What are the core actions and mechanism of Pingwei San?

Pingwei San is combined from Cangzhu, Houpo, Chenpi, Gancao, Shengjiang, and Dazao. Its core actions are drying dampness, fortifying the spleen, moving qi, and harmonising the stomach.

What conditions is Pingwei San mainly used for in modern medicine?

It is widely applied for functional dyspepsia, acute and chronic gastritis, summer non-specific diarrhoea, acute exacerbation of chronic gastritis, gastrointestinal dysfunction in children, and other digestive discomforts related to dampness.

What are the strict pattern-based contraindications for taking Pingwei San?

It is contraindicated in stomach-yin insufficiency and liver-kidney yin deficiency, as well as severe qi-blood deficiency without damp stagnation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it or use only with extreme caution under professional guidance.

Dampness-Draining Formulas

平胃散 · Píng Wèi Sǎn

Ping Wei San

Classic formula for Dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao. Presents with epigastric/abdominal fullness, poor appetite, greasy tongue coat, nausea and heavy sensation in the body.

View formula profile →

Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryDampness-Draining Formulas

Primary PatternDampness

Primary FunctionDry Damp, strengthen Spleen, move Qi

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleDry Dampness, strengthen the Spleen, move Qi and harmonize the Stomach

Main HerbsAtractylodes Rhizome · Magnolia Bark · Tangerine Peel · Fresh Ginger · Jujube / Chinese Date · Honey-fried Licorice

Classical SourceTai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for straightforward dampness obstructing the Middle Burner, with distension, heaviness and a thick greasy tongue coat — the foundational damp-drying formula, extended by Wei Ling Tang when fluid retention accompanies it, and distinct from Bao He Wan's focus on food stagnation.

Overview

What Is Ping Wei San?

1. Origin and Development

Ping Wei San (平胃散), or Calm the Stomach Powder, is a foundational Song-dynasty Chinese herbal formula recorded in the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era). It belongs to the category of formulas that dry dampness, strengthen the Spleen, and harmonize the Stomach.

This classic prescription targets dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao—when excess dampness impairs the Spleen’s transforming and transporting functions. Typical signs include epigastric and abdominal distention or fullness, poor appetite, bland taste in the mouth, nausea or belching, heaviness of the limbs, fatigue, and loose stools, accompanied by a thick white greasy tongue coating. By combining the strong damp-drying power of Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) with qi-moving herbs such as Hou Po and Chen Pi, Ping Wei San dries dampness, restores Spleen function, promotes the smooth flow of qi, and brings comfort to the digestive system.

2. Digestive System Disorders

Ping Wei San is commonly used for digestive problems caused by spleen-stomach damp stagnation.
It is helpful for conditions such as chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers when symptoms include epigastric fullness, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
The formula dries dampness, strengthens the spleen, moves Qi, and harmonizes the stomach, which helps relieve bloating and supports the repair of the stomach lining.
It is also effective for indigestion and gastrointestinal dysfunction that cause abdominal distension, belching, and acid reflux.

3. Skin Disorders

In dermatology, Ping Wei San can be used for skin issues related to spleen-stomach damp-heat.
It is suitable for eczema, skin itching, and rashes when the root cause is internal dampness.
By improving spleen and stomach function and eliminating damp pathogens, the formula helps reduce skin inflammation and itching from the inside.
This approach treats the underlying damp-heat constitution rather than only addressing surface symptoms.

4. Other Applications

Ping Wei San can also relieve symptoms such as heavy limbs, fatigue, and lack of energy caused by spleen-stomach damp stagnation.
In chronic conditions where dampness obstructs the middle burner, it may be used as a supportive formula to improve overall digestion and vitality.
It helps restore the body’s normal function by clearing dampness and promoting smoother Qi movement.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. The Leader (Chief Herb) — Cang Zhu

Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) is the most important ingredient in this formula. It has a strong, aromatic, and drying quality that works directly on your Spleen and Stomach.

Drying Out the Swamp: Think of your digestive system as a damp environment when you’re sick. Cang Zhu acts like a powerful sponge, soaking up excess "dampness" so your Spleen can get back to work.
Waking Up the Digestion: It "invigorates" the Spleen, helping your body process food normally again. This is why it’s so effective at clearing up that heavy, bloated feeling and bringing back a lost appetite.

2. The Deputy Herb — Hou Po

Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) is a warm, spicy herb that helps the leader by getting your internal energy (Qi) moving.

Relieving the Pressure: If you feel "stuffed" or like there is a balloon in your stomach, it’s because your energy is stuck. Hou Po pushes that energy downward, which quickly relieves bloating and abdominal pain.
The Perfect Partner: While Cang Zhu dries up the moisture, Hou Po moves the "stagnant air." Together, they tackle the root cause of why your stomach feels heavy and slow.

3. The Helper (Assistant Herb) — Chen Pi

Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel) is a very common and effective herb used to regulate your stomach and clear out mucus.

Smoothing the Flow: It assists the first two herbs by making sure your energy flows smoothly. It’s particularly good at settling the stomach to stop nausea and vomiting.
Clearing the Gunk: It also helps resolve "phlegm," which in Chinese medicine is often caused by the same dampness that makes you feel bloated. It keeps your middle section feeling "clear" and light.

Ping Wei San: Drying Dampness, Fortifying the Spleen, Moving Qi and Harmonising the Stomach — Precise Conditioning for Functional Dyspepsia, Chronic Gastritis, and Summer Non-Specific Diarrhoea | HJMEDICAL

4. The Peacemaker (Envoy Herb) — Zhi Gan Cao

Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice) is added to harmonize the entire formula and protect your body.

Balancing the Formula: Because Cang Zhu and Hou Po are very strong and "drying," Zhi Gan Cao acts as a buffer. It makes the formula gentler on your system so it doesn't wear you out.
Supporting Energy: It also gives your Spleen a little boost of energy, helping your body recover its strength faster after a digestive upset.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. What’s Going Wrong? (Pathomechanism)

Your Spleen and Stomach are like the body’s "water management and fuel processing center."

The Problem: When this center stops working correctly, your body starts to generate "dampness"—a heavy, sticky kind of internal moisture.
The Traffic Jam: This dampness acts like a clog in your system, preventing your energy (Qi) from moving up and down as it should.
The Result: When the energy is stuck, you feel bloated and heavy. Your body reacts by making you feel nauseous, or you might find that you simply have no desire to eat. This formula is designed specifically to clear that "clog" and get the system running again.

2. What the Formula Does (Actions)

Ping Wei San (Calm the Stomach Powder) acts like a reset button for your digestion.

Drying and Building: It dries up the "bad" moisture and builds up your Spleen's strength.
Getting Things Moving: It gets your internal energy moving again, which stops that bloated, pressurized feeling in your stomach.
Harmonizing: It settles your stomach so you feel less nauseous and more like yourself.

3. When to Use It (Indications)

This is the classic formula for when your digestion feels "swamped." You might need this if you have:

The Bloat: Feeling very full or distended in your stomach and abdomen.
Appetite Issues: You’ve lost your appetite, and even if you do eat, things taste "bland" or "tasteless."
Stomach Upset: Nausea, vomiting, or frequent burping with acid reflux.
General Heaviness: Your arms and legs feel heavy, and you feel very sleepy or lethargic (wanting to lie down all day).
Bowel Changes: Frequent loose stools.
Physical Signs: A practitioner would notice a thick, white, greasy coating on your tongue—this is a classic sign of dampness.

Summary: If you feel heavy, bloated, and nauseous with a "fuzzy" tongue, Ping Wei San is the go-to remedy to dry things out and get your energy moving again.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Drying Dampness and Strengthening the Spleen

Cang Zhu is the chief herb in Ping Wei San. Its main action is drying dampness and strengthening the spleen, which forms the core of the formula.
It directly targets dampness in the spleen and stomach with its acrid and aromatic nature. This helps remove excess moisture and restores the spleen and stomach’s normal ability to digest and transform food.
By improving how the body handles water and fluids, Cang Zhu allows the spleen and stomach to work properly again, reducing feelings of heaviness, poor appetite, and digestive discomfort caused by dampness.

2. Moving Qi and Relieving Fullness

Hou Po and Chen Pi work together to move Qi and relieve fullness.
Hou Po descends Qi and removes the sensation of distension and fullness in the abdomen. It helps ease bloating and discomfort caused by stuck Qi in the spleen and stomach.
Chen Pi regulates Qi and strengthens the spleen at the same time. It helps Qi flow smoothly while also supporting digestion.
When these two herbs are combined, they promote smooth movement of Qi in the middle burner. Since “when Qi moves, dampness transforms,” this action also helps clear dampness more effectively and improves overall digestive function.

3. Harmonising the Various Herbs

Zhi Gan Cao plays the role of harmonising the other herbs in Ping Wei San.
Cang Zhu and Hou Po are relatively drying and strong in nature. Zhi Gan Cao’s sweet and moderating property softens their harshness, preventing the formula from damaging the body’s healthy Qi.
In addition, Zhi Gan Cao itself can tonify the spleen and boost Qi. This supports the spleen and stomach’s transportation and transformation function, making the overall effect of the formula more balanced and gentle.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Ping Wei San	Wei Ling Tang	Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San	Bao He Wan
Primary Function	Dry Damp, strengthen Spleen, move Qi	Dry Middle Damp, promote urination, strengthen Spleen	Release exterior, transform dampness, regulate Qi, harmonize Middle	Promote digestion, resolve food stagnation
Formula Category	Dampness-Draining Formulas	Dampness-Draining Formulas	Dampness-Draining Formulas	Digestive Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Dampness	Dampness	Dampness	Food Stagnation
Main Conditions	Bloating, Poor Appetite, Stomach Discomfort, Diarrhea, Damp Constitution	Diarrhea, Bloating, Stomach Discomfort, Poor Appetite, Edema	Bloating, Diarrhea, Stomach Discomfort, Poor Appetite, Nausea, Fever, Cold Limbs	Indigestion, Bloating, Poor Appetite, Stomach Discomfort, Acid Reflux, Diarrhea
Main Herbs	Atractylodes Rhizome · Magnolia Bark · Tangerine Peel · Fresh Ginger · Jujube / Chinese Date · Honey-fried Licorice	Atractylodes Rhizome · Magnolia Bark · Tangerine Peel · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Polyporus · Alisma Rhizome · Cinnamon Twig · Licorice Root	Agastache / Patchouli · Perilla Leaf · Angelica Dahurica Root · Pinellia Rhizome · Areca Peel / Betel Husk · Magnolia Bark · Atractylodes Rhizome · Tangerine Peel · Poria / Hoelen · Platycodon Root · Fresh Ginger · Jujube / Chinese Date · Licorice Root	Hawthorn Fruit · Medicated Leaven · Radish Seed · Pinellia Rhizome · Tangerine Peel · Poria / Hoelen · Forsythia Fruit
Classical Source	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)	Combination of Ping Wei San + Wu Ling San (traditional)	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty, 1107)	Dan Xi Xin Fa (Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty)

How to tell them apart

Ping Wei San is the foundational Middle Damp formula. Wei Ling Tang adds Wu Ling San for concurrent fluid retention. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San addresses exterior invasion with interior Damp. Bao He Wan focuses more on food stagnation.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Ping Wei San

1. Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold

When the patient shows signs of spleen-stomach deficiency-cold along with damp stagnation, add Gan Jiang and Dang Shen.
Gan Jiang is warm in nature and helps warm the middle burner while dispelling cold.
Dang Shen tonifies the spleen and boosts Qi, improving overall digestive strength.
These two herbs work together with the original Ping Wei San to warm the stomach, strengthen the spleen, and resolve dampness, making the formula suitable for patients with cold symptoms such as cold hands and feet, loose stools, or fatigue.

2. Internal Accumulation of Damp-Heat

If damp-heat is prominent, with symptoms like bitter taste in the mouth, yellow urine, or sticky stools, add Huang Lian and Huang Qin.
Huang Lian and Huang Qin are bitter and cold. They clear heat, drain fire, and dry dampness effectively.
Adding these herbs enhances Ping Wei San’s ability to clear heat and resolve dampness, making it more appropriate for spleen-stomach damp-heat patterns with stronger heat signs.

3. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis

When there are signs of Qi stagnation and blood stasis, such as fixed abdominal pain or dark complexion, add Chuan Xiong and Chi Shao.
Chuan Xiong moves Qi and activates blood circulation.
Chi Shao cools the blood and helps resolve blood stasis.
These additions help improve blood flow and relieve stagnation, allowing smoother movement of both Qi and blood while the original herbs continue to dry dampness and strengthen the spleen.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

Ping Wei San (Magnolia and Ginger Formula) is a classical formula that dries dampness, transforms dampness, warms the middle, moves qi, disperses fullness, harmonizes the stomach, and moderates and harmonizes the middle jiao.

It effectively addresses dampness obstructing spleen, cold-dampness obstructing the middle, excessive dampness, and disharmony of the spleen and stomach, presenting with epigastric fullness, abdominal bloating, abdominal fullness, abdominal and epigastric / abdominal and epigastric distention, distention, nausea, vomiting, vomiting and hiccups, stops vomiting, anorexia, vomiting and/or / anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea with a sense of heaviness, fatigue and discomfort, loss of taste, heavy limbs, and a thick, greasy tongue or turbid, greasy tongue. The formula also helps promote urination, supports spleen qi, augments qi, and is applied for patterns involving food stagnation, yang with epigastric discomfort, and even peptic ulcer.

1. Pharmacological Research

Modern studies show that Ping Wei San can regulate gastrointestinal movement, promote the secretion of digestive fluids, and provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
The active compounds in Cang Zhu, Hou Po, and other herbs help control the contraction and relaxation of gastrointestinal smooth muscles, improving overall digestive function.
These herbs also reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and inhibit certain gastrointestinal infections.
These findings provide scientific support for using Ping Wei San in treating digestive disorders.

2. Expansion of Clinical Applications

The clinical use of Ping Wei San has expanded beyond traditional digestive issues.
Recent research suggests it may help improve certain neurological symptoms, such as insomnia and anxiety, when these are related to spleen-stomach disharmony.
This opens new possibilities for applying Ping Wei San in conditions involving both digestion and emotional or nervous system symptoms.

3. Research on Dosage Form Improvement

To make Ping Wei San more convenient and effective, researchers have developed new dosage forms.
In addition to the traditional decoction and modern concentrated granules, the formula is now also available in capsules and drip pills.
These newer forms maintain the original therapeutic effects while making the medicine easier to take and carry, improving patient compliance and supporting wider clinical use.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Cautions & Pregnancy

Ping Wei San is drying—use cautiously in yin‑deficient with internal heat (may worsen dry mouth/throat, red scant‑coated tongue). Use in pregnancy only under physician guidance.

2. Dietary Precautions & Monitoring

While taking Ping Wei San avoid raw/cold, greasy, and spicy/irritating foods that burden the spleen‑stomach and reduce efficacy; maintain regular meals to support digestion and consult a clinician if symptoms worsen.

Available Products

Where to Get It

HJMEDICAL Nong's Ping Wei San (Calm the Stomach Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $60.88

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Ping Wei San (Calm the Stomach Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $22.15

FAQ

Questions About Ping Wei San

Q1: What are the actions of Ping Wei San?

Ping Wei San has the actions of drying Dampness and strengthening the Spleen, moving Qi and harmonizing the Stomach. It is the foundational formula for Damp stagnation obstructing the Middle Jiao.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Ping Wei San suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Damp stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach, including chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, gastric or duodenal ulcers, acute and chronic gastroenteritis, and other digestive disorders with prominent Damp signs.

Q3: Is Ping Wei San suitable for improving abdominal fullness and poor appetite?

For presentations of epigastric or abdominal distension and fullness, loss of appetite, bland taste in the mouth, nausea or belching, heavy limbs, lethargy, loose stools, and a thick white greasy tongue coating — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Damp stagnation in the Middle Jiao — TCM commonly applies Ping Wei San as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.

Q4: Who should not take Ping Wei San?

Those with Yin deficiency, pure Qi deficiency without significant Dampness, Heat patterns, or who are pregnant are generally not suitable or require caution. The formula is warm, acrid, and drying; misuse can further injure Yin or fluids. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why is Ping Wei San considered the foundational formula for Middle Jiao Dampness?

It effectively dries Dampness with Cang Zhu, moves stagnant Qi with Hou Po and Chen Pi, and gently harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach. This combination restores the Spleen’s transforming function and the Stomach’s descending function, making it the classic template for aromatic transformation of Dampness formulas.

Q6: Can Ping Wei San help with nausea, vomiting, or loose stools?

Yes, when these symptoms arise from Dampness obstructing the Spleen and Stomach, impairing Qi movement and causing turbid Yin to rise or clear Yang to fail to ascend. The formula dries the Dampness and restores normal Qi flow, provided the pattern matches.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Ping Wei San?

The classical formula consists of four main herbs: Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) to dry Dampness and strengthen the Spleen, Hou Po (Magnolia bark) to move Qi and relieve fullness, Chen Pi (Aged tangerine peel) to regulate Qi and dry Dampness, and Zhi Gan Cao (Prepared licorice) to harmonize. It is traditionally taken with Sheng Jiang and Da Zao.

Q8: Is Ping Wei San suitable for long-term use?

It is generally used for a defined course under professional supervision until the Damp stagnation resolves. Because of its drying nature, prolonged use without monitoring can injure Yin or fluids, especially in weaker patients.

Q9: How does Ping Wei San differ from Si Jun Zi Tang?

Si Jun Zi Tang primarily tonifies Spleen Qi for pure deficiency patterns with mild Dampness. Ping Wei San focuses on drying excess Dampness and moving stagnant Qi in the Middle Jiao; it is more dispersing and less tonifying, making it suitable when Damp obstruction predominates over deficiency.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Ping Wei San?

Avoiding greasy, sweet, cold, or raw foods, eating regular moderate meals, keeping the abdomen warm, and engaging in gentle movement to support Spleen transport help reinforce the formula’s Dampness-resolving effects. Professional guidance remains essential for safe and effective use.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

Not sure which formula is right for you?

Take the AI Assessment