Píng Wèi Sǎn (平胃散, Calm the Stomach Powder) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Phlegm & damp category, with Cāng Zhú as chief herb. It contains Cāng Zhú, Hòu Pò, Chén Pí, Zhì Gān Cǎo, Shēng Jiāng and Dà Zǎo. Actions: dries Damp, invigorates Spleen; promotes qi movement; harmonises Stomach.
| Pinyin | Píng Wèi Sǎn (Ping Wei San) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 平胃散 |
| English | Calm the Stomach Powder |
| Category | Phlegm & damp |
| Chief | Cāng Zhú |
| Tongue | Thick white greasy coat |
| Pulse | Slippery, moderate |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Cāng Zhú | 15g |
| Hòu Pò | 9g |
| Chén Pí | 9g |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 4g |
| Shēng Jiāng | 2pc |
| Dà Zǎo | 2pc |
Actions
Dries Damp, invigorates Spleen; promotes qi movement; harmonises Stomach
Indications
Cold-Damp obstructing Spleen: epigastric distension, loss of taste, nausea, heavy limbs, diarrhoea
Formulas with similar ingredients
- Wēn Dǎn Tāng shares Chén Pí, Zhì Gān Cǎo, Shēng Jiāng and Dà Zǎo. Only Píng Wèi Sǎn has Cāng Zhú and Hòu Pò; only Wēn Dǎn Tāng has Bàn Xià, Zhú Rú, Zhǐ Shí and Fú Líng.
- Bàn Xià Bái Zhú Tiān Má Tāng shares Chén Pí, Zhì Gān Cǎo, Shēng Jiāng and Dà Zǎo. Only Píng Wèi Sǎn has Cāng Zhú and Hòu Pò; only Bàn Xià Bái Zhú Tiān Má Tāng has Bàn Xià, Tiān Má, Bái Zhú and Fú Líng.
Test yourself
What herbs are in Píng Wèi Sǎn?
Píng Wèi Sǎn contains Cāng Zhú 15g, Hòu Pò 9g, Chén Pí 9g, Zhì Gān Cǎo 4g, Shēng Jiāng 2pc and Dà Zǎo 2pc.
What is Píng Wèi Sǎn used for?
Cold-Damp obstructing Spleen: epigastric distension, loss of taste, nausea, heavy limbs, diarrhoea.
What are the actions of Píng Wèi Sǎn?
Dries Damp, invigorates Spleen; promotes qi movement; harmonises Stomach.
What tongue and pulse go with Píng Wèi Sǎn?
Tongue: Thick white greasy coat. Pulse: Slippery, moderate.
Use Píng Wèi 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.