Formula Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach

Ping Wei San

平胃散

Also known as:

Calm the Stomach Powder , Balancing the Stomach Powder

Formula Composition

Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Dries Dampness
  2. Improves the Spleen's transportive function
  3. Promotes the movement of Qi
  4. Harmonizes the Stomach

Patterns Treated

Cold-Damp invading the Spleen, Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation, Oedema

Historical Origin

Concise Formulas to Aid the Multitudes (1051 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ping Wei San

Main Actions

Dries Dampness
Improves the Spleen's transportive function
Promotes the movement of Qi
Harmonizes the Stomach

Key TCM Concepts

Ping Wei San is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1051 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach. Its main actions are: 1) dries Dampness and 2) improves the Spleen's transportive function.

 

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 Ping Wei San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Cold-Damp invading the Spleen, Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation or Oedema. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis or colitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
  • Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
  • Oedema

Common Applications

Peptic ulcers Chronic gastritis Colitis Irritable bowel syndrome Intestinal obstruction Infantile diarrhea Acute viral hepatitis Amenorrhea Premenstrual syndrome Cervicitis Digestive disorder

Ingredients in Ping Wei San

Detailed information about each herb in Ping Wei San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu

Black atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used The dried rhizome
Role in Ping Wei San
Cang Zhu is perhaps the best Chinese herb for dispelling Dampness and strengthening the transportive function of the Spleen.
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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 Ping Wei San
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 Ping Wei San, it is used because it moves the Qi, disperses fullness, and directs the Qi downward. It also helps transform Dampness.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Ping Wei San
Chen Pi regulates the Qi and harmonizes the Stomach. It assists the deputy in directing Rebellious Qi downward and eliminating distention.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ping Wei San
Gan Cao tonifies the Spleen and enhances their Spleen-strengthening properties of the formula's other ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ping Wei San

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

Contraindications

This formula contains warm, drying herbs that readily injure the Yin and Blood, and should therefore only be used with significant modification for patients with Yin or Blood Deficiency. Caution must also be exercised when using the formula during pregnancy.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ping Wei 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.