Run Chang Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
潤腸丸 · Rùn Cháng Wán
A classical formula for constipation from blood deficiency and intestinal dryness, common after illness or in the elderly.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Purgative Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Blood Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Nourish blood, moisten intestines, move stool
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Nourish blood and moisten dry intestines
- Classical Source
- Li Dongyuan school / classical
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for constipation from blood deficiency and intestinal dryness, common after illness or in the elderly.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for constipation from blood deficiency and intestinal dryness, rather than heat-dryness spleen-constraint or Kidney Yang deficiency constipation.
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
Classical Composition
- Cannabis Semen (Huo Ma Ren) 12g
- Semen Persicae (Tao Ren) 9g
- Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Dang Gui) 9g
- Radix Rehmanniae (Sheng Di Huang) 12g
- Fructus Aurantii (Zhi Ke) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Moistens the intestines
- nourishes blood
- and unblocks the stool.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for blood and fluid deficiency failing to moisten the intestines.
- Signs and symptoms include dry bound stool in the elderly or after delivery, a dry mouth, and a fine pulse.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is pale or dry.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by insufficient blood that fails to nourish the heart, liver and vessels.
- Blood and fluid deficiency failing to moisten the large intestine produces dry bound stool in the elderly or after delivery.
Clinical presentation
- The result is paleness, dizziness, dry skin or hair, palpitations and a fine pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to nourish blood and restore nourishment to the viscera and vessels.
- In this formula the emphasis is to nourish blood and moisten dry intestines.
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Run Chang Wan | Ma Zi Ren Wan | Ji Chuan Jian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Nourish blood, moisten intestines, move stool | Moisten intestines, drain heat, move stool | Warm Kidney, nourish blood, moisten intestines, move stool |
| Formula Category | Purgative Formulas | Purgative Formulas | Purgative Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Blood Deficiency | Stomach Heat | Yang Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Constipation | Constipation | Constipation |
| Main Herbs | Hemp Seed·Peach Kernel·Chinese Angelica Root·Raw Rehmannia Root·Bitter Orange | Hemp Seed·White Peony Root·Immature Bitter Orange·Rhubarb Root and Rhizome·Magnolia Bark | Chinese Angelica Root·Achyranthes Root·Cistanche·Alisma Rhizome·Cimicifuga Rhizome |
| Classical Source | Li Dongyuan school / classical | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Li Dongyuan school / classical |
Clinical Perspective
Run Chang Wan, Ma Zi Ren Wan and Ji Chuan Jian all moisten or move the stool. Ma Zi Ren Wan moistens and gently drains heat dryness; Ji Chuan Jian warms Kidney Yang for deficiency constipation. Run Chang Wan nourishes blood to moisten dry intestines for blood-deficiency constipation.
Clinical Differentiation
- Run Chang Wan is used for blood and fluid deficiency failing to moisten the intestines, typically dry bound stool in the elderly or after delivery.
- It is distinguished from Ma Zi Ren Wan (spleen-about heat bind with dryness) and from Ji Chuan Jian (kidney yang failing to move the stool).
Safety notes: This formula moistens and unblocks. It is not appropriate for deficiency-cold constipation that needs warming, or for yangming heat bind that needs Cheng Qi formulas.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Run Chang Wan?
Run Chang Wan has the actions of moistening the Intestines, nourishing Blood and fluids, and gently unblocking the bowels. It is used for dry, hard stools caused by Blood and fluid deficiency rather than by harsh excess Heat or Cold.
Which modern diseases is Run Chang Wan suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within intestinal dryness from Blood and fluid insufficiency, including habitual constipation in the elderly, postpartum constipation, constipation after febrile illness or blood loss, and functional constipation with dry pellet-like stools and signs of Blood deficiency.
Is Run Chang Wan suitable for improving dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass?
For presentations of dry, hard, pellet-like stools with difficult or infrequent bowel movements, possible dry mouth, pale or sallow complexion, dizziness or fatigue, a pale tongue with little coating, and a thin pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Blood- and fluid-deficient intestinal dryness — TCM commonly applies Run Chang Wan as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of chronic constipation or structural bowel disease.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Run Chang Wan (Moisten the Intestines Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Run Chang Wan (Moisten the Intestines Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Run Chang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Constipation due to Blood Deficiency & Intestinal Dryness
Ji Chuan Jian: Classic TCM Formula for Constipation due to Kidney Yang Deficiency & Fluid Deficiency
Ma Zi Ren Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Constipation due to Intestinal Dryness & Heat
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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.