Zhonghou Black Pills，From *Formulas for Emergency Use* (Zhouhou Fang), Volume 4.，For edema, phlegm-retention, distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, and constipation or difficulty in urination and defecation. For various types of phlegm-retention and stagnation, and in children on the verge of an epileptic seizure. For stagnant fluid accumulation causing fullness, oppression, and dim vision. For swelling from the head and face down to the feet, dizziness, headache, and a sensation of internal heat—a condition known as “Yuan Shui”—accompanied by bodily swelling and difficulty in urination and defecation.
Zhonghou Black Pills
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All references in this article to TCM syndrome differentiation, herbal medicines, teas, and decoctions are intended to promote TCM culture and are provided solely for educational and reference purposes.
Formulas Name : Zhonghou Black Pills
Chinese Name : 中候黑丸
Drug Formulation
Platycodon root 4 fen, Cinnamon bark 4 fen, Croton seed 8 fen (removed seed coat), Apricot kernel 5 fen (removed skin), Datura flower 12 fen.
Source
From *Formulas for Emergency Use* (Zhouhou Fang), Volume 4.
Processing
Boil the ingredients until they turn purple. First, grind the first three ingredients into a fine powder; then grind the croton seed and apricot kernels into a paste. Combine the powder and paste to form pills the size of a broad bean.
Benefits
For edema, phlegm-retention, distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, and constipation or difficulty in urination and defecation. For various types of phlegm-retention and stagnation, and in children on the verge of an epileptic seizure. For stagnant fluid accumulation causing fullness, oppression, and dim vision. For swelling from the head and face down to the feet, dizziness, headache, and a sensation of internal heat—a condition known as “Yuan Shui”—accompanied by bodily swelling and difficulty in urination and defecation.
Instructions for Use
Take 1 pill to begin treatment, increasing to 2–3 pills as needed. For infants 10 days old showing signs of impending epilepsy, administer 1–2 pills the size of a millet seed. For all cases of abdominal discomfort or a sensation of obstruction, take the medicine as needed. If a bowel movement occurs after taking 1 liang, the condition is considered resolved.
Note
Avoid pork, asparagus, raw green onions, and similar foods.
Copyright: Excerpt from From *Formulas for Emergency Use* (Zhouhou Fang), Volume 4., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 31, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 31, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 31, 2026
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Zhonghou Black Pills,For edema, phlegm-retention, distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, and constipation or difficulty in urination and defecation. For various types of phlegm-retention and stagnation, and in children on the verge of an epileptic seizure. For stagnant fluid accumulation causing fullness, oppression, and dim vision. For swelling from the head and face down to the feet, dizziness, headache, and a sensation of internal heat—a condition known as “Yuan Shui”—accompanied by bodily swelling and difficulty in urination and defecation.