Zhizhu Wan: Analysis of a classic prescription for strengthening the spleen and eliminating food

First paragraph: content overview
Zhi Shu Wan is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the spleen and digesting food. It consists of two herbs, Zhi Shi and Atractylodes. The priorities are clearly defined:Atractylodes is the king medicine(strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi),Zhishi is a ministerial medicine(Promotes qi and eliminates accumulation). This article will start from four parts: the formulation principle, applicable symptoms, modern application and precautions, focusing on analyzing its compatibility wisdom of "combination of supplementation and elimination", and secondly supplementing the contraindications and relevant research data.

Paragraph 2: Principles of formulation and compatibility characteristics
This recipe is derived from "Treatise on Differentiating Internal and External Injuries" and adopts1:2 golden ratio(30g of Citrus aurantium combined with 60g of Atractylodes) embodies Zhang Yue's theory that "the spleen should rise to be healthy, and the stomach should fall to harmonize". Atractylodes atractylodes replenishes spleen deficiency, just like fertilizing the soil; Citrus aurantium can relieve stomach stagnation, like loosening soil and ventilating the intestines. Modern research has found that its digestive effects and enhancementGastrointestinal motility(Synephrine in Citrus aurantium) and improvedigestive enzyme secretion(Atractylodes polysaccharide) is related to dual mechanisms.

Paragraph 3: Typical indications and key points of syndrome differentiation
Applicable toSpleen deficiency and qi stagnation syndrome, common symptoms include abdominal distension after meals (soft when pressed), loss of appetite accompanied by loose stools. Clinical observation shows that the total effective rate for functional dyspepsia is up to83.6%(2021 data from "Chinese Patent Medicine"). The difference from Baohe Pills is that Zhizhu Pills focuses on "stagnation in deficiency", with thin and white tongue coating; Baohe Pills targets "pure excess syndrome", with thick and greasy tongue coatings. The dosage for children should be halved, and pregnant women should use with caution.

Paragraph 4: Modern Application and Extended Research
In addition to traditional pills, there are currently improved dosage forms such asZhizhu granules(Easy to drink) andCompound Zhizhu Capsules(Add Divine Comedy and Malt). Experiments by the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences have confirmed that its water decoction can improveMotilinThe level reached 27.3%. When combined with moxibustion at Zusanli, the symptom relief time can be shortened by 2-3 days. But please note: it is contraindicated in the acute stage of gastric ulcer, and patients with diabetes should choose sugar-free dosage forms.

Paragraph 5: Summary and suggestions for use
Zhi Shu Wan demonstrates the syndrome differentiation thinking of traditional Chinese medicine of "applying both attack and supplement", and is particularly suitable for the sub-health state caused by modern people's improper diet. It is recommended to take it 30 minutes before meals and use it with abdominal massage (clockwise) to enhance the effect. Reminder: If you take it continuously for more than 2 weeks, you need the guidance of a physician. If dry mouth or constipation occurs, you should reduce the dosage. As a basic prescription, this prescription is often used clinically in conjunction with Sijunzi Decoction, Pingwei Powder, etc., embodying the TCM feature of "treating different diseases with the same treatment".

Quote sources:
1. "The Essence of the Medical Records of the Four Masters of the Jin and Yuan Dynasties" (Li Dongyuan's Medical Records)
2. National Pharmacopoeia Commission "Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China" 2020 edition
3. Data from the "Modern Research on Traditional Prescriptions" research group of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (2018-2022)