Formula Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation

Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan

枳实导滞丸

Also known as:

Citrus Eliminating Stagnation Pill , Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Guide Out Stagnation

Formula Composition

Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
Da Huang
Da Huang
Shen Qu
Shen Qu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Ze Xie
Ze Xie
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Reduces and guides out stagnation and accumulation
  2. Drains heat
  3. Dispels dampness

Patterns Treated

Food Stagnation in the Stomach

Historical Origin

Clarifying Doubts about Damage from Internal and External Causes (1247 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan

Main Actions

Reduces and guides out stagnation and accumulation
Drains heat
Dispels dampness

Key TCM Concepts

Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Immature Bitter Oranges (Zhi Shi) and Rhubarb (Da Huang) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1247 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation. Its main actions are: 1) reduces and guides out stagnation and accumulation and 2) drains heat.

 

On this page, after a detailed description of each of the eight ingredients in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, we review the patterns and conditions that Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan helps treat.

 

Zhi Shi is a king ingredient in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Food Stagnation in the Stomach

Ingredients in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
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 Zhi Shi Dao Zhi 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 Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, it is used because it breaks up stagnant Qi and reduce accumulation.
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Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
Da Huang strongly mobilizes the Stomach and Intestines to flush away accumulated obstruction due to Heat from Excess
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Shen Qu
Shen Qu

Medicated leaven

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used This is a fermented combination of wheat flour, Artemisia annua, Xanthium, Polygonum hydropiper and other herbs.
Role in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
Shen Qu reduces the stagnant accumulation of alcohol, one of the main causes of Damp-Heat. It also directs Qi downward to transform Phlegm, warms the Stomach to transform thin mucus, and strengthens the Spleen to alleviate diarrhea and distention.
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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 Zhi Shi Dao Zhi 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 Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, it is used because it promotes water metabolism to facilitate the draining of Damp-Heat via the urine.
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Huang Qin
Huang Qin

Baikal skullcap roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
In general Huang Qin's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and Dampness. Clears Upper Burner Heat, especially of the Lung. Clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood. Clears pathogenic Heat which is upsetting the fetus. Cools the Liver, reducing Liver Yang rising syndrome."

In the context of Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, it is used because it drains Heat, dries Dampness, and stops dysenteric disorders.
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Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
In general Huang Lian's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat especially in the Lower Burner. Eliminates Fire toxicity especially when there is associated Dampness. Acts as a sedative by eliminating Heart Fire. Eliminates Stomach Fire. Expel parasites"

In the context of Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, it is used because it drains Heat, dries Dampness, and stops dysenteric disorders.
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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 Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen and augments the Qi to balance the draining action of the other ingredients and protect the normal Qi
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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 Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
In general Ze Xie's main actions are as follows: "Causes urination and removes Damp-Heat"

In the context of Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, it is used because it promotes water metabolism to facilitate the draining of Damp-Heat via the urine.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan

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

Contraindications

Indicated only for Excess patterns. Contraindicated for dysenteric disorders in the absence of Qi Stagnation.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Zhi Shi Dao Zhi 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.