Five Peels Formula
Wu Pi San
Kan Traditionals
Drains Dampness, regulates water passages, regulates Qi, strengthens the Spleen.
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- Herb: White mulberry root bark, Poria root skin, Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit, Saussurea root, Asian water plantain rhizome, Ginger peel
- Herb (Pinyin): Sang bai pi, Fu ling pi, Chen pi, Mu xiang, Ze xie, Gan jiang pi
- Pattern: Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp accumulation, Kidney Yang deficiency and/or Lung Qi deficiency
- Actions: Drain Dampness, Regulate Liver Qi, regulates water passages, Tonify Spleen Qi
- Indications: Supports a healthy urinary system, Supports healthy digestion, Occasional water retention, Supports healthy water metabolism
- Contraindications: Herbs the tonify the Spleen should be added for cases of strong Spleen Qi deficiency.
- Tongue: White, greasy tongue coat.
- Pulse: Submerged, moderate, slippery.
Five Peels Formula (Wu Pi San) was first recorded in the Treasury Classic by Hua-Tuo in the 4th century Han dynasty. It focuses on draining Dampness to regulate the water passages, support healthy urination and strengthen the Lungs, Kidneys and Spleen. It regulates theSpleen and Lungs to prevent Dampness from spreading through the tissues, and opens the water pathways to provide an exit for the surplus fluids. This is a mild formula that can be used to support regulation of water metabolism, addresses Pi Shui, and can be easily combined with
any formula where there is fluid accumulation.
Kidneys, Spleen and Lungs support the healthy metabolism of water. If they are deficient, alone or in combination, water regulation can be disrupted. When the Spleen is weakened, Qi can stagnate, which leads to accumulation of Dampness. When Kidney Yang, the Fire of the water element, is deficient, water can become stagnant throughout the body. The Lungs, which control the distribution of fluids in the upper regions of the body, can be invaded and weakened by Wind, causing disruption in the normal distribution of fluids. Five Peels Formula supports the root and the branch of this pattern by strengthening the Lungs, Kidneys and Spleen and mildly draining fluids.
White mulberry root bark, the chief herb, supports the Lungs and promotes the movement of water. It directs the Lung Qi downward and opens the water pathway. Poria root skin supports a healthy water metabolism, supports a healthy urinary system and strengthens the transportative functions of the Spleen. Ginger rhizome peel transforms Dampness. In combination with White mulberry root bark, their dispersing and descending actions support a healthy water metabolism and facilitate the smooth flow of fluids into the Bladder.
Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm and strengthens the Spleen, while also regulating Qi. Betel nut peel, used in the original formula to direct the Qi downward and to support a healthy urinary system, is no longer available because of regulatory restrictions. It has been replaced by a combination of Saussurea root, which regulates Qi stagnation in the Middle Burner, and Asian water plantain rhizome, which supports a healthy urinary system.
Five Peels Formula can easily be combined with other formulas, due to its mild nature. When stronger Spleen Qi deficiency is present, combine with Six Gentlemen. When there is Spleen Qi deficiency with more pronounced Dampness, combine with Shen Ling Spleen Support or Warm the Stomach. When Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency are also present, combine with True Warrior Formula. Combine with Water’s Way to enhance the effects of both formulas.
Origins and development
Five Peels Powder (Wu Pi San) first appeared in the Treasury Classic by Hua-Tuo in the 4th century Han dynasty.