Formula Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels

Run Chang Wan

润肠丸

Also known as:

Moisten the Intestines Pill from Master Shen's Book

Formula Composition

Huo Ma Ren
Huo Ma Ren
Tao Ren
Tao Ren
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Di Huang
Di Huang
Zhi Ke
Zhi Ke
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Moistens the Intestines
  2. Unblocks the bowels

Historical Origin

Shen's Book for Revering Life (1773 AB)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Run Chang Wan

Main Actions

Moistens the Intestines
Unblocks the bowels

Key TCM Concepts

Run Chang Wan is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Hemp Seeds (Huo Ma Ren) and Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1773 AB, 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 bowels.

 

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 constipation or long-standing constipation for instance.

Ingredients in Run Chang Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Run Chang Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
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 Run Chang Wan
Huo Ma Ren contains a high concentration of oils that moisturize the Intestines and unclog the guts. Hemp seeds along with peach kernels help in situations of constipation caused by Yin Deficiency.
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Tao Ren
Tao Ren

Peach kernels

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Large Intestine, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Run Chang Wan
Tao Ren contains a high concentration of oils that moisturize the Intestines and unclog the guts. Hemp seeds along with peach kernels help in situations of constipation caused by Yin Deficiency.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Run Chang Wan
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Run Chang Wan, it is used because it nourishes the Blood and helps in moistening the desiccated Intestines.
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Di Huang
Di Huang

Unprepared Rehmannia

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Run Chang Wan
In general Sheng Di Huang's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat by Cooling Blood. Tonifies Yin by promoting Fluid production. Soothes the Heart by calming Blazing Fire. Cools and nourishes."

In the context of Run Chang Wan, it is used because it nourishes the Yin which is the root of this condition.
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Zhi Ke
Zhi Ke

Bitter oranges

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Run Chang Wan
Zhi Ke reinforces the laxative effect of the formula thanks to its ability to moves Qi. It also prevents the other herbs cloying nature from injuring the Spleen and Stomach.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Run Chang Wan

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Run Chang 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.