Píng Wèi Sǎn
Píng Wèi Sǎn (平胃散, “Calm the Stomach Powder”) comes from Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE). Dries moisture, strengthens the Spleen, moves Qi, harmonizes the Stomach.
Main action
Dries moisture, strengthens the Spleen, moves Qi, harmonizes the Stomach
Minimum base formula of four herbs. Its name 'Ping Wei' (calming the Stomach) reflects the principle of restoring normality without excessive intervention.
Indications
- Abdominal distension
- Heaviness and fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- watery diarrhea
- Sweet taste in the mouth
- Thick coating
- Tongue
- Pale or normal, white, thick, moist coating
- Pulse
- Slippery and slow, or moderate
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hòu Pò 厚朴 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 12g | Dries moisture, moves Qi, reduces bloating |
| Cāng Zhú 苍术 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 12g | Dries humidity, strengthens Spleen, disperses wind-cold-damp |
| Chén Pí 陈皮 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Move Qi, dry moisture |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo 炙甘草 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Harmonizes, tones Spleen |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Powder: 6-9g with hot water, 2 times/day before meals. Decoction: boil 25 min with ginger and date
Classical modifications
Add: Shan Zha (山楂) 12g, Shen Qu (神曲) 9g
Current uses being studied
- Chronic gastritis with humidity
- Atonic dyspepsia
- Gastroenteritis
- tourist diarrhea
- Chronic distended abdomen
Precautions
- Do not use in Yin deficiency or insufficient fluids
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Not for long-term use without toners
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 平胃散
- English name
- Calm the Stomach Powder
- Source
- Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE)
- Dynasty
- Song
- Category
- Digestion and Dampness
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
