Which modern conditions is Bixie Fenqing Yin indicated for?

In contemporary TCM clinical practice, it is frequently used for chronic prostatitis, overactive bladder, chyluria, and chronic lower urinary tract syndrome when the pattern is turbid dampness in the lower burner with failure to separate the clear from the turbid.

Is Bixie Fenqing Yin suitable for chronic urinary frequency?

For chronic urinary frequency, urgency, turbid urination, post-void dribbling, and perineal discomfort that correspond to turbid dampness in the lower burner, TCM physicians will commonly prescribe Bixie Fenqing Yin as a regulatory treatment. However, it cannot replace standard urological care and diagnosis.

Dampness-Draining Formulas

萆薢分清飲 · Bì Xiè Fēn Qīng Yǐn

Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin

A classical formula for cloudy urine and frequent urination from lower-jiao cold-damp with Kidney deficiency.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryDampness-Draining Formulas

Primary PatternDampness

Primary FunctionSeparate clear from turbid, warm Kidney, drain damp

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleWarm the Kidney and separate clear and turbid fluids

Main HerbsFish-Poison Yam Rhizome · Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit · Lindera Root · Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome

Classical SourceJi Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for cloudy or white urine from lower-jiao cold-damp with Kidney deficiency, rather than heat-type lin syndromes or pure water-retention.

Overview

What Is Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin?

1. Classical Literature

Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin (萆薢分清饮), or Dioscorea Hypoglauca Decoction to Separate the Clear, is a classical formula originating from the Yang Shi Jia Cang Fang (Yang’s Family Treasury of Formulas) and later recorded in Zhu Danxi’s Dan Xi Xin Fa. It belongs to the category of formulas that warm the Kidney, drain Dampness, and separate the clear from the turbid.

This formula addresses Lower Burner deficiency-Cold with turbid Dampness failing to separate, leading to cloudy or milky urine (Gao Lin or Bai Zhuo). Typical signs include frequent urination with urine that appears cloudy, milky, or greasy like rice water or paste, possible lower back weakness or coldness, a pale tongue with white coating, and a deep pulse.

Combining Bi Xie as the chief herb to drain Dampness and separate the turbid from the clear, Yi Zhi Ren to warm the Kidney and astringe urine, Shi Chang Pu to transform turbidity and open the orifices, and Wu Yao to warm the Kidney and Bladder while moving Qi, Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin effectively warms the Lower Burner, resolves turbid Dampness, and restores clear urination.

2. Urological Conditions

Prostate Health: This formula is a fantastic option for issues like chronic prostatitis and an enlarged prostate (BPH).
When to Use It: It is especially helpful if you are dealing with frequent, cloudy urination combined with signs of "cold weakness" in your lower body. You might notice symptoms like a sore and weak lower back or knees, or just generally feeling chilled with cold hands and feet.
How It Helps: Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin works effectively to improve blood circulation around the prostate, calm down inflammatory responses, and significantly reduce abnormal, cloudy secretions.

3. Andrological Conditions

Male Fertility Support: This formula can also be used to support male reproductive health, particularly in cases of infertility.
The Problem: Sometimes, heavy "cold-dampness" settles into the lower body and negatively impacts semen quality, often resulting in thin, watery semen or a noticeably reduced volume.
The Solution: By warming up your deep core energy and flushing out that cloudy dampness, Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin helps regulate the reproductive system and can improve overall semen quality.

4. Gynaecological Conditions

Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhoea): For women, this formula is highly effective for treating excessive vaginal discharge caused by heavy cold-dampness sinking downward.
Key Symptoms to Look For: It targets situations where there is a constant flow of profuse, thin, and white discharge. This is often accompanied by cold, aching pain in the lower abdomen and a general feeling of being cold with icy hands and feet.
The Relief: Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin steps in to actively warm up and transform that deep cold-dampness. It effectively dries up the excessive discharge and brings real comfort and relief to these frustrating symptoms.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Sovereign Herb: Bi Xie (Dioscorea Rhizome)

What it is: Bi Xie is the dried root (rhizome) of specific yam plants like Dioscorea hypoglauca. It has a sweet and bitter taste and a neutral nature, targeting your Kidney and Stomach channels.
What it does: It is fantastic at draining dampness, clearing up "turbidity" (cloudy fluids), and relieving joint stiffness or pain.
Role in the formula: As the star player of Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin, its main job is to flush out dampness and separate the "clear" fluids from the "turbid" ones. It expertly guides that cloudy dampness right out of your body through your urine. It is incredibly effective for fixing issues in your lower body caused by this cloudy damp buildup!

2. Minister Herb: Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia Fruit)

What it is: Yi Zhi Ren is the dried, ripe fruit of the Alpinia oxyphylla plant. It brings a spicy flavor and a warm nature, moving directly to the Spleen and Kidney channels.
What it does: It warms up the Kidneys to help you hold onto your essential fluids (reducing frequent bathroom trips) and warms the Spleen to stop diarrhea and excessive drooling.
Role in the formula: It acts as the perfect sidekick to Bi Xie. By boosting the warming power for your Kidneys and fixing the deep "cold" weakness in the lower body, it helps the formula separate the clear fluids from the cloudy ones much more efficiently!

3. Assistant Herb: Shi Chang Pu (Acorus Rhizome)

What it is: Shi Chang Pu is the dried rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii. It is spicy, bitter, and warm, and it focuses heavily on the Heart and Stomach channels.
What it does: It is famous for "opening the orifices" (waking up your senses) and cutting through heavy phlegm. It clears the mind, boosts cognition, gets rid of dampness, and even wakes up your appetite!
Role in the formula: It plays a great supporting role by helping Bi Xie clear out dampness. At the same time, it lifts brain fog and clears your head, allowing fresh "yang" energy to rise up. This is perfect for shaking off that groggy, clouded feeling caused by internal dampness!

4. Envoy Herb: Wu Yao (Lindera Root)

What it is: Wu Yao is the dried root of the Lindera aggregata plant. It is spicy and warm, entering the Lung, Spleen, Kidney, and Bladder channels.
What it does: It is a pro at getting your "qi" (energy) moving smoothly, stopping pain, warming the Kidneys, and driving away the cold.
Role in the formula: As the formula's messenger, Wu Yao keeps your energy flowing and breaks up the cold. This helps your body process and flush out that cloudy dampness easily. Best of all, it acts as a guide, leading all the other herbs straight to the problem areas in your lower body so they can go to work!

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathomechanism

The Root Cause: The main issue that Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin targets is a "cold" weakness in your lower body (what we call the "lower burner"), combined with a downward flow of cloudy, heavy dampness.
How it Happens: When your Kidney "yang" energy is too low, it cannot properly warm your lower body. This stalls your bladder's ability to process and move fluids (a process known as "qi transformation").
The Result: Your fluid metabolism gets completely thrown out of balance! Cloudy, turbid dampness builds up inside and sinks right down into your bladder, setting off a chain of uncomfortable urinary issues.

2. Actions of Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin

Core Actions: This formula works wonderfully to warm up your lower body, drain out the heavy dampness, and separate the "clear" healthy fluids from the "turbid" cloudy ones.
Fixing the Root: By warming and boosting the yang energy in your lower body, it gets your bladder back to functioning and processing fluids correctly.
Clearing the Symptoms: At the same time, it actively flushes out that cloudy dampness, guiding it right out of your body through your urine. It is a perfect two-in-one approach that treats both the underlying cause and the frustrating symptoms!

3. Indications

Main Uses: This formula is a go-to treatment for cloudy, painful urination and milky-white discharge caused by deep cold and weakness in the lower body.
Key Symptoms to Look For: You might experience frequent bathroom trips where your urine looks incredibly cloudy or unclear—often described as looking white like the water left over from washing rice, or even thick and paste-like. A practitioner might also notice you have a pale tongue with a white coating and a deep, weak pulse.
Women's Health: It is also highly effective for women dealing with excessive, clear-to-white vaginal discharge (leukorrhoea) caused by that same heavy cold-dampness sinking downward.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Draining Dampness and Separating the Clear

The Main Ingredient: Bi Xie acts as the "sovereign" or lead herb in this formula, primarily tasked with flushing out dampness and clearing up cloudiness.
How It Works: Because it has a very gentle and balanced nature, it is incredibly effective at unblocking fluid buildup in your lower body. It essentially grabs that heavy, turbid dampness and flushes it right out through your urine.
Key Target: This makes Bi Xie the absolute most important herb for treating thick, milky-looking urine and heavy, white vaginal discharge.

2. Warming and Tonifying the Lower Origin

Warming Up: Yi Zhi Ren steps in to warm up the kidneys and lock in your body's vital essence.
The Perfect Pair: When paired with Bi Xie, they create a perfect team! One flushes out the bad stuff (the "branch" symptoms) while the other builds up your core strength (the "root" cause).
Restoring Function: By warming up the deep cold in your lower body, Yi Zhi Ren helps your kidneys stay strong and gets your bladder back to processing fluids normally.

3. Transforming Dampness and Opening the Orifices

Waking up the Digestion: Shi Chang Pu is fantastic at cutting through dampness to "wake up" your spleen and digestive system.
Clearing the Pathways: It helps clear out blockages (or "open the orifices") to relieve painful, urgent urination.
Lifting the Fog: Working alongside Bi Xie, it helps push out the dampness while allowing the clear, healthy energy to rise up. This not only clears up cloudy urine but can also lift the mental "brain fog" caused by that heavy internal dampness.

4. Moving Qi and Dispersing Cold

Getting Things Moving: Wu Yao is all about getting your vital energy (Qi) moving smoothly to relieve pain, while simultaneously warming the kidneys to chase away the cold.
The Ultimate Guide: By promoting a healthy flow of energy, it helps the other herbs resolve that cloudy fluid buildup. More importantly, Wu Yao acts like a GPS, guiding all the herbs in the formula straight down to the lower body where the problem actually is, making the whole treatment much more effective.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin	Wu Ling San	Zhu Ling Tang	Ba Zheng San
Primary Function	Separate clear from turbid, warm Kidney, drain damp	Promote urination, drain Dampness, warm Yang	Promote urination, clear Heat, nourish Yin	Clear heat, drain damp, promote urination, unblock lin
Formula Category	Dampness-Draining Formulas	Dampness-Draining Formulas	Dampness-Draining Formulas	Heat-Clearing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Dampness	Dampness	Damp-Heat	Damp-Heat
Main Conditions	Frequent Urination, Edema	Edema, Frequent Urination, Damp Constitution	Edema, Frequent Urination, Yin Deficiency Constitution	Frequent Urination, Abdominal Pain, Dry Mouth & Throat, Constipation
Main Herbs	Fish-Poison Yam Rhizome · Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit · Lindera Root · Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome	Alisma Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Polyporus · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Cinnamon Twig	Polyporus · Poria / Hoelen · Alisma Rhizome · Talcum · Donkey-hide Gelatin	Plantago Seed · Dianthus · Knotweed · Talcum · Gardenia Fruit · Licorice Root · Akebia Stem · Rhubarb Root and Rhizome
Classical Source	Ji Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song)	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)

How to tell them apart

Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin, Wu Ling San, Zhu Ling Tang and Ba Zheng San all address urinary turbidity or difficulty, but target different patterns. Wu Ling San and Zhu Ling Tang focus on water metabolism; Ba Zheng San clears lower-jiao damp-heat. Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin warms the Kidney and separates clear from turbid for cold-damp cloudy urine with deficiency signs.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin

1. Concurrent Damp-Heat

The Issue: Sometimes, you might have a mix of "Damp-Heat" along with the cold. You will typically notice signs like scanty, dark-yellow urine, a bitter taste in your mouth, and a yellow, greasy coating on your tongue.
The Fix: To tackle this, a practitioner can add cooling herbs like Huang Bo and Che Qian Zi. These additions perfectly reinforce the formula's ability to clear out that stubborn heat and drain away the hot dampness.

2. Pronounced Kidney Yang Deficiency

The Issue: If your Kidney "Yang" (your body's deep warming energy) is extremely low, you might experience severe cold, aching pain in your lower back and knees, or even face sexual health issues like impotence or premature ejaculation.
The Fix: In this case, powerful warming herbs like Lu Jiao Shuang and Xian Ling Pi are added to the mix. They act like a furnace to deeply warm and boost your Kidney Yang right where you need it most.

3. Spleen Qi Deficiency

The Issue: If your Spleen energy (which governs your digestion) is also weak, you will likely struggle with a poor appetite, feel bloated, or suffer from loose stools.
The Fix: To get your digestion back on track, supportive herbs like Dang Shen, Bai Zhu, and Zhi Gan Cao are added. They work together to strengthen your Spleen and Stomach, helping your body process and transport food and fluids much more efficiently.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin (Tokoro Combination), also known as Dioscorea Hypoglauca Decoction to Separate the Clear, is a classical formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine that warms the kidneys, drains dampness, and separates the clear from the turbid.

It is particularly effective for kidney yang deficiency with cold-dampness in the lower jiao, addressing urinary frequency, frequent urination, painful urination, cloudy urine, profuse white discharge, and rice water or thick paste-like urine seen in gao lin (turbid strangury). Key herbs such as Bi Xie (tokoro), sweetflag rhizome, and lindera root work to expel dampness (drain dampness), clear from the turbid, and warm the kidneys and warm deficiency cold. Typical signs include a pale tongue with white coating and a deep pulse. This formula is commonly used for chronic prostatitis, chronic pyelonephritis, and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease caused by turbid dampness and deficiency cold.

1. Pharmacological Research

Modern science has shown that the herbs in Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin pack some serious health benefits. Here is a breakdown of what the research says:

Bi Xie: Fights inflammation, acts as a natural antibacterial agent, and helps balance your immune system.
Yi Zhi Ren: Boosts learning and memory skills while helping to keep your endocrine system in check.
Shi Chang Pu: Has a great calming and relaxing effect, plus it improves blood flow to the brain.
Wu Yao: Keeps your digestion running smoothly and helps maintain a healthy heart rhythm.

Together, these pharmacological actions give us a solid, scientific reason why this traditional formula works so well!

2. Clinical Efficacy Validation

Clinical studies have firmly backed up the power of Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin, showing it is highly effective for a wide range of urinary, men's, and women's health issues.

Proven Results: By tracking large groups of patients, researchers found that the formula effectively clears up symptoms and truly boosts overall quality of life.
High Safety Profile: On top of working well, it has been shown to be very safe for patients to use.

3. Dosage Form Improvement Research

Thanks to advances in modern technology, taking Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin is getting easier and more convenient than ever before.

Beyond the Teas: While traditional brewed teas (decoctions) and modern dissolving granules are still widely used, researchers are actively developing tablets and capsules.
Why it Matters: These new formats are designed to make the formula much more stable, incredibly convenient to take on the go, and perfectly suited for today's busy lifestyles.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Restrictions and Special Populations

While taking Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin, avoid raw or cold, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, as they may impair digestion, promote dampness and phlegm, or aggravate damp-heat. Pregnant women should use this formula cautiously under medical supervision. It is generally unsuitable for individuals with yin deficiency and excessive fire.

2. Monitoring and Proper Administration

Monitor your condition during treatment and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Take the medicine at the prescribed times and dosage; do not increase, reduce, or discontinue it without medical advice.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Nong's Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin (Tokoro Separate the Clear) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $64.09

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $22.15

HJMEDICAL Nong's Wu Ling San (Poria Five Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $51.25

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Zhu Ling Tang (Polyporus Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $30.50

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Ba Zheng San (Eight-Herb Powder for Rectification) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $20.76

HJMEDICAL Nong's Ba Zheng San (Eight Rectifications Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $44.83

FAQ

Questions About Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin

Q1: What are the actions of Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin?

Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin has the actions of warming the Kidneys, draining dampness, and separating the clear from the turbid. It is primarily used for patterns of lower-jiao deficiency-cold with damp turbidity descending, presenting as cloudy or milky urine and frequent urination.

Q2: Which modern conditions is Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin commonly applied to?

In modern TCM clinical practice it is frequently used for patients whose pattern differentiation matches lower-jiao deficiency-cold with damp turbidity, including chronic prostatitis, chyluria, chronic cystitis, and leukorrhea (white vaginal discharge) with the corresponding cold-damp presentation.

Q3: Is Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin suitable for treating cloudy or milky urine?

For presentations of frequent urination with cloudy, milky, or paste-like urine resembling rice water, accompanied by a pale tongue with white coating and a deep pulse — when pattern differentiation confirms lower-jiao deficiency-cold with damp turbidity — TCM commonly applies Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical evaluation.

Q4: Who should not take Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin?

Those with damp-heat patterns (burning urination, yellow or foul discharge, yellow greasy tongue coating), Yin-deficiency fire, or acute heat-type urinary tract infections are generally not suitable. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician based on individual constitution and pattern differentiation.

Q5: What is the classic presentation for Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin?

The classic presentation includes frequent urination with urine that is cloudy, white like rice water, or thick like paste, often without significant burning or pain. Associated signs may include coldness in the lower back or lower abdomen, a pale tongue with white coating, and a deep pulse.

Q6: Can Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin be used for women’s leukorrhea?

Yes. When leukorrhea is thin, white, and profuse due to lower-jiao deficiency-cold with damp turbidity (rather than damp-heat), Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin may be considered to warm the lower burner, drain dampness, and separate the clear from the turbid.

Q7: How does Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin differ from heat-clearing formulas for cloudy urine?

This formula is specifically designed for cold-damp / deficiency-cold patterns. Heat-clearing versions (such as the modification in Yi Xue Xin Wu that adds Huang Bai and other cooling herbs) are used when damp-heat predominates. Using the warming version in a heat pattern can worsen symptoms.

Q8: What dietary precautions should be observed while taking Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin?

Spicy, raw, cold, greasy foods, tea, and vinegar should generally be avoided, as they may aggravate dampness or counteract the warming and turbidity-resolving actions of the formula.

Q9: Is Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin suitable for acute urinary tract infections?

No. Acute urinary tract infections with burning, painful urination, yellow urine, and heat signs typically belong to damp-heat patterns and require heat-clearing, damp-draining formulas instead. Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin is indicated for chronic, cold-damp type turbidity.

Q10: Does Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin require pattern differentiation before use?

Yes. Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin is indicated only for the specific pattern of lower-jiao deficiency-cold with damp turbidity causing cloudy or milky urine. Self-medication without proper TCM pattern differentiation is not recommended. Consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner is essential.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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