Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan
Star枳实消痞丸 (Immature Bitter Orange Pill to Reduce Focal Distention)
Source: Lan Shi Mi Cang — Li Gao (Jin-Yuan, 1336)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan (Immature Bitter Orange Pill to Reduce Focal Distention), from the Lan Shi Mi Cang (Secrets from the Orchid Chamber) by Li Gao.
Actions: Activates qi circulation and reduces fullness and distention; Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach.
Presentation: Spleen deficiency complicated by qi stagnation and interlocking of interior heat and cold (more heat): epigastric fullness and distention, lack of appetite, lethargy, and irregular bowel movements with mild constipation.
Cautions:
- Emphasis is on purging excess and clearing heat; use with caution in severe Spleen deficiency
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Gastrointestinal: stimulated intestinal peristalsis and gastric emptying
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1280.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zhi Shi
as printed: Aurantii Fructus immaturus (zhi shi) 15g
|
15g | 16.67% | Jun (Chief) | moves qi and treats epigastric focal distention |
|
Hou Po
as printed: prepared Magnoliae officinalis Cortex (zhi hou po) 12g
|
12g | 13.33% | Chen (Deputy) | moves qi and eliminates fullness |
|
Huang Lian
as printed: Coptidis Rhizoma (huang lian) 15g
|
15g | 16.67% | Chen (Deputy) | drains heat and dries dampness |
|
Ban Xia
as printed: Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum (zhi ban xia) 9g
|
9g | 10% | Chen (Deputy) | descends rebellious qi and dissipates clumping |
|
Ren Shen
as printed: Ginseng Radix (ren shen) 9g
|
9g | 10% | Chen (Deputy) | supports normal qi and strengthens the Spleen |
|
Bai Zhu
as printed: Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma (bai zhu) 6g
|
6g | 6.67% | Zuo (Assistant) | strengthens the Spleen and dries dampness |
|
Fu Ling
as printed: Poria (fu ling) 6g
|
6g | 6.67% | Zuo (Assistant) | strengthens the Spleen and dries dampness |
|
Mai Ya
as printed: Hordei Fructus germinatus (mai ya) 6g
|
6g | 6.67% | Zuo (Assistant) | reduces food stagnation, harmonizes the Stomach |
|
Gan Jiang
as printed: Zingiberis Rhizoma (gan jiang) 6g
|
6g | 6.67% | Zuo (Assistant) | moves middle-burner yang to disperse cold |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata (zhi gan cao) 6g
|
6g | 6.67% | Shi (Envoy) | harmonizes and augments the middle qi |
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 (+0.03)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 17%, cool 17%, neutral 20%, warm 40%, hot 7%.
Pairs warm and cool. 47% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 33% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Small but decisive: Gan Jiang 6g (hot, 7% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 29%
- sweet 25%
- sour 6%
- bitter 37%
- bland 3%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 100%
- Stomach 83%
- Lung 53%
- Large intestine 47%
- Heart 47%
- Liver 23%
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
Source text: fine powder into small water pills the size of Wu Tong Zi (~5 mm); 50-70 pills between meals with warm water. Today: water pills 6-9g twice daily.
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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.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
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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