【Source】

《Jing Yue Quan Shu (1624)》, 《Yi Fang (1865)》: Liu Caochuang’s Formula

 【Composition】

White Atractylodes Rhizome, White Peony Root, Tangerine Peel, Windproof
(4)

 【Classification】

<Blood-tonifying>: Peony Root

<Qi-regulating>: Tangerine Peel

<Spleen-tonifying and Middle-Qi-tonifying>: White Atractylodes Rhizome

<Warm-dispelling and Exterior-releasing>: Windproof

【Formula Analysis】

《Yi Fang》: This formula targets the Foot Tai Yin and Jue Yin meridians. (1) White Atractylodes Rhizome: Bitter, dries dampness; Sweet, tonifies the Spleen; Warm, harmonizes the Middle Jiao. (2) Peony Root: Cold, clears Liver Fire; Sour, astringes rebellious Qi, moderates and stops pain. (3) Windproof: Pungent, disperses Liver Qi; Aromatic, soothes the Spleen; Wind element, overcomes dampness, and is a key herb to guide Qi to the Spleen. (4) Tangerine Peel: Pungent, regulates Qi; when stir-fried until fragrant, it is even better at drying dampness and awakening the Spleen, allowing Qi to flow and thus stopping pain. (5) These herbs collectively aim to reduce the Wood element and benefit the Earth element.

 【Functions】

Soothes the Liver and strengthens the Spleen, relieves spasms and stops pain.

 【Indications】

Intestinal borborygmus and diarrhea due to Liver excess and Spleen deficiency, pain temporarily reduced after diarrhea, recurrent attacks, thin white tongue coating, and a wiry and slow pulse. 《Yi Fang》: Treats persistent diarrhea with pain.

 【Syndromes】

Acute and chronic enteritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colitis.

 【Mnemonics】

Shao Zhu Chen Fan (Peony, Atractylodes, Tangerine Peel, Windproof)#

 【Pharmacology】

Relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscles, inhibits gastric acid secretion, has anti-ulcer effects, etc.