Ch 3: Formulas that Moisten and Purge

Question 1

What are the ingedients of Ma Zi Ren Wan?

Answer 1

1. Ma Zi Ren (Huo Ma Ren) - Cannabis seed (500g)
2. Xing Ren - Apricot seed (250g)
3. Bai Shao - White peony (250g)
4. Da Huang - Rhubarb root (500g)
5. Zhi Shi - Unripe bitter orange (250g)
6. Hou Po - Magnolia bark (500g)
7. Feng Mi - Honey

Question 2

What are the functions of Ma Zi Ren Wan?

Answer 2

• Moisten the intestine and dispel heat
• Promote qi circulation and promote bowel movement

Question 3

Indications of Ma Zi Ren Wan? Application?

Answer 3

Constipation due to dryness and heat in the stomach and intestine.

Commonly used for chronic constipation, constipation due to hemorrhoids.

Question 4

What are the key symptoms to choose Ma Zi Ren Wan?

Answer 4

• Constipation with frequent or normal urination
• Dry tongue and coating
• Thirst
• Thin, hesitant pulse

Question 5

What causes the key symptoms of dryness (thirst, dry tongue and coating, constipation, thin pulse)?

Answer 5

Heat in the stomach and intestines injures body fluid. Spleen can’t spread fluid to every corner of the body.

Question 6

What are the two main symptoms for using Ma Zi Ren Wan? What is their pathogenesis?

Answer 6

Contipation and frequent urination.

If there are not enough body fluis when the spleen wants to T &T, the spleen may only spread them to part of the body, in this case the bladder. This is why there is frequent urination or the urination is still “normal” even when there is body fluid deficiency.

Question 7

Actions of Ma Zi Ren?

Answer 7

King herb

• Rich in oil to moisten the bowel
• Promote bowel movement

Question 8

Actions of Xing Ren?

Answer 8

Deputy

• Moisten dryness and promote bowel movement
• Remove stagnation

Question 9

Actions of Bai Shao?

Answer 9

Deputy

• Moisten dryness to promote bowel movement
• Nourish yin, soften liver

Question 10

Actions of Da Huang, Zhi Shi, Hou Po?

Answer 10

Assistants

• Promote bowel movement
• Promote qi circulation
• Relieve distention and fullness

Question 11

Action of Feng Mi (honey)?

Answer 11

Messenger

• Moisten the intestines

Question 12

What are the characteristics of the combination of herbs for Ma Zi Ren Wan?

Answer 12

• Combination of moistening and purging, but majorly moistening.
• Purging but not too strong, using Feng Mi and Bai Shao to soften the purging effect.
• Moisten, but not too greasy, using Hou Po, Zhi Shi to move qi and prevent stagnation.

Question 13

What are the common applications for Ma Zi Ren Wan?

Answer 13

• Chronic constipation
• Post surgery for hemorrhoids
• Postpartum