This formula is used to treat damp-warmth disease, a condition where sticky, slow-moving dampness combines with heat to obstruct the body's qi, particularly in the middle burner. Because dampness is difficult to remove directly, the treatment works indirectly by supporting the movement of qi throughout the body.
In the upper burner, Armeniacae Semen (xing ren) opens the Lung qi and helps direct fluids downward. The middle burner is supported by Amomi Fructus rotundus (bai dou kou), which transforms dampness, strengthens the Spleen, and spreads qi through the chest. In the lower burner, Coicis Semen (yi yi ren) leaches out dampness through urination while also reinforcing the Spleen.
Deputy herbs like Tetrapanacis Medulla, Lophateri Herba, and Talcum further promote urination and clear heat, while assistants such as Magnoliae officinalis Cortex and Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum dry dampness and relieve abdominal fullness. Together, these ingredients work in harmony to unblock qi, transform fluids, and clear damp-heat, restoring balance across all three burners.