Wen Ge San
Star文蛤散 (Meretrix Clam Shell Powder)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 20, 2026
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Description
Wen Ge San (Meretrix Clam Shell Powder) is the formula given in Line 141A of the Shang Han Lun for vexation, millet papules on the skin, and a desire to drink without actual thirst after cold water was sprayed or poured on a patient whose disease was in the yáng; Poria Five Powder is given if it does not resolve.
Source: Mitchell C, Feng Y, Wiseman N. Shang Han Lun: On Cold Damage, Translation & Commentaries. Paradigm Publications, 1999, pp. 268–269.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wen Ge
as printed: 文蛤五两 (5 liang); 78.125 g at 1 liang = 15.625 g (p. 64)
|
78.13g | 100% | — |
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 cool (-1.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 100%.
Taste
- salty 100%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Stomach 100%
- Kidney 100%
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
(1) [For] the ingredient above, [crush it into] a powder. (2) Mix a square-inch-spoon [of the powder] into the boiled decoction. Use 5 gě of the decoction. (Mitchell, Feng & Wiseman 1999, p. 268, Line 141A)
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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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