ER ZHU TANG

Dry Dampness & Strengthen Spleen • Middle Burner Transformation Formula

Symptoms

Digestive Stagnation: Poor appetite, early satiety (feeling full after a few bites), and a constant sense of abdominal distension.

Bowel Dysfunction: Loose stools, chronic diarrhea, or stools that are "sticky" and difficult to flush.

Systemic Heaviness: A distinct sensation of "leaden limbs" or a body that feels "wrapped in a heavy wet blanket."

Mental Fog: Lethargy, excessive sleepiness after eating, and a general lack of clarity (Dampness clouding the Clear Yang).

Key Indicator: "Spleen Damp-Obstruction"—where the Spleen’s "Transformative" fire is being smothered by internal "swampiness," preventing the extraction of Qi from food.

Tongue: Pale and swollen with a thick, white, greasy coating.

Pulse: Soft (Ru), weak, or slippery.

Ingredients

Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs 4g Granules 10.8g

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Tian Nan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma preparatum)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Chen Pi (Citri reticulatae Pericarpium)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Fu Ling (Poria)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Wei Ling Xian (Clematidis Radix)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma seu Radix)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza Radix)
Raw Herbs 3g Granules 8.1g

Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum)
Raw Herbs 6g Granules 16.3g

Strongly dries dampness and "shatters" stagnation. Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma)

Tonifies the Spleen Qi and dries dampness via the "Earth" element. (Note: These two "Zhu" are the pillars of the formula. Variations often include Chen Pi to move Qi and Fu Ling to drain the released fluids.)

Posology

Granules: 3 to 9g daily, divided into 2 doses, taken with warm water.

Raw Plants: Decoct in 800ml of water. Drink 1 to 2 cups per day. For the best effect on the Spleen, take the decoction warm and avoid cold or raw foods during the course of treatment.

Spoons:
Our measuring spoons have an approximate capacity of 0.50 g. This should be taken into consideration when following the recommended dosage instructions for each product.

Description

Er Zhu Tang uses the "Two Atractylodes" as a pincer movement to reclaim the Spleen from dampness. It addresses both the Branch (the existing dampness) and the Root (the Spleen's inability to transform).

The Drying Chief (Cang Zhu): This is a "harsh" drying herb. It is acrid and warm, acting like a furnace that evaporates the "fog" of dampness in the middle burner. It is particularly effective for the "heaviness" felt in the limbs.

The Tonifying Deputy (Bai Zhu): While Cang Zhu evaporates the moisture, Bai Zhu reinforces the Spleen’s foundation. It ensures that once the dampness is gone, the Spleen is strong enough to keep the "soil" dry and productive.

The Synergy: Together, they represent the balance of Drying (Cang Zhu) and Building (Bai Zhu). This makes the formula more sustainable than using drying herbs alone.

Cautions

Strictly contraindicated for Yin Deficiency (dry mouth, thirst, red tongue with no coat). This formula is "aggressively drying"; it will further deplete fluids and can lead to constipation or "fire" if used in a dry constitution. Use with caution in cases of Excess Heat (yellow tongue coat). Discontinue use once the "greasy" coating on the tongue thins out and the appetite returns.