Hemp Seed Pill

傷寒論

-- The Fuyang pulse is floating and astringent. Floating indicates strong stomach qi; astringent indicates frequent urination. When floating and astringent contend, the stool becomes hard, and the spleen is constrained. Maren Pill governs it. (Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage))

Hemp seed 2 sheng, Peony half jin, Immature bitter orange 1 jin, Rhubarb 1 jin, Magnolia bark 1 chi, Apricot seed 1 sheng. The above six ingredients are ground into powder, mixed with refined honey and formed into pills the size of wutong seeds. Take ten pills with liquid, three times daily, gradually increase, with response as the criterion. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases))

The above six ingredients are mixed with honey into pills, the size of wutong seeds. Take ten pills with liquid, three times daily, gradually increase, with response as the criterion (modern usage: grind the above drugs into powder, mix with refined honey to make pills; take 9 g each time, 1–2 times daily, with warm boiled water. The doses may also be proportionally reduced according to the original formula and changed to a Decoction for decoction and administration).

湯劑

Moisten the intestines, drain heat, move qi, and unblock the stool.

Treats the pattern of constipation due to dryness-heat in the stomach and intestines and splenic constipation. Symptoms include dry, bound stool and frequent urination.

This formula also has a digestant/guiding-out action and should only be used temporarily, not taken over a long period. For constipation in the elderly or debilitated due to blood depletion and fluid depletion, it is not suitable. Because it contains drastic purgatives such as rhubarb and immature bitter orange, it should be used with caution in pregnant women and patients with habitual miscarriage.