Chicken Gizzard and Maoguan Root Decoction，From *Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine*, Volume 1.，For concurrent water retention and bloating, as well as isolated abdominal distension, isolated water retention with distension, and isolated bloating.
Chicken Gizzard and Maoguan Root Decoction
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Formulas Name : Chicken Gizzard and Maoguan Root Decoction
Chinese Name : 鸡胵茅根汤
Drug Formulation
Raw chicken gizzard lining 5 qian (thoroughly cleaned of clay, stones, and residue; finely ground), raw Atractylodes (quantity to be determined as needed), fresh Maogen 2 liang (finely chopped).
Source
From *Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine*, Volume 1.
Benefits
For concurrent water retention and bloating, as well as isolated abdominal distension, isolated water retention with distension, and isolated bloating.
Instructions for Use
First, decoct the mao root to make several tea cups of decoction (do not overcook; after 1–2 boils, reduce to low heat until the mao root sinks to the bottom of the pot—the decoction is then ready). Start by taking one and a half tea cups of this decoction; add 5 slices of fresh ginger and decoct the chicken gizzard powder until the volume is reduced to half a tea cup. Then add another tea cup of mao root decoction; after 7–8 boils, strain to obtain the clear decoction (whether one tea cup or slightly more) and drink it.Use the remaining residue to prepare another decoction with the Maogen broth. Take one dose per day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Upon initial use, urine output will increase immediately; after a few days, bowel movements will also become more frequent. If bowel movements reach 2–3 times per day, reduce the Chicken Gizzard Powder by 1 qian and add 1 qian of raw Atractylodes. After a few more days, when the distension has subsided by half but bowel movements remain frequent, reduce the Chicken Gizzard Powder by another 1 qian and add 1 qian of Atractylodes.After several more days, when the bloating has subsided by about half but bowel movements remain frequent, reduce the chicken gizzard membrane by another 1 qian and add 1 qian of raw Atractylodes. By carefully adjusting the formula according to the progression of the illness in this manner, the formula’s ability to both tonify and disperse will be optimally suited to the patient’s condition, leading to a complete recovery. If fresh Maogen is unavailable, substitute it with 1 liang of dried Maogen from the pharmacy.If fresh Maogen is unavailable, ginger may be omitted. The Maogen decoction should be consumed in its entirety on the same day; any remaining decoction after preparation may be sipped warm as tea.
Copyright: Excerpt from From *Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine*, Volume 1., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 25, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 25, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 25, 2026
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Chicken Gizzard and Maoguan Root Decoction,For concurrent water retention and bloating, as well as isolated abdominal distension, isolated water retention with distension, and isolated bloating.