Lizhong Wan was first mentioned 1,850 years ago in Zhang Zhongjing’s classic herbal compendia, Treatise on Disorders Caused by Cold (Shanghan lun) and Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jingui yaolüe). Therein, it is featured as the representative formula for taiyin (Spleen cold) syndrome and chest obstruction. As such, it has remained the representative remedy to treat chronic disorders related to gastro-intestinal “cold.” It can be regarded as the herbal equivalent to the moxabustion of the acupuncture point Zusanli (Stomach 36). Led by the chief herb, dry ginger, Lizhong Wan exhibits very warming properties that are sometimes further enhanced through the addition of aconite. Different from the dispersing effect of fresh ginger or cinnamon, dry ginger is said to warm the middle burner organs Spleen and Stomach by “staying put” in the central region of the body. This quality makes the formula particularly effective for cold related stomach pain, poor appetite, loose stool and other symptoms of Spleen yang deficiency. If prescribed inappropriately, however, the herb may cause mild side effects such as a dry mouth and tongue. For this reason, later generations exchanged the pungent dry ginger for the bland poria and created Si Junzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction). As a foundational prescription for many yang deficiency disorders, Lizhong Wan exemplifies the versatility of the traditional system of symptom differentiation. According to Chinese diagnostics, the Spleen yang is in charge of a multitude of physical functions, including the maintenance of body temperature, qi metabolism, protection from external pathogens, facilitation of physical movement, and containment of fluids within the body. 

Therapeutic Principles

• Warm the center and dispel cold
• Tonify middle burner qi and regenerate the drying function of the Spleen

Other ingredients: living green clay excipient, vegetable capsule