Formula Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness

Wu Pi Yin

五皮饮

Also known as:

Five Peel Decoction

Formula Composition

Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi
Sheng Jiang Pi
Sheng Jiang Pi
Da Fu Pi
Da Fu Pi
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Reduces edema, diuretic
  2. Regulates and strengthens Spleen Qi

Patterns Treated

Yin Excess, Oedema

Historical Origin

Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People in the Taiping Era (1107 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wu Pi Yin

Main Actions

Reduces edema, diuretic
Regulates and strengthens Spleen Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Wu Pi Yin is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi) and Ginger Peel (Sheng Jiang Pi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness. Its main actions are: 1) reduces edema, diuretic and 2) regulates and strengthens Spleen 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 Wu Pi Yin is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Yin Excess or Oedema. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as pre-eclampsia, protein-deficiency edema or ascites from cirrhosis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Yin Excess
  • Oedema

Common Applications

Pre-eclampsia Protein-deficiency edema Ascites from cirrhosis Congestive heart failure Urticaria Menopausal edema

Ingredients in Wu Pi Yin

Detailed information about each herb in Wu Pi Yin and their roles

Kings
Assistants
Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Wu Pi Yin
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Wu Pi Yin, it is used because it leaches out Dampness, promotes urination, and strengthens the transportive function of the Spleen.
View herb details
Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi

Mulberry bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root bark
Role in Wu Pi Yin
In general Sang Bai Pi's main actions are as follows: "Clears heat from the lung, relieves asthma and induce urination to disperse swelling"

In the context of Wu Pi Yin, it is used because it promotes urination by directing the Lung Qi downward and opening up the water pathways.
View herb details
Sheng Jiang Pi
Sheng Jiang Pi

Ginger peel

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Lungs
Parts Used The dried outer peel of the rhizome
Role in Wu Pi Yin
In general Sheng Jiang Pi's main actions are as follows: "Promotes urination and reduces edema at its early onset. Disperses the Exterior."

In the context of Wu Pi Yin, it is used because it transforms Dampness and disperses Edema.
View herb details
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 Wu Pi Yin
Da Fu Pi works together with Citrus peel (Chen Pi) to eliminate Qi Stagnation since it is said that "if the smooth flow of Qi is reestablished, the Fluids will follow".
View herb details
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 Wu Pi Yin
In general Chen Pi's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs."
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wu Pi Yin

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for patients without symptoms of edema

Herb-Drug Interactions

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