Which formula has Ze Xie as its chief herb?

• A. Er Xian Tang
• B. Jiao Ai Tang
• C. Yue Ju Wan
• D. Wu Ling San

Answer: (D)

Ze Xie provides the main action in this formula because its strongest effect is draining dampness and directing dampness downward to promote urination. Wu Ling San targets water-d dampness with urinary difficulty, edema, and abdominal fullness, so having Ze Xie as the chief herb makes the formula work on the core pattern—the dampness retained in the body that impairs water metabolism.

In this five-ingredient combination, Ze Xie is supported by herbs that assist urination and transform dampness. Fu Ling and Zhu Ling help promote urination and drain dampness, Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen to aid transformation of dampness, and Gui Zhi helps move qi and support the overall balance of water metabolism. Together they create a balanced approach to eliminate dampness and relieve the fluid retention.

Other formulas listed are used for different patterns: Er Xian Tang targets menopausal or kidney-yang/yin imbalances with symptoms outside a water-damp retention pattern; Yue Ju Wan focuses on qi stagnation and liver-constraint patterns; Jiao Ai Tang is used for postpartum conditions and vaginal/or uterine complaints rather than dampness-related water retention.