Jiang Huang Rhizoma Curcumae longae
Chen Xiang Lignum Aquilariae
Yan Hu Suo Rhizoma Corydalis yanhusuo
Mu Xiang Radix Saussureae
Bai Dou Kou Fructus Amomi cardamomi
Bai Shao Radix Paeoniae albae
Fu Ling Sclerotium Poriae cocos
Zhi Ke Fructus Citri aurantii
Chen Pi Pericarpium Citri reticulatae
Sha Ren Fructus seu Semen Amomi
Hou Po Cortex Magnoliae officinalisExplanation
This pill primarily moves Liver-Qi. It is excellent for cases of stagnant Liver-Qi invading the
Stomach causing epigastric pain and distension.
A pronounced feeling of epigastric distension and pain which is related to emotional stress and a
Wiry pulse are the main manifestations indicating the use of this remedy.
Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan
(Saussurea Subduing Qi Pill)
This remedy, just mentioned above under "Retention of Food", is suitable also to treat stagnant
Liver-Qi invading the Stomach. It is indicated if stagnation of Qi is accompanied by retention of
food and Dampness in the Stomach.
Thus the main manifestations indicating the use of this pill are epigastric pain and fullness
(rather than distension), a thick-sticky tongue coating and a Slippery-Wiry pulse.
Case History 14.3
Epigastric Pain: Stagnation of Liver-Qi-Female, Age 38
A 38-year-old woman had been suffering from epigastric pain for 5 years. The pain radiated
from the epigastrium to the right hypochondrium and was accompanied by a pronounced feeling
of distension and belching. She also suffered from difficult bowel movements and the stools
were often like small pebbles. She felt often depressed and irritable and found it difficult to
establish permanent relationships with the opposite sex. Her periods were regular and normal in
all ways, except that she suffered from premenstrual irritability and distension.
Her tongue was unremarkable, being only slightly Red on the sides. Her pulse was slightly Wiry