Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang: A Classic Formula for Relieving Hiccups from Stomach Weakness and Heat
Hongji Medical- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang comes from the Eastern Han Dynasty physician Zhang Zhongjing’s Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet). Jin Gui Yao Lue is a cornerstone of Chinese medicine, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of internal disorders, and includes many classic formulas still widely used today.
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang is one such formula, designed specifically to treat hiccups caused by stomach weakness with heat.Known for its gentle nature and effective results, Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang is made of six herbs: Ju Pi (Chen Pi), Zhu Ru, Da Zao, Sheng Jiang, Gan Cao, and Ren Shen.
The formula is carefully crafted to calm rebellious stomach qi, stop hiccups, boost qi, and clear heat, making it a go-to remedy for hiccups linked to stomach weakness and heat.
Formula Explanation of Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang consists of six herbs, organized according to the Chinese medicine principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy”:
Monarch Herb: Ju Pi (Chen Pi). Pungent, bitter, and warm, Ju Pi regulates qi, strengthens the spleen, and clears dampness and phlegm. As the main herb, it calms rebellious stomach qi to stop hiccups.
Supporting Herb: Zhu Ru. Sweet and slightly cold, Zhu Ru clears heat, resolves phlegm, relieves irritability, and stops nausea. It clears stomach heat to prevent it from causing upward qi rebellion, supporting Ju Pi’s hiccup-relieving action.
Assistant Herbs: Sheng Jiang, Da Zao.
Sheng Jiang (pungent, slightly warm) warms the stomach, disperses cold, and settles nausea, aiding Ju Pi in calming the stomach while balancing Zhu Ru’s cold nature.
Da Zao (sweet, warm) nourishes the spleen and stomach, boosts qi, and calms the mind, helping restore normal stomach function.
Envoy Herbs: Gan Cao, Ren Shen.
Gan Cao (sweet, neutral) boosts qi, nourishes the middle, and harmonizes the formula, ensuring all herbs work together smoothly.
Ren Shen (sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm) greatly boosts vital qi, strengthens the spleen and lungs, and enhances stomach function to address the root cause of hiccups.
Pathogenesis Analysis of Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang targets hiccups caused by stomach weakness with heat and rebellious qi. The key pathogenesis includes:
Stomach Weakness: Chronic illness, vomiting, or diarrhea weakens stomach qi, impairing its digestive and qi-regulating functions.
Presence of Heat: Weak stomach qi can generate internal heat, which builds up and disrupts stomach function.
Rebellious Qi: Instead of descending, stomach qi rises, triggering hiccups.
Overall Symptoms: Patients often experience frequent hiccups or dry retching, irritability, low energy, dry mouth, a tender red tongue, and a weak, rapid pulse.
Indications and Effects of Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Effects: Calms rebellious qi to stop hiccups, boosts qi, and clears heat.Main Condition: Hiccups from stomach weakness with heat.Symptoms:
Frequent hiccups or dry retching.
Irritability and low energy.
Dry mouth.
Tender red tongue.
Weak, rapid pulse.
Comparison with Other Hiccup Formulas
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang stands out among other hiccup-treating formulas due to its unique focus:
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang: Used for hiccups from phlegm obstruction and rebellious stomach qi, with symptoms like chest fullness, frequent hiccups, and a greasy white tongue coating. Unlike Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang, it targets phlegm-related hiccups.
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang: Treats hiccups from stomach cold and rebellious qi, with low-pitched hiccups worse in cold and a pale tongue with white coating. It focuses on cold-related hiccups, unlike Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang’s heat focus.
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang excels at stopping hiccups from stomach weakness and heat, particularly when frequent hiccups are the main issue.
Modern Applications and Research
Modern research highlights Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang’s benefits:
Regulates Gut Function: Promotes stomach and intestinal movement, improving digestion and relieving hiccups.
Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: Ju Pi and Zhu Ru contain compounds that reduce inflammation and soothe stomach discomfort.
Nervous System Regulation: May influence the nervous system to calm gastrointestinal activity and stop hiccups.
Clinical Uses: Widely used for pregnancy-related vomiting, incomplete pyloric obstruction, diaphragm spasms, and post-surgical persistent hiccups, when linked to stomach weakness with heat and rebellious qi.
Precautions
When using Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang, keep the following in mind:
Pattern Differentiation: It is suited for hiccups from stomach weakness with heat. It should not be used for hiccups caused by excess heat or cold deficiency.
Formula Adjustments: In cases with heavy phlegm and fire, as noted in Lei Zheng Zhi Cai (Xue’s case), remove Ren Shen and Gan Cao and add herbs like Shan Zhi, Xing Ren, Qian Hu, Bei Mu, Gua Lou, Dou Chi, and Yu Jin juice to clear heat and phlegm for better results.
Conclusion
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang, a classic formula from Jin Gui Yao Lue, is a trusted remedy for hiccups caused by stomach weakness with heat. Its gentle yet effective blend calms rebellious qi, stops hiccups, boosts qi, and clears heat. Proper pattern differentiation and attention to precautions ensure its safe use, blending ancient wisdom with modern applications to improve health and quality of life.
