Formula Formulas that expel Dampness

Er Miao San

二妙散

Also known as:

Two Marvel Powder

Formula Composition

Huang Bo
Huang Bo
Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu
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King
Main ingredient
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From $54.00

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Expels Dampness from the Lower Burner
  2. Drains Heat from the Lower Burner

Patterns Treated

Damp-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner

Historical Origin

Essential Teachings of [Zhu] Dan Xi (1481 AD )

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Er Miao San

Main Actions

Expels Dampness from the Lower Burner
Drains Heat from the Lower Burner

Key TCM Concepts

Er Miao San is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1481 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that expel Dampness. Its main actions are: 1) expels Dampness from the Lower Burner and 2) drains Heat from the Lower Burner.

 

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.

 

In this case Er Miao San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Heat or Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis or gout for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Heat
  • Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner

Common Applications

Menstrual cramps Osteoarthritis Gout Spasm of the gastrocnemius muscle Vaginitis

Ingredients in Er Miao San

Detailed information about each herb in Er Miao San and their roles

Kings
Huang Bo
Huang Bo

Phellodendron bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried bark
Role in Er Miao San
Huang Bo directly enters into the Lower Burner to eliminate Heat and dry Dampness. The cooling nature of Phellodendron bark prevents the warmth of Black atractylodes rhizome from further aggravating pathogenic Heat, even as each herb supports the other in drying Dampness.
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Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu

Black atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used The dried rhizome
Role in Er Miao San
Cang Zhu resolves Damp Heat from the Middle Burner such as the Spleen. Its acrid and warming nature supports the Spleen's transformation and transportation function. It also moderates the bitter, cooling, and downward-directing aspect of Phellodendron bark.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Er Miao San

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Lung Heat or Liver and Kidney Deficiency unless some modifications are made.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Er Miao San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.