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Cura x Cura

Zhou Che Wan舟车丸

Vessel and Vehicle Pill

Purging Downward 泻下剂Drive Out Water 逐水

Ingredients10 herbs

黑Hei Chou黑丑（牵牛子）120 g (dry-fried)君 ChiefDrives water out through both stool and urine甘Gan Sui甘遂30 g (flour-wrapped and roasted)臣 DeputyDrives out the deep water accumulation — toxic芫Yuan Hua芫花30 g (vinegar-fried)臣 DeputyExpels phlegm-fluid from the chest and flanks — toxic大Da Ji大戟30 g (vinegar-fried)臣 DeputyExpels water from the organs — toxic大Da Huang大黄60 g臣 DeputyPurges heat and water downward through the bowel青Qing Pi青皮15 g佐 AssistantBreaks up stagnant qi in the flanks陈Chen Pi陈皮15 g佐 AssistantRegulates qi and harmonises the middle burner木Mu Xiang木香15 g佐 AssistantMoves qi and eases the abdominal distension槟Bing Lang槟榔15 g佐 AssistantDescends qi and moves water downward轻Qing Fen轻粉3 g in the classical formula — omitted in modern practice佐 AssistantClassically added to hasten the purge; a mercury salt, cumulatively toxic, and left out today

Indications

Moves qi and drives out waterPurges water and heat through both stool and urineRelieves severe abdominal distension

Water and heat congested in the interior with the qi dynamic blocked. The excess is unmistakable and the patient's strength has not yet failed; this is why the formula can attack on so many fronts at once.

Clinical Manifestations

  • Severe oedema and abdominal swelling with a firm, drum-tight abdomen
  • Water excess with thirst, coarse breathing and heat signs
  • Ascites with constipation and scanty dark urine, in a robust patient
  • Water accumulation where qi stagnation is as prominent as the fluid
TongueYellow greasy coating
PulseDeep and rapid, forceful

Health Categories

Digestive HealthHeart & CirculationLiver Health & Detox

Modern Applications

AscitesOedemaCirrhosisCongestive heart failureAbdominal distension

Common adjustments

  • Strength already failing — the formula is stopped — this group offers nothing safe for a depleted patient
  • Water without heat signs — the parent formula Shi Zao Tang is more appropriate

Contraindications

For excess patterns in a robust patient only, and only briefly. Withheld in deficiency, in the elderly and frail, in children, after childbirth, and while breastfeeding. The three water-expellants must not be combined with Gan Cao. The classical formula includes Qing Fen, a mercury salt that is cumulatively toxic and no longer acceptable in ordinary practice — modern preparations omit it, and it should not be reintroduced.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.

Pregnancy

Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. It combines three toxic water-expellants with Qian Niu Zi and Da Huang — every one of them on the classical pregnancy prohibition or caution list. Also contraindicated while breastfeeding.

References

Source Jing Yue Quan Shu 《景岳全书》 · Ming

  1. Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
    2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
    3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— chapter placement, 功用 and pattern analysis cross-checked.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.