Shu Zao Yin Zi
Star疏凿饮子 (Spread and Unblock Decoction)
Source: Ji Sheng Fang — Yan Yong-He (1253)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Shu Zao Yin Zi (Spread and Unblock Decoction), from the Ji Sheng Fang (Formulas to Aid the Living) by Yan Yong-He.
Actions: Drains downward; Eliminates water accumulation; Dispels wind and releases the exterior.
Presentation: Excess water and damp accumulation: generalized edema, wheezing, thirst, anuria, constipation.
Composition: Source uses equal amounts; only bracketed modern decoction doses are printed. Sheng Jiang (5 slices) is added in preparation.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 185.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shang Lu
as printed: Shang Lu (Radix Phytolaccae) [6g]
|
6g | 4.76% | Jun (Chief) | Purges excess water and dampness via urine and stool |
|
Fu Ling Pi
as printed: Fu Ling Pi (Cortex Poria) [30g]
|
30g | 23.81% | Chen (Deputy) | Promotes urination to drain water and dampness |
|
Ze Xie
as printed: Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis) [12g]
|
12g | 9.52% | Chen (Deputy) | Promotes urination |
|
Mu Tong
as printed: Mu Tong (Caulis Akebiae) [12g]
|
12g | 9.52% | Chen (Deputy) | Promotes urination |
|
Jiao Mu
as printed: Jiao Mu (Semen Zanthoxyli Bungeani) [9g]
|
9g | 7.14% | Chen (Deputy) | Promotes urination |
|
Chi Xiao Dou
chao (dry-fried); as printed: Chi Xiao Dou (Semen Phaseoli) [15g]
|
15g | 11.9% | Chen (Deputy) | Promotes urination |
|
Bing Lang
as printed: Bing Lang (Semen Arecae) [9g]
|
9g | 7.14% | Zuo (Assistant) | Activates qi and moves water downward and outward |
|
Da Fu Pi
as printed: Da Fu Pi (Pericarpium Arecae) [15g]
|
15g | 11.9% | Zuo (Assistant) | Activates qi and moves water downward and outward |
|
Qiang Huo
as printed: Qiang Huo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii) [9g]
|
9g | 7.14% | Zuo (Assistant) | Promotes perspiration to expel water from the skin level |
|
Qin Jiao
as printed: Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae) [9g]
|
9g | 7.14% | Zuo (Assistant) | Promotes perspiration to expel water from the skin level |
|
Sheng Jiang
from the preparation text; printed dose 5 slices (no single modern dose); as printed: Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) 5 slices
|
g | — | Promotes perspiration to expel water from the skin level |
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 (-0.36)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 31%, neutral 43%, warm 26%.
Pairs warm and cool. 26% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 31% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Small but decisive: Shang Lu 6g (cold, 5% of the grams), Ze Xie 12g (cold, 10% of the grams), Mu Tong 12g (cold, 10% of the grams), Jiao Mu 9g (cold, 7% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 26%
- sweet 23%
- sour 6%
- bitter 29%
- bland 17%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 48%
- Kidney 45%
- Lung 36%
- Small intestine 33%
- Stomach 26%
- Large intestine 24%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
1 herb without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Sheng Jiang.
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: equal amounts coarsely powdered; cook 12g with 5 slices Sheng Jiang in 1.5 bowls water until 70% remains; take warm at any time of day. Or decoct at bracketed doses.
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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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