[Source]

From “Hygiene Baogao” Vol. 8.

 [Composition]

Semen Cannabis, Da Huang, Semen Persicae paste, Dang Gui tail, Zhi Shi, Bai Shao, Sheng Ma, Ren Shen, raw Gan Cao, Chen Pi, Mu Xiang, Bing Lang
(12)

 [Classification Group]

<Blood Tonic>: Dang Gui tail, Shao Yao

<Qi Regulation>: Zhi Shi, Mu Xiang, Chen Pi

<Spleen and Middle Tonifying>: Raw Gan Cao

<Exterior Releasing with Cold-Natured Cooling>: Sheng Ma

<Purgative>: Da Huang

<Qi Tonifying>: Ren Shen

<Blood Activating and Stasis Dispelling>: Semen Persicae paste

<Deworming>: Bing Lang

<Moistening and Descending>: Semen Cannabis

[Formula Meaning]

According to “Fang Ji Xue Xu”, Run Chang Wan, Wu Ren Wan, and Ma Zi Ren Wan are all agents for moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. However, Run Chang Wan is composed of intestinal moistening herbs combined with blood-activating and wind-dispelling herbs, primarily treating constipation caused by dryness of the intestines due to wind-heat entering the large intestine and blood dryness. Wu Ren Wan mainly uses oil-rich nuts to moisten dryness and lubricate the intestines, specifically for constipation due to deficiency of body fluids. Ma Zi Ren Wan is composed of intestinal moistening herbs combined with Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, which moistens and descends while also clearing heat and guiding stagnation, specifically for constipation due to deficiency of body fluids with accompanying intestinal and stomach dryness-heat.

 [Function]

Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements, activates blood and dispels wind.

 [Indications]

Wind invading the organs, stuffiness and distension in the chest and diaphragm,澀滯 (stiff and stagnant) bowel movements. Dietary and labor fatigue leading to constipation.

 [Mnemonic]

[Purgative, Moistening and Descending]: Da, Ma, Tao; [Qi Regulation]: Chen, Shi, Xiang; […]: Shen, Gui, Shao, Gan, Sheng, Bing -> Da Ma Tao is placed in Chen, and is old. It is truly fragrant. Shen Gui’s sister Gan is heartfelt and upgrades to VIP.