Butian Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Ingredients
| Herb Name | English Name | Historical Measure |
|---|---|---|
| human placenta | one | |
| Huang Nie | ||
| Gui Ban | three liang (approximately 112.5 g) | |
| Du Zhong | ||
| Niu Xi | two liang (approximately 75 g) | |
| Chen Pi | one liang (approximately 37.5 g) | |
| Gan Jiang | In winter, five qian (approximately 18.75 g) | |
| Wu Wei Zi | In summer, one liang (approximately 37.5 g) |
Traditional Indications
Butian Wan is recorded in Yi Fang Ji Jie as a historical formula for Kidney depletion within the TCM framework. The source associates it with weakness of qi and blood, a fine rapid pulse, and consumptive deficiency. These are traditional descriptions, not biomedical diagnoses.
Preparation & Administration
The ingredients are made into pills with wine paste. The source does not state a pill weight, amount per dose, or administration liquid. It describes this formula as a modification of the preceding prescription, adding Chen Pi and removing ingredients associated with the Lung.
Formula Rationale
The commentary describes Huang Nie and Gui Ban as enriching the Kidney, and Du Zhong and Niu Xi as supporting the lower back and knees. The placenta is presented as using a substance formed from qi and blood to supplement qi and blood and, in traditional terms, using the post-heaven to assist the pre-heaven. Chen Pi regulates qi within a blood-enriching formula. Gan Jiang is added in winter to support yang, while Wu Wei Zi is added in summer to protect Lung qi.