinking (anxiety) may weaken the Spleen and lead to Spleen-Qi Deficiency. Alternately, Spleen Qi Deficiency will have symptoms of overthinking.

Prolonged exposure to areas of dampness, such as humid climate due to moisture can weaken the spleen QI deficiency

Chronic disease-Any long term and degenerative diseases  will tend to weaken the Spleen and lead to Spleen-Qi Deficiency. This is the reason why Dampness and Phlegm are a frequent consequence of chronic diseases, as Spleen-Qi is weakened, and this leads to the formation of Dampness or Phlegm. This is very important to keep in mind, as those who have been struggling with any type of illness will likely have Spleen Qi Deficiency; in order to regain wellness, the Spleen Qi Deficiency will first have to be addressed. This is due to 3 important issues: Qi Deficiency, rebellious QI (Qi traveling in the wrong direction), and Dampness-Phlegm.

The pattern of Spleen Qi deficiency is central to all other Spleen dis-harmonies, as all other Spleen Deficiency patterns are a variation of it. If Spleen Qi Deficiency is not properly treated, it can lead to more serious patterns of imbalance. Spleen Qi Deficiency is the precursor to all Spleen imbalances and the symptoms above would be included. Therefore, you will have the above symptoms at the onset of all of the following patterns.

Spleen Yang Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Feeling cold, cold limbs
• Slight abdominal distension after eating which becomes more pronounced as the condition worsens
• Tiredness
• Pale complexion
• Weakness of the limbs
• diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, 
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain that can be sharp at times
• Pale tongue with a white coating
• Obesity
• Edema.

Causes of Spleen Yang Deficiency

While similar to Spleen-Qi Deficiency, this pattern is often exacerbated by exposure to a cold and damp environment. This pattern is the same as Spleen-Qi Deficiency with the addition of Cold symptoms, such as sensation of feeling of cold and cold limbs due to the failure of Spleen-Yang to warm the body. The edema is due to the impairment of the Spleen’s function in transforming and transporting fluids; when fluids cannot be transformed, they may accumulate under the skin giving rise to edema. Spleen -yang deficiency is common with the formation of Internal Dampness, Phlegm or both.

Spleen Qi Sinking

The energy of the Spleen is ascending, lifting, and holding. Spleen Qi Sinking occurs with chronic Spleen Qi Deficiency and has the same indications of Spleen Qi Deficiency symptoms plus the following:

• Bearing-down sensation in the abdomen
• Prolapse of organs stomach, uterus, and/or urinary bladder
• Frequency and urgency of urination
• Pale tongue

Additionally, Spleen Qi Sinking can have the following symptoms divided into groups of causes:

• Qi Deficiency-weariness, shortness of breath , having frequent cold and flus, sweating without excursions, tired limbs, weak Kness (associated with kidneys ) unable to talk for long periods and cannot project voice, poor digestion (great herb to help with this mugwort).
• Clear Yang unable to ascend-Dizziness, blurred vision, ear issues such as poor hearing and tinnitus, poor memory, fuzzy thinking, pale or dark-yellow face.
• Qi Sinking-Bearing-down sensation in the abdomen, sagging distention in the lower abdomen (or sagging feeling in anus), frequent desire to defecate, chronic diarrhea, frequency and urgency of urination, uterine bleeding , organ prolapse (stomach, uterus, urinary bladder). 

Spleen Failing to Control Blood

This is a result of chronic Spleen Qi Deficiency with the same indications on the onset, progressing to the inability of the Spleen to hold Blood in the vessels and control Blood resulting in bleeding from various sources such as under the skin, in the stools or urine, or from the uterus. This bleeding is Deficient in nature as opposed to the bleeding from Heat in the blood which is of an excess nature (ie. most severe stage of febrile disease such as hemorrhagic fever). Indications would include Spleen Qi Deficiency symptoms plus the possible following signs:

• Noticeable difference in uterine bleeding (excessive)
• Nosebleeds
• Subcutaneous hemorrhage or bruising
• Blood spots under the skin
• Blood in urine and stools

Spleen Blood Deficiency

Spleen deficiency constitutes the root with Heart Deficiency as secondary manifestations. The primary injury is to the Spleen, which is the organ that generates Blood, and Heart Blood is vital for proper Heart function. In addition to the Spleen Qi Deficiency indications, Spleen Blood Deficiency can present with these additional symptoms:

• Spleen not controlling Blood symptoms
• Dull pale complexion
• Amenorrhea or scanty menstrual cycle
• Sleep issues such as insomnia
• Joint issues associated with pain and inflammation due to Blood not nourishing the tendons (use Teasel root to repair and nourish tendons)
• Pale, thin, and slightly dry tongue
• Slow healing wounds
• Dry skin and hair
• Hot flushes and night sweats (Blood is Yin in nature)
• Tendency towards a thin body in some cases
• Out of balance emotionally

Spleen-Liver Deficiency

This pattern of imbalance combines symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, and Liver Qi imbalances.

• Dizziness
• Numbness of limbs
• Blurred vision
• Night vision issues especially driving at night
• Pale lips 
• Infertility gyno logically issues
• Brittle nails with ridges 
• Depression
• Pale tongue body, especially on the sides 

How Spleen-Liver-Damp Develops:

1. Spleen Qi Deficiency causes the Spleen to fail in its function of transformation and transportation of fluids and fluids accumulate into Dampness. 
2. Dampness obstructs the Qi-flow in the Middle Jiao interfering with the proper direction flow of Qi.
3. The obstruction of Dampness may result in pathogenic Internal Heat. Also, constraints of Liver Qi can result in Heat.
4. Dampness begins to interfere with the smooth flow of Liver Qi and the flow of bile (Liver Qi stagnates in the Middle Jiao and the Gall Bladder cannot secrete bile).
5. Dampness and Heat in the Middle Burner may give rise to Phlegm (Phlegm is more viscous and more condensed as the Heat pulls out the moisture and condenses into a thick-sticky substance). 

Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, and Spleen Qi Deficiency

Insulin resistance is when glucose is rejected by cells as use as fuel, and then re-circulated to the liver to be stored as fat. The Spleen is pivotal in the ability of the body to utilize glucose for energy and building muscle and tissue on a cellular level. One can easily see how, in the face of insulin resistance, the body begins to store fat, regardless of diet; thus, the cry of so many that they cannot lose weight regardless of how restrictive their diet is. The Spleen energetic organ system is the organ in charge of “transformation of foods” according to Chinese medicine, and thus improves the way you utilize food. The pancreas is part of the Spleen organ system in Chinese medical theory and works with the Kidney energetic system (which is related to endocrine functions) to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Food Therapy and Spleen Qi Deficiency

The process of digestion in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the process of digestion is viewed as a complex and multi-stage process involving several organs and systems in the body. Here is a brief overview of what is involved:

1. The Spleen, as said above, is the central organ of digestion in TCM. Its main function is to transform food into Qi (vital energy) and Blood. It also helps to transport these substances to different parts of the body.
2. The Stomach: The stomach is responsible for receiving food and liquids and to decompose and cook these. The stomach is like a pot on a stove. We call it the cooking pot. It needs sufficient fire underneath it to adequately break down the food/liquids.
3. The Small Intestine: The small intestine is responsible for further breaking down food particles and absorbing nutrients, minerals, and vitamins from food. It separates the clear from the turbid and sends the clear essence to the spleen and the turbid waste to the large intestine.
4. The Large Intestine: The large intestine is responsible for storing and eliminating waste products from the body. It also absorbs some water and minerals from feces before elimination.
5. The Kidneys: The kidneys are responsible for transforming fluids and waste products into urine, which is then eliminated from the body.
6. The Liver and Gallbladder: The liver and gallbladder are responsible for regulating the flow of Qi (energy) and bile. The liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi and the gallbladder stores and secretes bile, which helps to digest fats.

The Spleen corresponds to Sweet Flavor

The sweet flavor is considered to have nourishing and tonifying properties for the body and is helpful in nourishing the spleen. But be moderate with this, because too sweet can actually damage the spleen.

The sweet flavor in TCM refers not only to the taste of sugar, but also to the natural sweetness found in foods like grains, fruits, and root vegetables. When consumed in moderation and in balance with other flavors, the sweet flavor can nourish and support the spleen’s function.

Here are some ways that the sweet flavor can benefit the spleen:

1. Provides energy: Sweet foods like grains and fruits are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body. The spleen needs energy to transform food into Qi and Blood, so consuming sweet foods can support this process.
2. Nourishes Blood: In TCM, Blood is considered an important substance for overall health and vitality. The sweet flavor is said to nourish Blood by promoting its production and circulation. The spleen plays a key role in Blood production, so consuming sweet foods can support this function.
3. Supports digestion: The sweet flavor is said to promote digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and fluids. This can help the spleen break down food and extract nutrients more efficiently.
4. Calms the mind: In TCM, the spleen is said to play a role in mental clarity and focus. The sweet flavor is said to have a calming and grounding effect on the mind, which can support the spleen’s function.

Food therapy and dietary recommendations with Spleen Deficiency

Avoid processed and refined foods: TCM emphasizes the importance of natural, whole foods, and advises avoiding processed and refined foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These foods can weaken the digestive system and lead to imbalances in the body.

Eat moderate amounts and don’t overeat

No late-night eating. Try to have your last meal at least three hours prior to bedtime. This not only helps digestion but also will help your sleep.

Stop eating before feeling full

Preferred ways of cooking are steaming, stir-frying, stewing, or baking. Steaming keeps food in its most natural state. Baking provides more heat so is perfect for those individuals with cold conditions. Try to avoid using too much oil while cooking and if possible just add oil after food is cooked.

Ideal Proportions:

40% of your diet should consist of whole grains: rice, millet, barley, wheat, oats, corn, rye, quinoa, amaranth.

40% of your diet should be fresh vegetables including dark leafy greens, cabbage, broccoli, celery, root vegetables

10% of your diet should be fresh fruits

10% of your diet should be animal products like dairy, meat, poultry, and eggs

Try to include seaweeds in your diet including nori, wakame, dulse, kelp, oysters’ kombu, hiziki, and arame. They are high in minerals and nourish the kidney organ system in TCM. Supplement with Spirulina and chlorella.

Legumes, seeds and nuts are also important for your diet, particularly if you are vegetarian.
The Spleen is responsible for absorbing the nourishment from food and separating the usable nourishment from the unusable part of food. This forms Gu Qi (Food Qi) and is the basis of Qi of the entire body and Blood. Gu Qi ascends to the Lungs and combines with air to form Zong Qi or (Gathering Qi) of the Body. The Qi from the Lungs goes to the Heart and produces Blood.

Often, those with Spleen imbalances either have no appetite at all or crave and over-eat sweet foods. Diet is important with Spleen imbalances, but an appropriate diet might not be what we associate with a healthy diet as raw foods, raw vegetables, cold salads, fruits and juices are to be avoided. Sweet foods would include processed and refined grains, white potatoes, sugars, and fried foods can also damage the Spleen function when over consumed, as can iced drinks and energy drinks.

There are actually sweet foods and herbs that help to repair the Spleen function (TCM) such as yams,(sweet potatoes) carrots, winter squash. Pumpkin and beets; these hardy root vegetables should be baked or steamed. Miso soup Orange or Mardine peels tea, Legumes or beans, steamed vegetable, seeds, cooked greens, onion and garlic, mushrooms, and whole grains, lentils are also good choices to nourish the Spleen function. Eating a protein rich breakfast is crucial in maintaining Spleen health. Dairy products can exacerbate pathogenic Dampness for many people, but butter is okay for most. Collagen peptides at breakfast is ideal.

The Spleen function allows us to assimilate foods consumed that evolve in to thought (likewise, over-studying can damage the Spleen). The Spleen function is pivotal in transforming Gui Qi, or food Qi, into Blood, thus transporting nourishment to the Organ Systems.

References

Mun, S., Kim, S., Bae, K. H., & Lee, S. (2017). Cold and Spleen-Qi Deficiency Patterns in Korean Medicine Are Associated with Low Resting Metabolic Rate. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 9532073. doi:10.1155/2017/9532073

Shenghua, P., Shuyu, T., Kunping, L., Huixia, Z., Xue, X., & Jiao, G. (2018). UPLC-QTOF/MS-Based Lipidomic Profiling of Liver Qi-Stagnation and Spleen-Deficiency Syndrome in Patients with Hyperlipidemia. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 4530849. doi:10.1155/2018/4530849

Hu, L., Chen, W., Cheng, M., Zhang, T., Lan, S., Li, P., & Chen, W. (2018). MUC1 and MUC5AC Acting on Helicobacter pylori-Related Deficiency and Solid Syndrome of Spleen and Stomach. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 9761919. doi:10.1155/2018/9761919

Zhao, W. X., Cui, N., Jiang, H. Q., Ji, X. M., Han, X. C., Han, B. B., … Wang, S. J. (2017). Effects of Radix Astragali and Its Split Components on Gene Expression Profiles Related to Water Metabolism with Dampness Stagnancy due to Spleen Deficiency Syndrome. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 4946031. doi:10.1155/2017/4946031

Yu, B., Zhou, C., Zhang, J., Ling, Y., Hu, Q., Wang, Y., & Bai, K. (2014). Latest Study on the Relationship between Pathological Process of Inflammatory Injury and the Syndrome of Spleen Deficiency and Fluid Retention in Alzheimer’s Disease. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2014, 743541. doi:10.1155/2014/743541

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The Spleen Diet Is Best According To Chinese Medicine | Dr. Maryam (chinesemedicineclinic.com)

Better health through natural healing how to get well without drugs or surgery

Dr Ross Trattler ND and Dr Adrain Jones ND.

Published 1986 by McGraw hill.

Herbs For The Lymphatic System – Cullulla Rd

Rosemarie

Naturopath, Herbalist, Iridologist. Equine herbalist,Iridoligst.