Five-Peel Powder – Wu Pi San
A formula to drain damp.
A formula to drain damp. While it’s a classic for skin edema, I use most often for Spleen Qi deficiency with long term, stubborn damp. It’s a draining formula so it’s often combined with tonic herbs to balance it out for weak constitutions. The formula in this photo was modified for someone with one week of dizziness, fatigue and a heavy downward bearing sensation.
Dampness messes with the mind and body both and that looks like:
- sensations of physical heaviness and mental heaviness (depression)
- water retention/edema and a foggy mind
- difficulty concentrating, circular thinking, lack of clarity and discernment
Herbs:
- Dang Shen // Codenopsis
- Bai Zhu // Atractylodis
- Fu Ling // Poria
- Zhi Gan Cao // Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata
- Shu Di // Rehmanniae Radix preparata
- Bai Shao // Paeonia Radix alba
- Dang Gui // Angelicae sinensis Radix
- Chuan Xiong // Chuanxiong Rhizoma
- Sha Ren // Fructus Amomi
Indications: Fatigue, anxiety/sensitivity, reduced appetite, lightheadedness, dizziness, body feels heavy, weak voice or breath. Tongue: Pale with white coat. Pulse: thin and frail or large and deficient- Without strength.
* Fun note: this formula is made of 5 peels. And the damp is drained via urination.
This information is for educational purposes only. If this formula resonates with you, come see us or go to your local Eastern herbalist to learn more. Schedule a one-on-one consultation at our low cost community clinics online at herbfolk.org.
Source: Herb folk clinical case studies; Formulas and Strategies, 2nd Ed. Bensky et al.
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