---
title: "Wu Wei Zi"
url: "https://books.drcassone.com/21/traditional-medicines-of-east-asia/613/wu-wei-zi"
---

 ![wu wei zi, schisandrae fructus.jpg](/u/wu-wei-zi-schisandrae-fructus-4CQhAa.jpg) 

# Wu Wei Zi

### Schisandrae Fructus

_sweet, sour, warm_

#### PRIMARY FUNCTION:

_**Stabilize and Bind**_

CLASSICAL MANIFESTATIONS:
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Nocturnal emissions
- Spermatorrhea
- Vaginal discharge
- Frequent urination
- Diarrhea
- Spontaneous sweating
- Dry mouth
- Excess thirst
- Night sweats
- Diabetes
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Bad dreams

Wu Wei Zi treats the branch symptoms of decline and loss of
bodily fluids. In order to be effective it must be combined with
herbs to treat the root of the deficiency in the area of greatest
need.

Deficiency related decline can be from excess taxation (abuse of
stimulants or high amounts of stress), age, or poor constitution.
The primary effect of this herb is on the lung system and the
adrenal glands. It potentially supports thyroid function or at least
indirectly by improving the function of the areas of the body
related to thyroid health such as the adrenal glands. The adrenal
glands produce catecholamines, such as epinephrine and
norepinephrine that are released under the sympathetic nervous
system during moments or stress. When stress levels are too high
for too long, this function begins to decline leading to poor
energy levels and other symptoms related to adrenal gland
dysregulation. The sex hormone balancing effect likely involves
the adrenal glands more than the gonads because of the obvious
improvements it makes in lung function.

Its effect on digestion is secondary but still keeps in line with the
general theme of treating excess loss due to deficiency. When the
adrenal glands are stressed they produce excess cortisol which
triggers production of sugar in the liver
(glycogenolysis/gluconeogenesis). This spike and drop in blood
glucose causes stress on the pancreas which manages blood
glucose levels with two main hormones: insulin and glucagon. The
pancreas also produces enzymes for the digestion of food in the
duodenum. Taxation to the pancreas will lead to not only lead to
dysglycemia but also to indigestion and eventually to diarrhea
patterns based on this deficiency of function.

**Channels:** heart, lung, kidney

COMMON APPLICATIONS AND CLINICAL
POSSIBILITIES:
- Increased pancreatic secretions
- Antidiarrheal
- Diabetes
- Palpitations
- Sleep disorders
- Cough
- Perimenopausal symptoms; night sweats, vaginal
dryness
- Antihypertensive
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Biliary congestion

**Formulas:**
- Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan
- Bu Fei Tang
- Bu Shen Yi Gan Tang
- Da Ding Feng Zhu
- Di Huang Yin Zi
- Du Qi Wan
- Er Long Zuo Ci Wan
- Fu Tu Dan
- Jiu Xian San
- Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
- Mai Wei Di Huang Wan
- Ming Mu Di Huang Wan
- Qing Fei Tang
- Ren Shen Bu Fei Tang
- Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
- She Gan Ma Huang Tang
- Sheng Mai San
- Si Shen Wan
- Tian Wang Bu Xin Dang
- Tu Si Zi Wan
- Xiao Qing Long Tang

**Contraindications:** Wu Wei Zi should be discontinued
during acute cold and flu (exterior attacks) or when there is a
rash that needs to be fully expressed to the surface

**Zoo Image:** a sweaty camel smoking and coughing dragging a toilet spilling
poo has a water bottle, a kidney tattoo, and is walking by a spirit holding a qi
pillow

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