Run Chang Wan
Star润肠丸 (Moisten the Intestines Pill)
Source: Pi Wei Lun — Li Gao (1249)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Run Chang Wan (Moisten the Intestines Pill), from the Pi Wei Lun (Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach) by Li Gao.
Actions: Lubricates the Intestines and promotes defecation; Tonifies blood circulation and dispels wind.
Presentation: Blood-deficiency constipation: habitual constipation, constipation in elderly or weak individuals, dry hard stools, poor appetite, lethargy, dizziness, palpitations.
Cautions:
- Use with caution during pregnancy
Note: the book also describes a formula of the same name from Wan Bing Hui Chun (p. 178). This record follows the Pi Wei Lun version.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 177, 178.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Da Huang
as printed: Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 15g
|
15g | 13.33% | Purges the bowels and clears heat | |
|
Tao Ren
jin (soaked); as printed: Tao Ren (Semen Persicae) 30g
|
30g | 26.67% | Moistens the Intestines and promotes defecation | |
|
Huo Ma Ren
as printed: Huo Ma Ren (Fructus Cannabis) 37.5g
|
37.5g | 33.33% | Moistens the Intestines and promotes defecation | |
|
Dang Gui
as printed: Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 15g
|
15g | 13.33% | Tonifies blood and yin to lubricate the bowels | |
|
Qiang Huo
as printed: Qiang Huo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii) 15g
|
15g | 13.33% | Expels wind and relieves pain |
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 neutral (0.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 13%, neutral 60%, warm 27%.
Taste
- pungent 13%
- sweet 53%
- bitter 33%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Large intestine 73%
- Spleen 60%
- Liver 53%
- Stomach 47%
- Heart 40%
- Lung 27%
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
Source: grind Huo Ma Ren to paste and the rest to powder, form honey pills the size of Wu Tong Zi; 50 pills with warm water on an empty stomach. Today: powder all, honey pills, 12g per dose on an empty stomach.
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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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