Liu Mo Tang — Six Milled Ingredients Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Liu Mo Tang — the “Six Milled Ingredients Decoction” — is from Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng. The traditional preparation called for the six herbs to be ground (mo, “milled”) immediately before decoction to preserve their aromatic, Qi-moving properties. It treats constipation and abdominal distention from Liver Qi stagnation accompanied by Heat-accumulation in the bowels — a common picture in chronically stressed patients whose constipation flares with anger, frustration or anxiety and is accompanied by belching, sighing and pain that worsens with emotional upset.

I prescribe Liu Mo Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Liu Mo Tang is prescribed for Liver Qi stagnation with Heat accumulation in the bowels:

• Constipation with abdominal distention
• Belching, sighing, hiccups
• Stuffy chest, lateral costal distention
• Symptoms worsen with emotional upset
• Possibly alternating constipation and loose stool
• Bitter taste, dry mouth
• Tongue — thin yellow coat
• Pulse — wiry, possibly slightly rapid

Key herbs

1. Mu Xiang (Rx. Aucklandiae, 9g), Wu Yao (Rx. Linderae, 6-9g) — move Qi; relieve stagnation in the middle and lower burners
2. Chen Xiang (aquilaria, sustainable cultivated, 3-6g) — moves Qi; descends rebellious Qi
3. Bing Lang (Sm. Arecae, 9-12g) — moves Qi; descends accumulation
4. Zhi Shi (Fr. Aurantii Immaturus, 6-9g) — breaks Qi stagnation; transforms accumulation
5. Da Huang (Rx. et Rz. Rhei, 6g) — purges Heat-accumulation through the bowels

Formula actions

1. Moves Qi
2. Resolves Qi-stagnation accumulation
3. Purges bowel accumulation downward

Conditions treated

1. Stress-related constipation with abdominal distention
2. IBS-C with prominent bloating and emotional triggers — see IBS
3. Functional dyspepsia with constipation
4. Constipation in anxiety disorders with marked bloating
5. Premenstrual constipation with distention
6. Constipation after travel with bloating and Qi stagnation

Cautions

Contains Da Huang — strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.

Use Chen Xiang from sustainable cultivated source — wild aquilaria is endangered. Pharmaceutical-grade granules use cultivated sources.

Not appropriate for cold-deficient or Qi-deficient constipation — use Ji Chuan Jian or Huang Qi Tang instead.

For short to medium-term use; persistent constipation needs investigation to exclude obstruction.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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