Run Chang Wan — Moisten the Intestines Pill

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Comparisons with related formulas
7. Cautions

Overview

Run Chang Wan — the “Moisten the Intestines Pill” — is a Jin-Yuan dynasty formula by Li Dongyuan (1180–1251). It addresses dry constipation from Blood and fluid deficiency, particularly with concurrent Blood stasis — the pattern common in the elderly, postpartum mothers, and patients recovering from blood loss.

The formula is gentle but effective. It combines two moistening seeds (Tao Ren, Huo Ma Ren) with Blood-nourishing herbs (Dang Gui), a mild purgative (Da Huang) and Qi-moving Qiang Huo. The lubricating action restores the moisture of the intestines while the Blood-nourishing action addresses the underlying deficiency.

I prescribe Run Chang Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Run Chang Wan is prescribed for dry constipation from Blood deficiency with Blood stasis:

• Dry, hard, difficult-to-pass stools
• Infrequent bowel movements
• Dry mouth, dry skin
• Pale complexion
• Mild lower abdominal discomfort from Blood stasis
• Elderly, postpartum, post-illness or post-blood-loss patient
• Tongue — pale, slightly dry, possibly with thin coat
• Pulse — thin, possibly choppy

Key herbs

1. Tao Ren (peach kernel) — lubricates intestines and moves Blood
2. Huo Ma Ren (cannabis seed, hemp seed) — lubricates the intestines; the chief moistening seed
3. Dang Gui — nourishes and moves Blood
4. Da Huang — mild dose; provides downward purgation
5. Qiang Huo — moves Qi and disperses

Formula actions

1. Moistens the intestines
2. Nourishes and moves Blood
3. Promotes bowel movement

Conditions treated

1. Chronic constipation in the elderly with dry pattern
2. Postpartum constipation
3. Constipation after blood loss, surgery or illness
4. Chemotherapy-induced dry constipation
5. Constipation from chronic dehydration
6. Constipation in chronic medication use — see constipation

Comparisons with related formulas

• Ma Zi Ren Wan — for dry constipation with mild Heat; uses more purgative herbs.
• Wu Ren Wan — gentler, no purgative; for the most depleted patients.
• Zeng Ye Tang — for Yin-deficient constipation with empty Heat; nourishing without purgation.

Cautions

Contains Da Huang — not appropriate in pregnancy.

Not appropriate for Cold-pattern constipation or Heat-pattern constipation.

Persistent constipation in the elderly needs medical assessment to exclude colorectal cancer.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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