Chinese: 五仁丸
Pinyin: Wǔ Rén Wán
Other names: Five-Seed Pill
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: VertigoConstipationIrritable bowel syndrome
- Moistens the Intestines
- Unblocks the movement of Stool
Contraindications: Using the formula during pregnancy should be done with caution. It is because... Using the formula during pregnancy should be done with caution. It is because this formula contains Peach Kernae, which helps to break up blood clots, as well as Bush Cherry Pit, which has a powerful laxative effect. see more
Source date: 1345 AD
Source book: Effective Formulas from Generations of Physicians
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Wu Ren Wan is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) and Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) as principal ingredients.
Invented in 1345 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels. Its main actions are: 1) moistens the Intestines and 2) unblocks the movement of Stool.
In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.
From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, vertigo or constipation for instance.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the seven ingredients in Wu Ren Wan, we review the patterns and conditions that Wu Ren Wan helps treat.
The seven ingredients in Wu Ren Wan
Xing Ren is a king ingredient in Wu Ren Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren)
Part used: Dried ripe seeds
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: Large intestineLung
Category: Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
In general Xing Ren's main actions are as follows: "Stops cough and wheezing caused by either Heat or Cold. Lubricates the Intestines and relieves constipation."
In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it , thanks to its link with the Lungs, unblocks constipation caused by Qi Stagnation.
Tao Ren is a king ingredient in Wu Ren Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
2. Peach Kernels (Tao Ren)
Part used: Dried ripe seed
Nature: Neutral
Meridian affinity: HeartLarge intestineLiver
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
In general Tao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing."
In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it , thanks to its link with the Liver, unblocks constipation caused by Blood Stagnation.
Bai Zi Ren is a deputy ingredient in Wu Ren Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
3. Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren)
Part used: Dried ripe seeds
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLarge intestine
In general Bai Zi Ren's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Heart and calms the Spirit. Moistens the Intestines and relieves constipation."
In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it increases the capacity of the formula to moisten the Intestine along with Bush cherry pit.
Yu Li Ren is a deputy ingredient in Wu Ren Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
4. Bush Cherry Pits (Yu Li Ren)
Part used: Dried ripe seeds
Nature: Neutral
Meridian affinity: Large intestineSmall intestineSpleen
Category: Laxative herbs that drain downward
In general Yu Li Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moistens the Intestines and invigorates Qi. Increases the flow of urine."
In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it increases the capacity of the formula to moisten the Intestine along with Biota seeds.
Song Zi Ren is a deputy ingredient in Wu Ren Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
5. Pine Nuts (Song Zi Ren)
Part used: Seed kernel of Huashan pine, Korean pine or Masson pine
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: Large intestineLiverLung
In general Song Zi Ren's main actions are as follows: "Strengthen Yang and replenishe bones, invigorate Qi, beautify the skin, moisten the Lungs and relieve cough , and moisten the Intestines and defecation."
In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it increases the capacity of the formula to moisten the Intestine along with other deputies.
Chen Pi is an assistant ingredient in Wu Ren Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
6. Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)
Chen Pi has the ability to move Qi and unblock the Intestines. It transforms the moistening action of the five seeds into bowel movement. It is used in a high dosage and functions as the assistant.
Feng Mi is an envoy ingredient in Wu Ren Wan. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
7. Honey (Feng Mi)
Part used: Honey
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: StomachLarge intestineLung
Category: Laxative herbs that drain downward
Feng Mi uses sweetness for harmonizing the actions of the other ingredients and also adds to the formulas overall moistening effect.
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