Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang厚朴温中汤
Magnolia Bark Decoction for Warming the Middle
Also known asMagnolia Warm the Center Decoction · Magnolia Combination · Decoction of Magnolia to Warm the Spleen and Stomach
- Medicinals
- 8
Composition
Promotes the movement of Qi in the Middle Jiao, resolves Stagnation, dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, descends Rebellious Qi, and calms wheezing.
- Gan Jian
- Gan Jiang
- Cao Dou Kou
Dries Dampness, warms the Middle Jiao, stops vomiting and strengthens the Spleen.
for Cold-Dampness in the Middle Jiao when Dampness predominates.Regulates Qi, adjusts the Middle, relieves the diaphragm, dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm.
(Substitutes for *Chen Pi)*
Promotes the movement of Qi, prevents Stagnation, strengthens the Spleen, and alleviates pain.
- Gan JiangRz. Zingiberis1.5–6 g
Warms the Middle and expels Cold.
- Zhi Gan Cao
- Jiang Hou Po
Tonifies the Spleen, augments *Qi and moderates and harmonizes the harsh properties of other herbs.*
Actions
- Encourages Qi circulation
- Relieves distention
- Dries out Dampness
- Warms the Middle Burner
Patterns treated
Cold-Damp injury to the Spleen and Stomach
Manifestations
- Fullness and bloating across the upper and lower abdomen
- Diminished desire to eat
- Heavy, fatigued limbs
- Unformed stools or frank diarrhea
- Pain in the abdomen
- Passing of intestinal gas
- Retching up clear fluid
- Excessive vaginal discharge
- Sluggishness
- Tongue body
- Pale-toned
- Coating
- White in color and slick in texture
- Pulse
- Deep and wiry in quality, or alternatively Slippery and thin
Indications
- Ulceration of the stomach or duodenum
- Long-standing stomach inflammation
- Long-standing intestinal inflammation
- Long-standing inflammation of the colon
- Tuberculous infection of the intestines
- Inflammation of the vagina
- Irritable bowel disorder
- Loss of appetite
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Long-standing pancreatic inflammation
- Vaginal discharge
- Indigestion
- Inflammation of the cervix
- Difficulty conceiving
- Discomfort and pain in the abdomen
Modifications
When epigastric pain is severe
When rib-side pain occurs together with acid reflux
When abdominal pain accompanies diarrhea
When Deficiency Cold also brings cold to the body and limbs
When Cold-Dampness of the Spleen and Stomach with Qi stagnation produces diarrhea and abdominal gas
When Food Stagnation is present
When queasiness and retching of clear, watery fluid occur
- +Zhi Ban Xia
- +Bai Zhu
When fluid swelling and bodily heaviness are present
When pain is intense
When Cold-Dampness Attacking Downward causes leukorrhea with a watery discharge and lower-abdominal fullness
- −Zhi Gan Cao
- +Bai Zhu
- +Gui Zhi
Cautions
Not to be used when abdominal distention or pain occurs alongside Qi Deficiency or Stomach Yin Deficiency.
Notes
This formula is typically given to an otherwise healthy person whose abdominal gas or pain stems from eating too much raw and cold food, which has damaged the Middle Jiao with Cold.