Wu Pi San (Wu Pi Yin)

(Five Peel Powder)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

• Damp Accumulation (Skin Edema) due to Spleen Qi deficiency

Actions:

• Promotes urination and drains dampness to reduce edema
• Regulates the Qi and tonifies the Spleen.

Indications:

• Generalized edema and pitting edema with a fullness, distension, or heaviness in the abdomen and epigastria
• Difficult urination and heavy or labored breathing.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Pale swollen tongue with teeth marks and a greasy white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Deep, moderate, and slippery pulse

Western Uses:

• Edema
• Edema from Pregnancy
• Protein Deficiency Edema
• Ascites from Cirrhosis
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Urticaria
• Menopausal Edema

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• This formula does not strongly Tonify the Spleen, so the use of additional Spleen Tonifying herbs is recommended

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• Treasury Classic (Zhong Zang Jing)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Large Intestine, Small Intestine

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

	Sang Bai Pi (Bark of Mulberry Root) Qty: 15 grams Chan: LU, SP Prop: Sweet, Cold Latin: Cortex Radicis Mori Albae Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
	Sheng Jiang Pi (Fresh Ginger Rhizome Skin) Qty: 6 grams Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Cool Latin: Pericarpium Zingiberis Recens Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
	Fu Ling Pi (Poria Skin) Qty: 15 grams Chan: HT, SP, LU Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral Latin: Sclerotii Poriae Cocos Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
	Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) Qty: 9 grams Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
	Da Fu Pi (Betel Husk) Qty: 15 grams Chan: LI, SI, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Slightly Warm Latin: Pericarpium Arecae Catechu Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.