Gui Pi Tang: The Classical Formula for Anxiety, Insomnia & Overthinking
Updated March 2026 Β· 7 min read
Do you lie awake at night with a racing mind? Feel anxious but also exhausted? Have trouble concentrating and remembering things? In TCM, these symptoms often point to a pattern called "Heart and Spleen deficiency" β and Gui Pi Tang has been the go-to formula for this pattern for nearly 800 years.
What Is Gui Pi Tang?
Gui Pi Tang (ε½θΎζ±€), meaning "Restore the Spleen Decoction," was first recorded by Yan Yonghe (δΈ₯η¨ε) in his 1253 CE text Ji Sheng Fang (ζ΅ηζΉ). It was later modified by Xue Ji (θε·±) in the Ming Dynasty to include Dang Gui and Yuan Zhi, creating the version used today.
The formula works on a key TCM principle: the Spleen produces Blood, and the Heart houses the Mind (Shen). When overthinking damages the Spleen, Blood production drops. When the Heart lacks Blood, the Mind becomes restless β causing anxiety, insomnia, and poor memory.
Ingredients
- Ren Shen (δΊΊε) β Ginseng: Powerfully tonifies Qi
- Huang Qi (ι»θͺ) β Astragalus: Strengthens Spleen Qi, raises Yang
- Bai Zhu (η½ζ―) β Atractylodes: Strengthens the Spleen
- Dang Gui (ε½ε½) β Angelica: Nourishes Blood
- Long Yan Rou (ιΎηΌθ) β Longan fruit: Nourishes Heart Blood, calms the mind
- Suan Zao Ren (ι Έζ£δ») β Jujube seed: The premier herb for insomnia
- Fu Shen (θ―η₯) β Poria spirit: Calms the Heart, quiets the mind
- Yuan Zhi (θΏεΏ) β Polygala: Opens the Heart orifices, improves memory
- Mu Xiang (ζ¨ι¦) β Costus root: Moves Qi to prevent stagnation from tonics
- Zhi Gan Cao (ηηθ) β Honey-fried Licorice: Harmonizes the formula
- Sheng Jiang (ηε§) β Ginger + Da Zao (倧ζ£) β Jujube: Support digestion
Who Is Gui Pi Tang For?
The Classic Patient Profile
The typical Gui Pi Tang patient is someone who:
- Works long hours at a desk (knowledge workers, students)
- Overthinks and worries constantly
- Has trouble falling asleep or wakes up easily
- Feels tired but wired β exhausted yet can't relax
- Has poor appetite or forgets to eat
- Bruises easily or has pale complexion
- Women: light or shortened periods
Anxiety with Fatigue
Unlike anxiety from excess (loud, aggressive, red-faced), Gui Pi Tang anxiety is quiet and depleted. The person feels worried and uneasy but lacks the energy to even express it strongly. They may appear calm on the outside while their mind races internally.
Insomnia from Overthinking
The insomnia pattern here is specific: difficulty falling asleep because the mind won't stop, or waking in the early hours (3-5 AM) and being unable to return to sleep. Dreams are often vivid and exhausting.
Poor Memory and Concentration
When Heart Blood is insufficient, the Mind (Shen) lacks its anchor. This manifests as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fog β especially common in students during exam periods.
Dosage
- Patent pills (ε½θΎδΈΈ): 8-10 pills, 3 times daily
- Granules: 1 packet, 2-3 times daily
- Best time: After meals; the evening dose 1-2 hours before bed
- Duration: Typically 2-4 weeks for noticeable improvement
Gui Pi Tang vs Xiao Yao San
These two formulas are often confused. Here's the key difference:
- Gui Pi Tang: For deficiency β tired, weak, can't sleep, poor memory. The person is depleted.
- Xiao Yao San: For stagnation β irritable, moody, chest tightness, PMS. The person is frustrated.
Some patients need both, taken at different times. A practitioner can help determine the right approach.
Struggling with Sleep or Anxiety?
TCM pattern identification can pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms. A wellness consultation helps determine if Gui Pi Tang β or another approach β is right for you.
Book a Free Consultation βDisclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you experience severe anxiety or insomnia, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.