Formula Formulas that tonify Qi

Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan

香砂养胃丸

Also known as:

Nourish the Stomach Pill with Aucklandia andAmomum

Formula Composition

Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu
Bai Dou Kou
Bai Dou Kou
Huo Xiang
Huo Xiang
Sha Ren
Sha Ren
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Dang Shen
Dang Shen
View detailed herb information

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Strengthens and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach
  2. Resolves Dampness

Patterns Treated

Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold, Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency

Historical Origin

Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases (1587 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan

Main Actions

Strengthens and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach
Resolves Dampness

Key TCM Concepts

Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan is a 13-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula.

 

Invented in 1587 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi. Its main actions are: 1) strengthens and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach and 2) resolves Dampness.

 

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 Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold or Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as poor appetite, loss of taste or focal distention for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
  • Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency

Common Applications

Poor appetite Loss of taste Focal distention Epigastric discomfort General weakness Vomiting Weakness of the limbs

Ingredients in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan and their roles

Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang

Costus roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Mu Xiang circulates Qi in the Middle Burner, as well as remove Dampness. It also warms the Middle and stops pain.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Bai Zhu tonifies the the Middle Qi and removes Dampness, so as to strengthens the Spleen and Stomach function.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
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 Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan, it is used because it removes Dampness from the Middle Burner by encouraging urination.
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Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu

Coco-grass rhizomes

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Xiang Fu circulates Qi in the Middle Burner, as well as remove Dampness. It also warms the Middle and stops pain.
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Bai Dou Kou
Bai Dou Kou

Cardamon fruits

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Fruits
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Bai Dou Kou circulates Qi in the Middle Burner, as well as remove Dampness. It also warms the Middle and stops pain.
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Huo Xiang
Huo Xiang

Korean mint

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried aerial parts
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Huo Xiang transforms Dampness that is obstructing the Stomach and Spleen. It also harmonizes the Middle Warmer, for nausea and vomiting.
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Sha Ren
Sha Ren

Amomum fruits

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Sha Ren circulates Qi in the Middle Burner, as well as remove Dampness. It also warms the Middle and stops pain.
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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 Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Chen Pi circulates Qi in the Middle Burner, as well as remove Dampness. It also warms the Middle and stops pain.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen by removing the Dampness.
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Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi

Immature Bitter Oranges

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried unripe fruit
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
In general Zhi Shi's main actions are as follows: "Regulates the flow of Qi in the Middle Burner and reduces Food Stagnation. Moves Qi downward and helps constipation. Reduces Stagnant Phlegm and lessens distention and pain. For prolapse of organs when used with the appropriate herbs."

In the context of Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan, it is used because it regulates the flow of Qi in the Middle Burner and reduces Food Stagnation. .
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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 Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Hou Pu circulates Qi in the Middle Burner, as well as remove Dampness. It also warms the Middle and stops pain.
View herb details
Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients of the formula.
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Dang Shen
Dang Shen

Codonopsis roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
In general Dang Shen's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Lung Qi. Assists in the secretion of Bodily Fluids."

In the context of Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan, it is used because it tonifies the Spleen and Lung Qi. It also assists in the secretion of Bodily Fluids.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiang Sha Yang Wei 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, Xiang Sha Yang Wei 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.