【Source】

Collected Medical Revelations

 【Composition】

Angelica sinensis, Licorice, Raw Rehmannia, Hemp Seed, Peach Kernel, Bitter Almond, Scutellaria, Rhubarb
(8)

 【Category】

<Nourish Blood>: Angelica sinensis

<Clear Heat and Cool Blood>: Raw Rehmannia

<Tonify Spleen and Qi>: Licorice

<Clear Heat and Dry Dampness>: Scutellaria

<Attack and Purge>: Rhubarb

<Invigorate Blood and Dispel Stasis>: Peach Kernel

<Stop Cough and Relieve Asthma>: Bitter Almond

<Lubricate and Purge Downward>: Hemp Seed

【Formula Explanation】

From “Handbook of Chinese Medicine”: In this formula, Angelica sinensis and ripe Rehmannia are both warm and moist, generating new blood. Dried Rehmannia and Scutellaria are cold, cooling blood heat and moistening dryness. Hemp seed, Almond, Peach Kernel, etc., all lubricate the intestines and resolve stagnation of qi and blood, making them flow smoothly. Immature Bitter Orange and Magnolia Bark are used to promote the passage of gas within the intestines. Rhubarb and Scutellaria clear intestinal heat and promote passage. This formula is a modification of the ancient prescription Ma Zi Ren Wan and belongs to the category of nourishing and lubricating purgatives.

 【Function】

Lubricates the intestines and promotes bowel movements.

 【Efficacy】

Constipation due to excess heat and dryness.

 【Indications】

Constipation. Habitual constipation, especially in the elderly, and constipation caused by hypertension, arteriosclerosis, chronic nephritis, etc.

 【Contraindications】

Avoid pungent and hot medications.

 【Mnemonic】

Three kernels (Hemp, Peach, Almond), three Scutellaria (Rehmannia, Scutellaria, Rhubarb), Licorice, Licorice, Angelica.

 【Modifications】

(1) For fever, add Bupleurum; for abdominal pain, add Costus Root; (2) For blood deficiency and dryness, add Angelica sinensis, ripe Rehmannia, Peach Kernel, Safflower; (3) For wind-dryness constipation, add Bush Cherry Seed, Gleditsia Fruit, Notopterygium; (4) For qi deficiency and constipation, add Ginseng, Bush Cherry Seed; (5) For excess qi and constipation, add Areca Seed, Costus Root; (6) For phlegm-fire constipation, add Trichosanthes Fruit, Bamboo Juice; (7) For constipation due to excessive sweating or urination leading to fluid depletion, add Ginseng, Ophiopogon; (8) For constipation in the elderly due to dry qi and blood, add Ginseng, Cynomorium, Ophiopogon, Bush Cherry Seed, double dose of Angelica sinensis, ripe Rehmannia, small amount of Peach Kernel; (9) For constipation in postpartum women due to excessive blood loss and dryness, add Ginseng, Safflower, double dose of Angelica sinensis, ripe Rehmannia, remove Scutellaria, Peach Kernel.