Wu Ling San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
五苓散 · Wǔ Líng Sǎn
Classic formula for water-amassment (Tai Yang Xu Shui) and internal Dampness with impaired Bladder Qi transformation. Presents with urinary difficulty, edema, thirst with vomiting after drinking, and possible exterior signs.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Dampness
- Primary Function
- Promote urination, drain Dampness, warm Yang
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Promote urination, drain Dampness, strengthen the Spleen and warm Yang to transform Qi
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
Classic formula for water-amassment (Tai Yang Xu Shui) and internal Dampness with impaired Bladder Qi transformation. Presents with urinary difficulty, edema, thirst with vomiting after drinking, and possible exterior signs.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when water-damp amasses because Yang fails to transform fluids, with thirst yet difficult urination — draining fluid rather than the solid accumulation that Da Cheng Qi Tang purges, and warmer in emphasis than Zhu Ling Tang, which protects Yin while clearing Damp-Heat.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Wu Ling San | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Zhu Ling Tang | Zhen Wu Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Promote urination, drain Dampness, warm Yang | Invigorate Blood, clear Heat, purge accumulation | Promote urination, clear Heat, nourish Yin | Warm Yang, promote urination, transform water |
| Formula Category | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Blood-Invigorating Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Dampness | Blood Stasis | Damp-Heat | Yang Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Edema ·Frequent Urination ·Damp Constitution | Irregular Menstruation ·Dysmenorrhea | Edema ·Frequent Urination ·Yin Deficiency Constitution | Edema ·Abdominal Pain ·Cold Limbs ·Diarrhea |
| Main Herbs | Alisma Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Polyporus ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Cinnamon Twig | Peach Kernel ·Rhubarb Root and Rhizome ·Cinnamon Twig ·Mirabilite / Glauber's Salt ·Honey-fried Licorice | Polyporus ·Poria / Hoelen ·Alisma Rhizome ·Talcum ·Donkey-hide Gelatin | Prepared Aconite Accessory Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Wu Ling San drains water-damp through urination and supports Yang transformation. Da Cheng Qi Tang purges solid accumulation from the intestines. Tao He Cheng Qi Tang combines Blood stasis with Heat purgation. Zhu Ling Tang is a related formula with more emphasis on Yin and Heat.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Wu Ling San: Classic TCM Formula for Water Retention, Edema & Urinary Difficulty
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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.