Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
木香槟榔丸 · Mù Xiāng Bīn Láng Wán
A classical formula for pronounced food and Qi stagnation with heat, presenting with abdominal distension, constipation and a thick greasy tongue coating. Stronger in moving and purging than milder digestive formulas.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Digestive Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Food Stagnation
- Primary Function
- Move Qi, guide out stagnation, purge accumulation
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Promote Qi movement, resolve food accumulation and drain heat
- Classical Source
- Ru Men Shi Qin (Zhang Congzheng, Jin dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for pronounced food and Qi stagnation with heat, presenting with abdominal distension, constipation and a thick greasy tongue coating. Stronger in moving and purging than milder digestive formulas.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for marked abdominal distension and constipation from food and Qi stagnation with heat — stronger and more moving than Bao He Wan, with clearer heat-clearing than simple Qi-regulating pills.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
莪朮E Zhu6g
Curcuma Rhizome- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
牽牛子Qian Niu Zi12g
Pharbitis Seed- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
大黃Da Huang9g
Rhubarb Root and Rhizome- drains heat accumulation and invigorates blood
黃連Huang Lian6g
Coptis Rhizome- clears heart and stomach fire and dries damp-heat
黃柏Huang Bai6g
Phellodendron Bark- clears damp-heat from the and lowers jiao
Classical Composition
- Radix Aucklandiae (Mu Xiang) 6g
- Semen Arecae (Bing Lang) 6g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (Qing Pi) 6g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) 6g
- Rhizoma Curcumae (E Zhu) 6g
- Semen Pharbitidis (Qian Niu Zi) 12g
- Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Da Huang) 9g
- Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian) 6g
- Cortex Phellodendri (Huang Bai) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Moves qi
- guides stagnation
- and drains accumulation from the intestines.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for qi stagnation and food accumulation with damp-heat in the intestines.
- Signs and symptoms include abdominal distension and pain, constipation or dysentery with tenesmus, and a slippery pulse.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue coating is greasy.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by accumulation of undigested food that obstructs the stomach and intestines.
- Qi stagnation and food accumulation with damp-heat in the intestines produce abdominal distension, constipation or dysentery with tenesmus.
Clinical presentation
- Stagnant food ferments, producing fullness, fetid belching, aversion to food and irregular stools.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to reduce accumulation, guide stagnation, and restore the descent of stomach qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to promote Qi movement, resolve food accumulation and drain heat.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan strongly moves Qi and purges accumulation with heat. Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan focuses on food stagnation with damp-heat. Bao He Wan is milder for milder food stagnation. Da Cheng Qi Tang is a pure Yangming purge without the same Qi-moving aromatic focus.
Clinical Differentiation
- Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan is used for qi stagnation and food accumulation with damp-heat in the intestines.
- The pattern includes distension, constipation or dysentery with tenesmus.
- It is distinguished from Bao He Wan (milder food stagnation) and from Cheng Qi formulas (pure yangming heat bind without the same qi-guiding emphasis).
Safety notes: This formula moves and drains. It is not appropriate for deficiency distension or for pregnancy.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan?
Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan has the actions of promoting the circulation of Qi, reducing stagnation and accumulation, purging Heat, and guiding out stagnation. It is a strong formula for resolving food stagnation combined with Damp-Heat in the Stomach and Intestines.
Which modern diseases is Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within food stagnation with Damp-Heat accumulation, including acute bacterial dysentery, acute gastroenteritis, severe food stagnation with abdominal distension, and certain cases of constipation or dysentery presenting with tenesmus and a yellow greasy tongue coating.
Is Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan suitable for improving abdominal distension, tenesmus, or constipation with Heat signs?
For presentations of marked epigastric and abdominal fullness and distending pain, dysentery with mucus or blood, tenesmus (urgent but incomplete bowel movements), or constipation, accompanied by a yellow greasy tongue coating and a deep excess pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms food stagnation with Damp-Heat — TCM commonly applies Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Nong's Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Aucklandia and Areca Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Food Stagnation, Qi Stagnation & Damp-Heat
Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Food Stagnation, Abdominal Fullness & Damp-Heat
Bao He Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Food Stagnation, Indigestion & Abdominal Fullness
Da Cheng Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Severe Constipation & Yangming Excess
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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.