Ping Wei San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
平胃散 · Píng Wèi Sǎn
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.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Dampness
- Primary Function
- Dry Damp, strengthen Spleen, move Qi
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Dry Dampness, strengthen the Spleen, move Qi and harmonize the Stomach
- Classical Source
- Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
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.
Therapeutic Principle
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.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| 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 | Diarrhea ·Bloating ·Stomach Discomfort ·Poor Appetite | Bloating ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort ·Poor Appetite | Indigestion ·Bloating ·Poor Appetite ·Stomach Discomfort |
| Main Herbs | Atractylodes Rhizome ·Magnolia Bark ·Tangerine Peel ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date | Atractylodes Rhizome ·Magnolia Bark ·Tangerine Peel ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen | Agastache / Patchouli ·Perilla Leaf ·Angelica Dahurica Root ·Pinellia Rhizome ·Areca Peel / Betel Husk | Hawthorn Fruit ·Medicated Leaven ·Radish Seed ·Pinellia Rhizome ·Tangerine Peel |
| 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) |
Clinical Perspective
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.
Related Articles
Ping Wei San: Classic TCM Formula for Dampness, Spleen Deficiency & Digestive Stagnation
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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.