香砂平胃散

Cang Zhu (atractylodes rhizome) 9 g + Hou Po (magnolia bark) 6 g + Xiang Fu (cyperus rhizome) 6 g + Sha Ren (amomum fruit) 3 g + Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel) 6 g + Mu Xiang (costus root) 3 g + Zhi Shi (immature bitter orange) 3 g + Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice root) 3 g = 39 g.

Converted to 5:1 granules:

39 g raw herb ÷ 5 = 7.8 g granules.

Granule dose: Dissolve in warm water and take twice daily, morning and evening, about 4 g per dose.

5. Cautions and clinical notes

• Contraindications:
  1. This formula is pungent, aromatic, warm, and drying; it is contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency and effulgent fire, or with qi deficiency and lack of strength.
  2. Use with caution in pregnant women.
• Characteristics: This formula has a stronger action for moving qi and relieving distension than Ping Wei San, and is a commonly used formula for epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness caused by dampness obstruction with qi stagnation.
• Modern applications: Mainly used for chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, and gastrointestinal dysfunction where the pattern is dampness obstructing the middle burner with qi movement obstruction.
• Duration of use: This formula is a dispelling formula; stop once the condition resolves, and it should not be taken for a prolonged period. After symptoms are relieved, treatment should shift to a Spleen-fortifying formula for regulation and consolidation.