Wu Zi Tang
Star五子汤 (Five-Seed Decoction)
Source: Therapeutic Experiences of Pu Fu-Zhou (1976)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Wu Zi Tang (Five-Seed Decoction), from Therapeutic Experiences of Pu Fu-Zhou (1976).
Associated formula of Run Chang Wan.
Actions: Enriches the Kidneys and augments the Spleen; Moistens the Intestines; Unblocks the passage of stools
Usage: Habitual constipation with dry pellet-like stools, lower abdominal discomfort, difficulty falling asleep, little coating; pulse submerged, thin, rough on the right and submerged, wiry, thin, slightly rapid on the left.
Category: Formulas that Moisten the Intestines and Unblock the Bowels.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 80.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rou Cong Rong
as printed: Cistanches Herba (rou cong rong) 12g
|
12g | 18.18% | — | |
|
Nu Zhen Zi
as printed: Ligustri lucidi Fructus (nu zhen zi) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — | |
|
Mo Han Lian
as printed: Ecliptae Herba (mo han lian) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — | |
|
Bai Zi Ren
as printed: Platycladi Semen (bai zi ren) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — | |
|
Huo Ma Ren
as printed: Cannabis Semen (huo ma ren) 12g
|
12g | 18.18% | — | |
|
Jue Ming Zi
as printed: Cassiae Semen (jue ming zi) 6g
|
6g | 9.09% | — | |
|
Hei Zhi Ma
as printed: Sesami Semen nigrum (hei zhi ma) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — |
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 (-0.32)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 14%, cool 23%, neutral 46%, warm 18%.
Taste
- sweet 71%
- sour 7%
- bitter 10%
- salty 12%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Large intestine 73%
- Kidney 73%
- Liver 50%
- Stomach 18%
- Spleen 18%
- Heart 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
Decoct over low heat about an hour to about 200ml, add a teaspoon of honey, drink in two portions.
Relationships
Full-screen graph →Click a node for details · double-click to expand it · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll or two fingers to zoom and pan.
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.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Wu Zi Tang.
No notes yet.