Ma Zi Ren Wan

Ma Zi Ren Wan from Empirical Health is a classical Chinese herbal formula, prepared as honey pearls (small, edible snack-ball-like pills made from concentrated herbal powder bound with honey).

This foundational formula, originating from Zhang Zhong-jing’s Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage, ~3rd century AD), moistens the intestines, clears internal heat (particularly dryness-heat in the Stomach and Large Intestine), promotes gentle bowel movement, invigorates Qi, and unblocks the bowels without aggressive purgation. It is specifically indicated for constipation due to intestinal dryness with heat and fluid deficiency (often termed “dryness-heat binding the intestines” or “Spleen constraint with Yangming dryness”), where fluids fail to nourish the Large Intestine, resulting in dry, hard stools, infrequent or difficult bowel movements, straining, abdominal fullness/distension, or incomplete evacuation—common in chronic functional constipation, elderly patterns, post-illness dryness, or habitual irregularity.

Ma Zi Ren Wan is one of the most effective and frequently recommended classical formulas for constipation of this type. Clinical studies (including randomized trials) have shown it significantly increases complete spontaneous bowel movements, improves colonic transit time, reduces straining and severity of symptoms, and provides durable relief (often comparable to or better than conventional laxatives, with sustained benefits post-treatment and less need for rescue options).

Key Ingredients:

•  Huo Ma Ren (Hemp Seed / Cannabis Seed) – moistens the intestines and nourishes Yin/fluids.

•  Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) – clears heat and gently promotes bowel movement.

•  Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) – descends Qi and moistens dryness.

•  Bai Shao (White Peony Root) – nourishes Yin and harmonizes.

•  Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) – moves Qi and breaks stagnation.

•  Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) – dries damp and directs downward.

Suggested Use Start with 1-2 honey pearls with warm water twice daily, or as otherwise directed by your healthcare professional.

Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal tightly after opening.

Batch Best Before: 05/2028