Ma Zi Ren Wan
Star麻子仁丸 (Hemp Seed Pill)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhongjing (Han, 220)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Ma Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill) is a mild laxative formula treating constipation from Spleen constraint — where excess Yang Ming heat causes the Spleen's function of transportation to be constrained, resulting in dry stools. Compared to Da Cheng Qi Tang, it is much milder and suitable for chronic constipation in constitutionally drier individuals.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huo Ma Ren | 20g | 29.41% | Jun (Chief) | Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels |
| Xing Ren | 9g | 13.24% | Chen (Deputy) | Directs Lung qi downward and moistens the Intestines |
| Bai Shao | 9g | 13.24% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes yin and harmonizes to prevent injury from purgation |
| Da Huang | 12g | 17.65% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains heat and purges accumulation |
| Zhi Shi | 9g | 13.24% | Zuo (Assistant) | Breaks up stagnant qi and reduces distention |
| Hou Po | 9g | 13.24% | Zuo (Assistant) | Moves qi and eliminates fullness |
Total weight: 84g
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Moistening the intestines combined with gentle purging of heat, which moves dry stool while limiting injury to fluids.
Heat-dryness constipation with frequent urination (spleen-binding pattern), taken as pills for a mild action.
Oily moistening of the intestines combined with descending of Lung qi, which helps move the bowels because the Lung and Large Intestine are paired.
Dry constipation with intestinal dryness (spleen-binding pattern).
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 slightly cool (-0.35)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 18%, cool 27%, neutral 29%, warm 27%.
Pairs warm and cool. 27% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 44% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Taste
- pungent 11%
- sweet 29%
- sour 11%
- bitter 49%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Large intestine 87%
- Spleen 87%
- Stomach 74%
- Liver 31%
- Lung 27%
- Pericardium 18%
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
Available as honey pills. Grind herbs, bind with honey into 9g pills. Take with warm water before sleep.
Dosage
Pills: 6–9g twice daily with warm water. Adjust dose to achieve soft stools. Can be used long-term at lower doses.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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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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