Wu Pi San
Star五皮散 (Five-Peel Powder)
Source: Zhong Zang Jing — Hua Tuo (Han, c. 4th century)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Wu Pi San (Five-Peel Powder), from the Zhong Zang Jing (Treasury Classic) by Hua Tuo.
Actions: Dispels dampness and reduces swelling and edema; Regulates qi and strengthens the Spleen.
Presentation: Pi shui (skin water) from Spleen deficiency with damp accumulation: generalized edema, heaviness of body and limbs, epigastric and abdominal fullness or distention, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, urinary difficulty, edema in pregnancy, white greasy tongue coating, deep moderate pulse.
Cautions:
- Avoid raw, cold, oily, greasy or hard-to-digest foods while taking it
Note: the book also describes a formula of the same name from Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (p. 1123). This record follows the Zhong Zang Jing version.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1121, 1123.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fu Ling Pi
as printed: Fu Ling Pi (Cortex Poria) [9g]
|
9g | 20% | dispels dampness and relieves edema by diuresis; strengthens Spleen transformation and transportation | |
|
Sheng Jiang Pi
as printed: Sheng Jiang Pi (Pericarpium Zingiberis Recens) [9g]
|
9g | 20% | disperses accumulated water and dampness | |
|
Sang Bai Pi
as printed: Sang Bai Pi (Cortex Mori) [9g]
|
9g | 20% | redirects rising Lung qi downward and restores water metabolism | |
|
Da Fu Pi
as printed: Da Fu Pi (Pericarpium Arecae) [9g]
|
9g | 20% | activates qi to disperse fluids and relieve fullness and distention | |
|
Chen Pi
as printed: Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) [9g]
|
9g | 20% | harmonizes Stomach qi and disperses turbid dampness |
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 (-0.20)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 20%, cool 20%, neutral 20%, warm 40%.
Pairs warm and cool. 40% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 40% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Taste
- pungent 50%
- sweet 30%
- bitter 10%
- bland 10%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 100%
- Lung 80%
- Large intestine 20%
- Stomach 20%
- Small intestine 20%
- Kidney 20%
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
Grind equal amounts into coarse powder; cook 9g of powder in 1.5 bowls water down to 80% and take warm any time of day. May be decocted today using bracketed doses.
Relationships
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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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