Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan
Star己椒苈黄丸 (Stephania, Zanthoxylum, Tingli Seed, and Rhubarb Pill)
Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan (Stephania, Zanthoxylum, Tingli Seed, and Rhubarb Pill), from Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (c. 220).
Actions: Drives out water; Scours out thin mucus; Moves the qi; Reduces distention
Indications: Abdominal distention, borborygmus, dryness of the mouth and tongue, constipation, reduced urination, a yellow, greasy tongue coating, and a wiry and slippery or a submerged, full, and slightly rapid pulse
Pattern: Water accumulation in the Stomach and Intestines with qi stagnation
Cautions:
- Contraindicated when interior fluid accumulation is accompanied by Spleen deficiency
- Use only short term
Modifications:
- Thirst indicating more severe heat in the Intestines: Add 15g of Natrii Sulfas (mang xiao) (source text)
Commentary: Separates the clear portion of fluids (drained via urine by fang ji and jiao mu) from the turbid portion (purged via the bowels by ting li zi and da huang).
Category: Formulas that Drive Out Excess Water.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 94.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Han Fang Ji
as printed: Stephaniae tetrandrae Radix (han fang ji) 30g
|
30g | 25% | Jun (Chief) | Expels pathogenic water via the urine |
|
Jiao Mu
role: described as assisting the chief; role word not used; as printed: Zanthoxyli Semen (jiao mu) 30g
|
30g | 25% | Assists the chief in promoting urination | |
|
Ting Li Zi
as printed: Lepidii/Descurainiae Semen (ting li zi) 30g
|
30g | 25% | Drains Lung qi, breaks up stagnation, promotes urination | |
|
Da Huang
as printed: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (da huang) 30g
|
30g | 25% | Directs qi downward and flushes accumulation from Stomach and Intestines |
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net cold (-2.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 100%.
Taste
- pungent 38%
- bitter 63%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 75%
- Spleen 75%
- Large intestine 50%
- Bladder 50%
- Stomach 25%
- Kidney 25%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Form into honey pills; take one pill (3-9g each) before meals three times daily.
Relationships
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Formula Network
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Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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