Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang — Tangerine Peel and Bamboo Shaving Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang — Tangerine Peel and Bamboo Shaving Decoction — is a gentle classical formula from Zhang Zhongjing’s Jin Gui Yao Lue (~200 CE) for persistent hiccups, nausea or dry heaves arising from Stomach Qi deficiency with mild residual Heat. The combination of Chen Pi (tangerine peel) and Zhu Ru (bamboo shaving) descends rebellious Stomach Qi while clearing the mild lingering Heat that disrupts the Stomach’s downward direction. Adding Ren Shen, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao and Gan Cao rebuilds the Stomach Qi underlying the disharmony. It is one of the most reliable formulas for the classical clinical presentation of post-illness or post-partum hiccups that do not settle.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Stomach Qi deficiency with rebellious Stomach Qi and mild Heat, characterised by: persistent hiccups; nausea; dry heaves without much vomitus; a slightly red dry tongue tip with a thin coating; and a thready, slightly rapid pulse. The pattern typically follows a febrile illness, surgery, chemotherapy or childbirth where the Stomach Qi has been weakened.

Key herbs

1. Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata aged peel) — chief; descends rebellious Stomach Qi and regulates Qi in the Middle Jiao
2. Zhu Ru (Bambusa shavings) — clears Stomach Heat and stops vomiting and hiccups
3. Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger) — warms the Stomach and descends rebellious Qi
4. Da Zao (jujube) — tonifies Spleen-Stomach Qi and harmonises
5. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng) — powerfully tonifies Stomach Qi
6. Gan Cao (licorice root) — tonifies and harmonises

Formula actions

1. Descends rebellious Stomach Qi
2. Stops hiccups and vomiting
3. Clears mild Stomach Heat
4. Tonifies Stomach Qi

Conditions treated

1. Persistent hiccups (singultus) following febrile illness, surgery, anaesthesia or chemotherapy
2. Postpartum hiccups and nausea
3. Dry heaves and retching without much vomitus
4. Chronic gastritis with mild Heat and Qi deficiency
5. Functional dyspepsia with nausea worse on an empty Stomach
6. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy from Stomach Qi deficiency — under careful supervision
7. Chemotherapy-induced nausea with weakness and mild Heat

Cautions

Not appropriate for cold-pattern vomiting or for hiccups from food stagnation or Cold-Damp. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.