Bā Zhèng Sǎn (八正散, Eight-Herb Powder for Rectification) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Clear heat category, with Mu Tong as chief herb. It contains Mù Tōng (Akebia), Qú Mài, Biǎn Xù, Chē Qián Zǐ, Huá Shí, Zhī Zǐ, Zhì Gān Cǎo, Dà Huáng and Dēng Xīn Cǎo. Actions: clears Heat; promotes urination; drains Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao.
| Pinyin | Bā Zhèng Sǎn (Ba Zheng San) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 八正散 |
| English | Eight-Herb Powder for Rectification |
| Category | Clear heat |
| Chief | Mu Tong |
| Tongue | Red, yellow greasy coat |
| Pulse | Slippery, rapid |
| Cautions | Use Akebia (Mù Tōng). Never substitute Guān Mù Tōng (Aristolochia), which contains nephrotoxic, carcinogenic aristolochic acid. Contraindicated in pregnancy. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Mù Tōng (Akebia) | 9g |
| Qú Mài | 9g |
| Biǎn Xù | 9g |
| Chē Qián Zǐ | 9g |
| Huá Shí | 15g |
| Zhī Zǐ | 6g |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 6g |
| Dà Huáng | 9g |
| Dēng Xīn Cǎo | 3g |
Actions
Clears Heat; promotes urination; drains Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao
Indications
Lower Jiao Damp-Heat: hot painful urinary dysfunction, dark scanty urine, urinary retention, haematuria
Test yourself
What herbs are in Bā Zhèng Sǎn?
Bā Zhèng Sǎn contains Mù Tōng (Akebia) 9g, Qú Mài 9g, Biǎn Xù 9g, Chē Qián Zǐ 9g, Huá Shí 15g, Zhī Zǐ 6g, Zhì Gān Cǎo 6g, Dà Huáng 9g and Dēng Xīn Cǎo 3g.
What is Bā Zhèng Sǎn used for?
Lower Jiao Damp-Heat: hot painful urinary dysfunction, dark scanty urine, urinary retention, haematuria.
What are the actions of Bā Zhèng Sǎn?
Clears Heat; promotes urination; drains Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao.
What tongue and pulse go with Bā Zhèng Sǎn?
Tongue: Red, yellow greasy coat. Pulse: Slippery, rapid.
Use Bā Zhèng Sǎn in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.