This is an ancient formula traditionally known as Wu Ling San. It is for problems with water metabolism. An accumulation of water produces edema, and sensations of heaviness. There may be congested fluids below the navel causing pulsations, or congestion of fluids in the lungs causing coughing. Due to the excess water the digestive system is disrupted which may cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. Alisma (ze xie), poria (fu ling), and polyporus (zhu ling) leach dampness and promote urination. Together they help drain heat from the bladder poria and white atractylodes (bai zhu) strengthen the spleen, which aids in the transformation and transportation of fluids. Cinnamon twig (gui zhi) assists the bladder in discharging urine, and dispels pathogens for the exterior. Cinnamon twig also warms the gate of vitality, which in turns helps the spleen qi regulate dampness.
Alisma rhizome (ze xie), Poria sclerotium (fu ling), Polyporus sclerotium (zhu ling), Cinnamon twig (gui zhi), White Atractylodes rhizome (bai zhu)