Formula Formulas that drive out excess water

Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan

己椒苈簧囊

Also known as:

Stephanie , Zanthoxylum , Tingli Seed , and Rhubarb Pill

Formula Composition

Fang Ji
Fang Ji
Jiao Mu
Jiao Mu
Ting Li Zi
Ting Li Zi
Da Huang
Da Huang
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King
Main ingredient
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Drives out water
  2. Reduces distention
  3. Scours out thin mucus
  4. Moves the Qi

Historical Origin

Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan

Main Actions

Drives out water
Reduces distention
Scours out thin mucus
Moves the Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Stephania Roots (Fang Ji) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that drive out excess water. Its main actions are: 1) drives out water and 2) reduces distention.

 

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 cirrhosis with ascites or hydrocele for instance.

Ingredients in Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan and their roles

Kings
Assistants
Fang Ji
Fang Ji

Stephania roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan
In general Fang Ji's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination. Allays pain and dispels Wind-Damp painful obstruction (Bi Pain)."

In the context of Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan, it is used because it is bitter, cooling, and acrid, and it expels pathogenic Dampness through urine.
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Jiao Mu
Jiao Mu

Pricklyash Seeds

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Spleen
Parts Used Seeds
Role in Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan
In general Jiao Mu's main actions are as follows: "Promotes and regulates urination so as to reduce. Clears Phlegm and relieves dyspnea. "

In the context of Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan, it is used because it acts with Stephania root to promote urination and remove Qi Stagnation.
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Ting Li Zi
Ting Li Zi

Lepidium seeds

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Seeds
Role in Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan
Ting Li Zi is bitter, acrid, and cold. It clears Dampness and Qi Stagnation from the Intestines along with Rhubarb. Lepidium seeds also focus on the Lungs, which are the upper source of water. If the Lung Qi flows smoothly, the waterways will be unimpeded. Lepidium seeds drains Lung Qi by forcefully breaking up Stagnation and promoting urination. The Lungs and the Large Intestine are the paring Zang Fu Organs. When the Lung Qi descends properly, it clears bowel passage and facility bowel movement.
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Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan
Da Huang is bitter and cooling. It directs the Qi downward and removes Qi Stagnation from the Stomach and Intestines.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan

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

Contraindications

This formula should not be used if the accumulation of Body Fluids is accompanied with Spleen Deficiency. It, like all purging formulas, should only be used for a brief period of time.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.