Ping Wei San
Star平胃散 (Calm the Stomach Powder)
Source: Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Ping Wei San (Calm the Stomach Powder) is the foundational formula for dampness obstructing the Spleen and Stomach. It dries dampness, transforms turbidity, regulates Qi, and harmonizes the Stomach. As a base formula for Spleen-Stomach damp stagnation, it underlies many digestive formulas and is clinically essential for gastrointestinal disorders characterized by heaviness, bloating, and dampness patterns.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cang Zhu | 12g | 27.59% | Jun (Chief) | Strongly dries dampness and strengthens the Spleen |
| Hou Po | 9g | 20.69% | Chen (Deputy) | Moves qi, dries dampness, eliminates fullness and distention |
| Chen Pi | 9g | 20.69% | Zuo (Assistant) | Regulates qi and transforms dampness to revive the Spleen |
| Gan Cao | 4.5g | 10.34% | Shi (Envoy) | Tonifies the middle and harmonizes the formula |
| Sheng Jiang | 3g | 6.9% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the Stomach |
| Da Zao | 6g | 13.79% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the middle burner |
Total weight: 30g
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.
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 warm (+0.90)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 10%, warm 90%.
Taste
- pungent 41%
- sweet 24%
- bitter 35%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 100%
- Stomach 79%
- Lung 59%
- Liver 28%
- Large intestine 21%
- Heart 10%
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
Originally powder; take with warm ginger water. As decoction: simmer 20–25 minutes with Sheng Jiang and Da Zao. Take warm before meals.
Dosage
Powder: 6g 3x/day. Decoction: 1 dose/day. Add Sheng Jiang to enhance anti-nausea effect.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
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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