There is one base formula in the ‘Reduce Food Stagnation’ category:
1. Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pill)
[copy2cart name=”Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pill)” formula=”JSZ(9 – 15)|SQU(9 – 12)|LFZC( 6 – 9)|CPI(6 – 9)|JBX(9 – 12)|FLG(9 – 12)|LQ(3 – 6)|JMY(3 – 6)” mode=”2″]
| Shan Zha | 9 – 15 | Fructus Crataegi |
| Shen Qu | 9 – 12 | Massa Fermenta |
| Lai Fu Zi | 6 – 9 | Semen Raphani Tosum |
| Chen Pi | 6 – 9 | Pericarpium Citri reticulatae |
| Ban Xia | 9 – 12 | Rhizoma Pinelliae ternatae |
| Fu Ling | 9 – 12 | Sclerotium Poriae cocos |
| Lian Qiao | 3 – 6 | Fructus Forsythiae |
| Mai Ya | 3 – 6 | Fructus Hordei vulgaris germinantus |
Actions
Reduces food stagnation and harmonises the Stomach
Indications
- Focal distension and fullness in the chest and epigastrium
- Abdominal distension with occasional pain
- Rotten-smelling belching, acid regurgitation
- Nausea and vomiting, aversion to food
- Possibly with diarrhoea
- A greasy yellow tongue coating
- A slippery pulse
Formula
- Shan Zha (chief) effectively reduces all types of food stagnation, especially when due to meat and fatty foods.
- Shen Qu and Lai Fu Zi (deputies) are particularly good at reducing stagnation due to alcohol and food, and Phlegm accumulation due to grains respectively. Lai Fu Zi also causes Qi to descend and the chief and deputy herbs reduce stagnation and accumulation caused by excess eating and drinking.
- Ban Xia and Chen Pi (assistants) promote Qi movement and transform stagnation to harmonise the Stomach and reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Fu Ling (assistant) strengthens the Spleen and leaches out Dampness to assist in harmonising the middle Jiao and stopping diarrhoea.
- Lian Qiao (assistant) clears Heat arising from the stagnation and constraint.
- Mai Ya (assistant) helps to reduce food stagnation from grains
Adaptations
- Severe abdominal distension: add Zhi Shi and Hou Po
- Sweating from the head due to food stagnation turning into heat: add Huang Lian
- Constipation: add Da Huang and Bing Lang
- Early-stage dysenteric disorder with concurrent food stagnation: omit Fu Ling and Lian Qiao, and add Huang Lian, Zhi Shi and Bing Lang
Discussion
- The formula is essentially a variation of Er Chen Tang with herbs to reduce food stagnation.
- The formula is most appropriate in the early stages of food stagnation or for relatively mild cases.
- Commonly used for diarrhoea with this disorder in children and with the appropriate presentation it will treat acute gastroenteritis, acute exacerbation of chronic gastritis, hepatitis, acute pancreatitis and acute or chronic cholecystitis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases with Spleen deficiency without modification.