Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan — Aucklandia Smooth-the-Qi Pill

On this page

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

Overview

Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan — the “Aucklandia Smooth-the-Qi Pill” — is a long-established Qi-regulating formula widely used in modern Chinese clinics. It treats Qi stagnation in the middle burner with mild food stagnation and Damp accumulation, with prominent bloating, belching, sense of fullness after eating, and possibly mild constipation alternating with loose stools. The combination of strong Qi-movers (Mu Xiang, Xiang Fu, Qing Pi, Chen Pi, Zhi Ke) with Spleen-supporting and Damp-resolving herbs (Cang Zhu, Hou Po, Sha Ren) makes it a versatile remedy for the common “bloating after meals” complaint.

I prescribe Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan is prescribed for Liver-Stomach Qi stagnation with food and Damp accumulation:

• Epigastric and abdominal distention
• Bloating, especially after eating
• Belching, hiccups, possible reflux
• Sigh-relieved chest oppression
• Mild abdominal pain that moves and varies
• Symptoms worsen with stress
• Tongue — thin white or slightly greasy coat
• Pulse — wiry, possibly slippery

Key herbs

1. Mu Xiang — chief; moves middle-burner Qi; relieves distention
2. Xiang Fu — spreads Liver Qi; relieves stress-related stagnation
3. Qing Pi, Chen Pi — regulate Liver and Spleen Qi
4. Zhi Ke — regulates Qi; relieves distention
5. Hou Po — moves Qi; resolves Damp
6. Cang Zhu — dries Damp; supports Spleen
7. Sha Ren — aromatically warms; opens the Spleen
8. Bing Lang, Lai Fu Zi — descend accumulation
9. Gan Cao — harmonises

Formula actions

1. Moves Liver and Stomach Qi
2. Resolves Damp and food accumulation
3. Relieves bloating and distention

Conditions treated

1. Functional dyspepsia with postprandial bloating
2. IBS with prominent bloating — see IBS
3. SIBO with bloating and belching
4. Stress-related bloating
5. Bile reflux with bloating
6. Mild gastroparesis
7. Aerophagia

Cautions

Not appropriate for Yin-deficient patterns — the moving and drying herbs damage fluids.

Persistent bloating with weight loss, anaemia, dysphagia or change in bowel habit needs medical investigation to exclude malignancy, IBD or coeliac disease.

For longer-term use as appropriate to the pattern.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.