Formula Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels

Wu Ren Wan

五仁丸

Also known as:

Five-Seed Pill

Formula Composition

Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Tao Ren
Tao Ren
Bai Zi Ren
Bai Zi Ren
Yu Li Ren
Yu Li Ren
Song Zi Ren
Song Zi Ren
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Feng Mi
Feng Mi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Moistens the Intestines
  2. Unblocks the movement of Stool

Historical Origin

Effective Formulas from Generations of Physicians (1345 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wu Ren Wan

Main Actions

Moistens the Intestines
Unblocks the movement of Stool

Key TCM Concepts

Wu Ren Wan is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) and Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1345 AD, 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 movement of Stool.

 

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 irritable bowel syndrome, vertigo or constipation for instance.

Ingredients in Wu Ren Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Wu Ren Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Wu 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 Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it , thanks to its link with the Lungs, unblocks constipation caused by Qi Stagnation.
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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 Wu Ren Wan
In general Tao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing."

In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it , thanks to its link with the Liver, unblocks constipation caused by Blood Stagnation.
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Bai Zi Ren
Bai Zi Ren

Biota seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Wu Ren Wan
In general Bai Zi Ren's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Heart and calms the Spirit. Moistens the Intestines and relieves constipation."

In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it increases the capacity of the formula to moisten the Intestine along with Bush cherry pit.
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Yu Li Ren
Yu Li Ren

Bush cherry pits

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Wu Ren Wan
In general Yu Li Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moistens the Intestines and invigorates Qi. Increases the flow of urine."

In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it increases the capacity of the formula to moisten the Intestine along with Biota seeds.
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Song Zi Ren
Song Zi Ren

Pine nuts

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Seed kernel of Huashan pine, Korean pine or Masson pine
Role in Wu Ren Wan
In general Song Zi Ren's main actions are as follows: "Strengthen Yang and replenishe bones, invigorate Qi, beautify the skin, moisten the Lungs and relieve cough , and moisten the Intestines and defecation."

In the context of Wu Ren Wan, it is used because it increases the capacity of the formula to moisten the Intestine along with other deputies.
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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 Wu Ren Wan
Chen Pi has the ability to move Qi and unblock the Intestines. It transforms the moistening action of the five seeds into bowel movement. It is used in a high dosage and functions as the assistant.
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Feng Mi
Feng Mi

Honey

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Honey
Role in Wu Ren Wan
Feng Mi uses sweetness for harmonizing the actions of the other ingredients and also adds to the formulas overall moistening effect.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wu Ren Wan

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

Contraindications

Using the formula during pregnancy should be done with caution. It is because this formula contains Peach Kernae, which helps to break up blood clots, as well as Bush Cherry Pit, which has a powerful laxative effect.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Wu 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.