PING WEI SAN

Damp-Drying & Spleen-Strengthening • Qi-Regulating & Stomach-Calming Formula

Symptoms

Abdominal distension: Fullness in the epigastrium and abdomen, often worse after eating.

Heavy sensation: Feeling of heaviness in the limbs and body; a "lethargic" state.

Digestive upset: Loss of appetite, lack of taste, nausea, or acid regurgitation.

Bowel habits: Loose stools or diarrhea that feels "incomplete" or sticky.

Tongue: Swollen with a thick, white, and greasy/moist coating.

Pulse: Slippery (Hua) and moderate (Huan).

Ingredients

Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea)
Raw Herbs 15g Granules 28.8g

Hou Po (Magnolia officinalis)
Raw Herbs 12g Granules 23.1g

Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata)
Raw Herbs 12g Granules 23.1g

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)
Raw Herbs 6g Granules 11.5g

Sheng Jiang (Zingiber officinale)
Raw Herbs Granules 3.9g

Da Zao (Ziziphus jujuba)
Raw Herbs 5g Granules 9.6g

Posology

Granules

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

Raw Herbs

Decoct in 800–1000ml of water. Drink 1–2 cups daily.

Description

Ping Wei San is an aromatic, drying formula that "wakes up" the Spleen so it can move fluids again.

Cang Zhu is the Chief; it is intensely drying and is the specific herb for "cutting through" dampness in the middle burner.

Hou Po acts as the Deputy; it moves the Qi and resolves the physical sensation of bloating and fullness.

Chen Pi assists by transforming phlegm and directing the Stomach Qi downward to stop nausea.

Zhi Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang, and Da Zao form a "harmonizing trio" that protects the Spleen Qi and prevents the drying herbs from being too harsh on the stomach lining.

Contraindications

STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED for Yin Deficiency (dry mouth, red tongue with no coat).

Not for use during Pregnancy due to the strong drying and Qi-moving nature of Cang Zhu and Hou Po.

Avoid in cases of Excessive Heat (high fever, burning thirst, yellow coating).