Wu Ren Wan — Five-Seed Pill

On this page

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

Overview

Wu Ren Wan — the “Five-Seed Pill” — is a classical formula for dry constipation from Blood and fluid deficiency. It is built entirely from oily, moistening seeds and kernels: Tao Ren (peach kernel), Xing Ren (apricot kernel), Bai Zi Ren (arborvitae seed), Yu Li Ren (bush cherry seed) and Song Zi Ren (pine seed), with Chen Pi added to move Qi.

The principle is simple but effective: lubricate the intestines with oily plant compounds, gently move Blood and Qi, restore moisture to dry stool. Unlike Da Cheng Qi Tang or Ma Zi Ren Wan, Wu Ren Wan does not purge with cold draining herbs — it nourishes and lubricates. This makes it ideal for older adults, postpartum women and chronically debilitated patients whose constipation is dry but who cannot tolerate stronger purgatives.

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

TCM pattern

Wu Ren Wan is prescribed for dry constipation from Blood and fluid deficiency:

• Dry, hard, pellet-like stools
• Infrequent bowel movements
• Difficulty passing despite urge
• Dry skin, dry mouth
• Pale or dull complexion
• Mild fatigue
• No Heat signs (no fever, no thirst, no irritability)
• Older age, postpartum, or after illness
• Tongue — pale, dry, possibly with little coat
• Pulse — thin, possibly choppy

Key herbs

1. Tao Ren (peach kernel) — lubricates intestines and moves Blood
2. Xing Ren (apricot kernel) — descends Lung Qi and lubricates intestines
3. Bai Zi Ren (arborvitae seed) — nourishes Heart Blood and lubricates
4. Yu Li Ren (bush cherry seed) — lubricates intestines and moves fluids
5. Song Zi Ren (pine seed) — nourishes Blood and lubricates intestines
6. Chen Pi — moves Qi; prevents stagnation from the oily herbs

Formula actions

1. Moistens dryness
2. Lubricates intestines
3. Moves Blood gently
4. Restores normal bowel function in deficiency patterns

Conditions treated

1. Chronic constipation in older adults — the primary indication
2. Postpartum constipation
3. Constipation after illness or blood loss
4. Chemotherapy-induced constipation
5. Constipation in chronically dehydrated patients
6. Opioid-induced constipation (alongside conventional laxatives)
7. Chronic constipation in Parkinson’s disease
8. Constipation in chronic kidney disease
9. Constipation in pregnancy (selected cases, under qualified supervision)

Cautions

Generally well-tolerated. Use cautiously in patients with persistent loose stools or active diarrhoea.

Contains Tao Ren and Xing Ren — use cautiously in pregnancy (Tao Ren moves Blood); modify if needed.

For Heat-pattern constipation (fever, thirst, irritability, red tongue with yellow coat) use Ma Zi Ren Wan, Da Cheng Qi Tang or Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang instead.

Persistent constipation in older adults needs medical assessment to exclude bowel cancer and other pathology.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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