Zhu Lian Wan (Atractylodes-Coptis Pill) for Gastric Malaise and Gnawing Hunger
"Zhu Lian Wan" is an extremely simple formula recorded in Yixue Zhengzhuan (Orthodox Medicine), written by Yü Chuan (Tianmin) of the Ming dynasty in the 10th year of the Zhengde reign (1515). Zhu Lian Wan consists of only two herbs: Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma). The dosage is: Bai Zhu 4 liang (120 g), Huang Lian 4 qian 5 fen (13.5 g). The two herbs are ground together into powder and formed into pills using Shen Qu (medicated leaven) paste. Take twice daily, 3 qian (9 g) each time.
According to traditional TCM theory, Bai Zhu strengthens the spleen and drains dampness, while Huang Lian clears and drains stomach fire. The combination therefore strengthens the spleen, dries dampness, clears the stomach and harmonizes the center. Its indication is gastric gnawing malaise (zaoza) due to intestinal-stomach damp-heat; this symptom resembles the clinical presentation of modern conditions such as hypersecretion of gastric acid, gastritis and gastric ulcer.
Modern pharmacological studies show that Huang Lian has broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and is especially effective for acute and chronic gastroenteritis. Atractylon and atractylenolides in the volatile oil of Bai Zhu exert a bidirectional regulatory effect on intestinal peristalsis; the volatile oil can improve indigestion or abnormal peristalsis caused by spleen-stomach deficiency by regulating intestinal smooth muscle. After taking Bai Zhu, patients urinate more; TCM interprets this as Bai Zhu strengthening the spleen and draining dampness, but in fact it results from Bai Zhu promoting intestinal peristalsis and accelerating water absorption in the small intestine.
The elegant composition of Zhu Lian Wan shows how observant and synthesizing our ancestors were in their struggle against disease. However, no manufacturer currently produces Zhu Lian Wan as a patent medicine. Patients who wish to try it can only have it custom-made by a pharmacy or TCM hospital dispensary using the above formula, or learn to make the pills themselves.