Wu Ren Wan
Star五仁丸 (Five-Seed Pill)
Source: Shi Yi De Xiao Fang — Wei Yi-Lin (1345)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Wu Ren Wan (Five-Seed Pill), from the Shi Yi De Xiao Fang (Effective Formulas from Generations of Physicians) by Wei Yi-Lin — a variation of Ma Zi Ren Wan.
Presentation: Constipation and dry stool from severe body fluid deficiency (also geriatric or postpartum blood-deficient constipation): constipation, dry stool, dry mouth, thirst with desire to drink.
Cautions:
- Use with caution during pregnancy because Tao Ren moves blood
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 176.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xing Ren
chao (dry-fried); as printed: Ku Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) 30g [15g]
|
15g | 23.44% | Jun (Chief) | Nourishes and treats intestinal dryness; directs Lung qi downward to aid the Large Intestine |
|
Tao Ren
as printed: Tao Ren (Semen Persicae) 30g [15g]
|
15g | 23.44% | Chen (Deputy) | Helps Ku Xing Ren moisten dryness and lubricate the bowels |
|
Bai Zi Ren
as printed: Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi) 15g [9g]
|
9g | 14.06% | Chen (Deputy) | Oily moist laxative; relieves Stomach and Intestine dryness and heat |
|
Song Zi Ren
as printed: Song Zi Ren (Semen Pini) 3.75g [5g]
|
5g | 7.81% | Chen (Deputy) | Moistens the five zang organs; for deficiency constipation |
|
Yu Li Ren
chao (dry-fried); as printed: Yu Li Ren (Semen Pruni) 3g [5g]
|
5g | 7.81% | Chen (Deputy) | Oily moist laxative |
|
Chen Pi
yan (ground) to powder; as printed: Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 120g [15g]
|
15g | 23.44% | Zuo (Assistant) | Regulates qi to relieve abdominal distention or bloating |
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 warm (+0.55)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 45%, warm 55%.
Taste
- pungent 14%
- sweet 36%
- bitter 50%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 78%
- Large intestine 77%
- Heart 38%
- Spleen 31%
- Liver 31%
- Kidney 14%
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
Mash the five seeds to paste, blend with powdered Chen Pi, form honey pills the size of Wu Tong Zi; 50 pills with rice soup on an empty stomach. Today: powder, honey pills, 12g per dose with warm water on an empty stomach, or decoct at bracketed doses.
Relationships
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Formula family
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
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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