Formula Formulas that drive out excess water

Shu Zao Yin Zi

疏凿饮子

Also known as:

Dredging and Cutting Drink

Formula Composition

Shang Lu
Shang Lu
Ze Xie
Ze Xie
Chi Xiao Dou
Chi Xiao Dou
Jiao Mu
Jiao Mu
Mu Tong
Mu Tong
Qiang Huo
Qiang Huo
Da Fu Pi
Da Fu Pi
Qin Jiao
Qin Jiao
Bing Lang
Bing Lang
Fu Ling Pi
Fu Ling Pi
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Purges and drives out Water
  2. Clears Wind
  3. Releases from the Exterior

Historical Origin

Formulas to Aid the Living (1253 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shu Zao Yin Zi

Main Actions

Purges and drives out Water
Clears Wind
Releases from the Exterior

Key TCM Concepts

Shu Zao Yin Zi is a 11-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Poke Roots (Shang Lu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1253 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that drive out excess water. Its main actions are: 1) purges and drives out Water and 2) clears Wind.

 

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 nephritis with edema or increased intracranial pressure for instance.

Ingredients in Shu Zao Yin Zi

Detailed information about each herb in Shu Zao Yin Zi and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Shang Lu
Shang Lu

Poke Roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Spleen, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Root
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
Shang Lu strongly moves the Qi downward, opening both the urinary passages and then bowels for driving out water. This herb is bitter, cold, and toxic.
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Ze Xie
Ze Xie

Water plantain

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys
Parts Used Dried tuber
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
In general Ze Xie's main actions are as follows: "Causes urination and removes Damp-Heat"

In the context of Shu Zao Yin Zi, it is used because it is a diuretic herb that promotes urination and dispels Dampness through the Bladder.
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Chi Xiao Dou
Chi Xiao Dou

Adzuki beans

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
Chi Xiao Dou is a diuretic herb that is specific for pathogens that have acquired form such as visible Edema instead of mere Dampness. It builds up the Spleen along with Red poria. This prevents damage normal Qi of body and supports the Qi dynamic. In combination with the key and deputy herbs, it guide out water from the Interior through the bowels.
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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 Shu Zao Yin Zi
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 Shu Zao Yin Zi, it is used because it is indicated for Abdominal distention in addition to its Diuretic effects.
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Mu Tong
Mu Tong

Akebia stems

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried stem
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
Mu Tong drains pathogens from the Small Intestine. Comparing with the other diuretics Adzuki beans which targets pathogens that have visible forms such as edema, Akebia stem also invigorates the Blood. Due to the concerns regarding the potential nephrotoxic side effects of the variations of Akebia stem that is present in the marketplace, it is better to substitute another herb for it. Tetrapanax piths or Plantain seeds might be suitable.
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Qiang Huo
Qiang Huo

Notopterygium roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys
Parts Used Dried rhizome and root
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
Qiang Huo clears the Channels and Exterior, opens the pores and interstices, as well as promotes sweating. This results in draining the water clogging the skin and muscles and facilitates the Qi dynamic.
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Da Fu Pi
Da Fu Pi

Areca peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried pericarp
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
In general Da Fu Pi's main actions are as follows: "Assists in the downward movement of Qi and relieves Food Stagnation. Removes Stagnation of Water by draining downward."

In the context of Shu Zao Yin Zi, it is used because it regulates the Qi by moving it downward.
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Qin Jiao
Qin Jiao

Gentian roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
Qin Jiao clears the Channels and Exterior, opens the pores and interstices, as well as promotes sweating. This results in draining the water clogging the skin and muscles and facilitates the Qi dynamic.
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Bing Lang
Bing Lang

Areca nuts

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
In general Bing Lang's main actions are as follows: "Destroys parasites. Regulates Qi circulation. Promotes urination."

In the context of Shu Zao Yin Zi, it is used because it regulates the Qi by moving it downward.
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Fu Ling Pi
Fu Ling Pi

Poria skin

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dry skin
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
In general Fu Ling Pi's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness."

In the context of Shu Zao Yin Zi, it is used because it is a diuretic herb that promotes urination and dispels Dampness through the Bladder.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Shu Zao Yin Zi
Sheng Jiang clears the Channels and Exterior, opens the pores and interstices, as well as promotes sweating. This results in draining the water clogging the skin and muscles and facilitates the Qi dynamic.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shu Zao Yin Zi

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

Contraindications

The formula is solely recommended for Yang Excess related Edema. Edema caused by Spleen or Kidney Deficiency must be treated with warming and tonifying formulations. It is not recommended to use the formula during pregnancy or in the absence of obvious indicators of Excess and Damp-Heat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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