Bai Zhu Shao Yao San 白术芍药散
Atractylodes and Peony Powder,
or, Important Formula for Painful Purging

Tradition:


TCM

Source / Author:


Collected Treatises of [Zhang] Jing-Yue, 1624

Herb Name

Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes)
Bai Shao (White Peony)
Chen Pi (Tangerine peel)
Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia)

Latin


Atractylodes macrocephala
Paeonia lactiflora
Citrus tangerina, reticulata Saposhnikovia divaricata

Amount



6 grams ea.
4 1⁄2 grams
3 grams


Preparation:


Traditionally prepared as a powder, it is typically prepared as a decoction in modern times with the doses given above.

Function:


Tonify the Spleen, calm the Liver, clear Damp and stop Diarrhea

Use:


Used specifically for Diarrhea and Abdominal pain caused by Spleen weakness and Liver excess; thin white tongue coat and Wiry pulse
1. Diarrhea with Stomach pain
2. Abdominal Pain which persists after defecation
3. Acute Enteritis or Gastroenteritis
4. Acute or Chronic Colitis
5. Ulcerative Colitis
6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
7. Wind-Colic


Dose:


The above can be taken in decoction over the course of the day. If used as a powder, 2 or 3 grams can be taken with Ginger tea.

Cautions:


Avoid cold, raw and greasy foods while taking this formula.

Modifications:


1. If there is a yellow, greasy Tongue coat from Damp-Heat, ad Coptis Huang Lian.
2. If there is Yang deficiency with a feeling of Cold, and Cold abdominal pain, add Dried Ginger Gan Jiang and prepared Aconitum Zhi Fu Zi
3. Diarrhea caused by Indigestion, add Pueraria Ge Gen and Crataegus Shan Zha (Hawthorn fruit)

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