Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Purgative Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Cold in Nature

Houpo Sanwu Tang: Classic TCM Formula

Hou Pu San Wu Tang 厚朴三物汤
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
Advertisement

Name

The Prescription of Houpo Sanwu Tang

Source

The book Jin Kui Yao Lue

Ingredients

Hou Po 24 g,Da Huang 12 g,Zhi Shi 9 g.

Explanation

Hou Po: The principal drug, promoting the flow of Qi to subdue distention, drying dampness and removing fullness.

Da Huang: Removing accumulated heat from the intestines, clearing away heat and toxic material.

Zhi Zi: Being bitter in flavor and cold in nature, purging pathogenic heat.

The Effect of Houpo Sanwu Tang

Effect

Promote the flow of qi to subdue distension, remove fullness and relax the bowels.

Indications

Qi stagnation, constipation, accumulation of sthenia-heat, abdominal distension.

Administrations

Decoct in water for oral dose to be taken twice.

Advertisement

Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

Did this article help you?

Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.

Keep readingRelated entries

Something this article did not cover?

Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.

Ask a question →