Formula Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels

Ma Zi Ren Wan

麻子仁丸

Also known as:

Hemp Seed Pill , Cannabis Pill

Formula Composition

Huo Ma Ren
Huo Ma Ren
Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Da Huang
Da Huang
Feng Mi
Feng Mi
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Moistens the Intestines
  2. Invigorates Qi
  3. Unblocks the bowels
  4. Drains Heat

Patterns Treated

Heat in the Large Intestine, Large Intestine Dryness

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ma Zi Ren Wan

Main Actions

Moistens the Intestines
Invigorates Qi
Unblocks the bowels
Drains Heat

Key TCM Concepts

Ma Zi Ren Wan is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Hemp Seeds (Huo Ma Ren) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels. Its main actions are: 1) moistens the Intestines and 2) invigorates Qi.

 

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 Ma Zi Ren Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heat in the Large Intestine or Large Intestine Dryness. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as incomplete intestinal obstruction, postoperative ileus or atrophic gastritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heat in the Large Intestine
  • Large Intestine Dryness

Common Applications

Incomplete intestinal obstruction Postoperative ileus Atrophic gastritis Reflux gastritis Hemorrhoids Bleeding post-hemorrhoidectomy Habitual constipation Constipation

Ingredients in Ma Zi Ren Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Ma Zi Ren Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Huo Ma Ren
Huo Ma Ren

Hemp seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Ma Zi Ren Wan
In general Huo Ma Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moistens the Intestines and unblocks Food Stagnation caused by Dryness. Nourishes the Yin and relieves constipation caused by Yin Deficiency. Cools Heat and aids healing of sores."

In the context of Ma Zi Ren Wan, it is used because it is rich in oils which can be used to moisten the Intestines and unblock the bowels.
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Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Ma Zi Ren Wan
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 Ma Zi Ren Wan, it is used because it is rich in oil which helps bowel movement. It also support Qi descending.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ma Zi Ren Wan
Bai Shao is bitter, sour, and slightly cold. It enters the Spleen, nourishes the Yin and harmonizes the interior.
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Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi

Immature Bitter Oranges

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried unripe fruit
Role in Ma Zi Ren Wan
In general Zhi Shi's main actions are as follows: "Regulates the flow of Qi in the Middle Burner and reduces Food Stagnation. Moves Qi downward and helps constipation. Reduces Stagnant Phlegm and lessens distention and pain. For prolapse of organs when used with the appropriate herbs."

In the context of Ma Zi Ren Wan, it is used because it breaks up accumulation, particularly in the Intestines.
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Hou Pu
Hou Pu

Houpu Magnolia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Role in Ma Zi Ren Wan
In general Hou Pu's main actions are as follows: "Moves Rebellious Qi downward, dries Dampness and relieves Food Stagnation. Transforms Phlegm and redirects Rebellious Qi of the Lung."

In the context of Ma Zi Ren Wan, it is used because it removes the feeling of fullness or distention.
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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 Ma Zi Ren Wan
In general Da Huang's main actions are as follows: "Drains Excess Heat and eliminates Dampness, especially when in the Bright Yang stage according to the Six Stages Theory. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding. Invigorates Blood, breaks up Stasis and relieves pain. Clears Heat and toxins from Excess. Applied topically for Hot sores and Blood Stasis."

In the context of Ma Zi Ren Wan, it is used because it is a purgative.
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Feng Mi
Feng Mi

Honey

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Honey
Role in Ma Zi Ren Wan
Feng Mi is sweet and it harmonizes the actions of the other herbs. It also moistens the Intestines and helps forming the pill shape.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ma Zi Ren Wan

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy. It should also be used with caution when treating constipation only due to Blood Deficiency or these who are very weak. It is because the formula is very strong and most herbs has the function of draining, dispersing, or purgative.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ma Zi Ren 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.