Q1: What are the therapeutic actions of Gu Jing Wan?

Gu Jing Wan has the actions of nourishing yin and clearing heat, consolidating the chong vessel and stopping bleeding, and regulating menstruation. It is primarily used for excessive menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual period, flooding and spotting, and bright red menstrual blood caused by yin deficiency with blood heat.

Q2: What modern conditions is Gu Jing Wan used for?

In modern TCM clinical practice, it is commonly used for functional uterine bleeding, perimenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding, excessive menstrual flow, and bleeding associated with adenomyosis, when the presentation corresponds to yin deficiency with blood heat.

Q3: Is Gu Jing Wan suitable for those with excessive menstrual flow?

For those with a marked increase in menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual period, red-coloured menstrual blood, vexing heat in the palms and soles, and dry mouth with vexing heat reflecting yin deficiency with blood heat, TCM practitioners commonly apply Gu Jing Wan as adjunctive treatment, while also undergoing gynaecological examination to rule out organic pathology.

Astringent Formulas

固经丸 · Gù Jīng Wán

Gu Jing Wan

Formula for constrained Liver Fire injuring the Chong and Ren, causing excessive or continuous uterine bleeding (Beng Lou) with Yin deficiency Heat signs.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryAstringent Formulas

Primary PatternYin Deficiency

Primary FunctionEnrich Yin, clear Heat, stabilize menses, stop bleeding

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleEnrich Yin, clear Heat, stop bleeding and stabilize the menses

Main HerbsTortoise Plastron · White Peony Root · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Phellodendron Bark · Cyperus Rhizome · Ailanthus Bark

Classical SourceYi Xue Ru Men or traditional sources (Stabilize the Menses Pill)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected when excessive menstrual bleeding stems from Yin deficiency with Heat pressing on the vessels, combining enrichment with astringency — unlike Si Wu Tang, which nourishes Blood without securing it, or Wen Jing Tang, which addresses the opposite cold-type presentation.

Overview

What Is Gu Jing Wan?

1. Classical Source

Gu Jing Wan, also known as Stabilize the Menses Pill, is a classical formula designed to nourish yin, clear heat, and secure the Chong and Ren vessels. It specifically addresses the pattern of yin deficiency with heat that destabilizes the menses and leads to abnormal bleeding.

This formula is primarily used for heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged spotting with bright red blood, accompanied by lower back weakness, night sweats, and a red tongue with little coating. It remains an important prescription in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating flooding and spotting due to yin deficiency heat.

2. Early Menstruation

Gu Jing Wan works well for women whose periods come earlier than usual, with heavy flow and dark red or purplish-black, thick blood.
Common accompanying symptoms include hot palms and soles, sore and weak lower back and knees, a red tongue, and a wiry-rapid pulse.
This pattern is usually caused by yin deficiency with blood heat, which disturbs the Chong and Ren channels and makes the blood flow too early and too heavily.
The formula clears heat, nourishes yin, and consolidates the menses to reduce bleeding and help the cycle return to normal.
It is especially helpful for teenage girls whose kidney yin is still developing, as they are more likely to develop this heat pattern and experience early periods. Many notice improvement after taking the formula.

3. Flooding and Spotting

Flooding and spotting refers to irregular uterine bleeding that does not follow the normal menstrual cycle. Sudden heavy bleeding is called “flooding,” while light but continuous bleeding is called “spotting.”
Gu Jing Wan is suitable when these symptoms are caused by yin deficiency with blood heat and damp-heat in the lower burner.
Typical signs include heavy or prolonged bleeding with dark red or thick blood, along with hot sensations, thirst, and lower back soreness.
In modern life, many middle-aged women experience this due to stress and emotional changes that disrupt hormones. The formula helps by clearing heat, cooling the blood, and stopping bleeding.
It can effectively reduce the amount of bleeding and gradually regulate the menstrual cycle when used appropriately.

4. Vaginal Discharge Disorders

Gu Jing Wan can also help with abnormal vaginal discharge caused by damp-heat pouring downward.
Symptoms usually include increased discharge that is yellow or yellow-green, thick, and has a bad odor, sometimes with vaginal itching, bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, and dark urine.
Huang Bai, Huang Qin, and Chun Gen Pi in the formula work together to clear heat and dry dampness in the lower burner, which helps reduce the amount and improve the quality of the discharge.
In clinical use, the formula can be adjusted by adding or removing herbs based on the patient’s specific symptoms to achieve better results.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Chief Herb — Huang Bai

Taste/Temp/Channels: bitter and cold; enters the Kidney and Bladder channels
Main actions: clears heat, dries dampness, drains fire, and reduces deficiency heat
Role in Gu Jing Wan:
- Clears damp-heat from the lower burner, which often causes menstrual problems in women
- Drains excess fire to protect yin fluids and prevent further yin loss

2. Deputy Herb — Huang Qin

Taste/Temp/Channels: bitter and cold; enters the Lung, Gallbladder, Spleen, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine channels
Main actions: clears heat, dries dampness, drains fire, resolves toxicity, and stops bleeding
Role in Gu Jing Wan:
- Strengthens Huang Bai’s ability to clear heat and dampness
- Helps control heavy menstrual bleeding caused by heat forcing blood to move abnormally
- Works together with Huang Bai to cool the blood and stabilize the menses

3. Assistant Herb — Chun Gen Pi

Taste/Temp/Channels: bitter, astringent, and cold; enters the Large Intestine, Stomach, and Liver channels
Main actions: clears heat, dries dampness, astringes to stop discharge and bleeding
Role in Gu Jing Wan:
- Assists in clearing lower-burner damp-heat
- Has a strong astringent effect to reduce heavy bleeding and vaginal discharge
- Helps regulate menstrual flow and support reproductive function

Gu Jing Wan: Nourishing Yin, Clearing Heat, Consolidating the Chong Vessel and Stopping Bleeding, Improving Functional Uterine Bleeding and Perimenopausal Abnormal Bleeding | HJMEDICAL

4. Envoy Herb — Xiang Fu

Taste/Temp/Channels: acrid, slightly bitter, slightly sweet, and neutral; enters the Liver, Spleen, and Triple Burner channels
Main actions: soothes the Liver, regulates Qi, relieves depression, and eases menstrual pain
Role in Gu Jing Wan:
- Moves Qi and relieves stagnation so blood can flow smoothly
- Helps reduce menstrual pain caused by Qi stagnation
- Guides the other herbs to work more effectively on the reproductive system

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathomechanism

The main pattern treated by Gu Jing Wan is yin deficiency with blood heat, along with damp-heat pouring downward.
When yin is weak, internal heat easily arises. This heat disturbs the Chong and Ren channels, leading to early periods, heavy bleeding, or flooding and spotting.
Damp-heat accumulating in the lower burner also damages these channels and forces blood to move recklessly.
Modern lifestyle factors such as staying up late, eating spicy or greasy foods, and emotional stress often contribute to this pattern.

2. Actions

Gu Jing Wan nourishes yin, clears heat, and consolidates the menses to stop bleeding.
Huang Bai and Huang Qin clear heat and dampness from the lower burner.
Chun Gen Pi astringes to reduce bleeding and discharge.
Xiang Fu regulates Qi and relieves stagnation to help the blood flow smoothly.
Together, the formula helps stabilize menstruation and control excessive bleeding.

3. Indications

Gu Jing Wan is mainly used for heavy menstrual flow, flooding and spotting, or irregular bleeding caused by yin deficiency with blood heat and damp-heat.
Common signs include:
- Heavy flow with deep red or purplish-black, thick blood
- Hot palms and soles
- Sore lower back and knees
- Red tongue with a wiry-rapid pulse
It is especially suitable for adolescent and perimenopausal women with these symptoms.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Combining Heat-Clearing and Fire-Draining with Yin Protection

Huang Bai and Huang Qin act as the main heat-clearing herbs in Gu Jing Wan. They directly clear heat and drain fire from the lower burner, reducing the intensity of internal heat that disturbs the Chong and Ren channels.
When heat is strong, it easily damages yin fluids. By removing this heat, the formula indirectly protects yin instead of adding heavy yin-tonifying herbs.
This approach follows the Chinese medicine principle of “treating both root and manifestation.” Clearing heat addresses the root cause, while reducing heat loss helps preserve yin fluids.
As a result, the body’s yin becomes more sufficient, deficiency heat decreases, and menstrual bleeding gradually returns to normal.
This method is especially suitable for patterns where heat is the main driver of yin damage and bleeding.

2. Combining Cooling the Blood to Stop Bleeding with Regulating Qi

Chun Gen Pi has a strong astringent action. It cools the blood and stops bleeding, directly controlling heavy menstrual flow and flooding and spotting.
Xiang Fu regulates Qi and relieves stagnation. It ensures smooth Qi movement so that blood does not become stuck after bleeding is controlled.
Using these two herbs together avoids the common problem of “stopping bleeding but creating stasis.” The formula stops bleeding without causing new blood clots or obstruction.
Regulating Qi also helps blood move downward smoothly during menstruation, reducing the chance of further irregular bleeding.
This combination makes the formula effective at both quickly stopping excessive bleeding and maintaining healthy circulation.

3. Synergistic Action of the Herbs

The four herbs in Gu Jing Wan work together in a balanced way to treat yin deficiency with blood heat and damp-heat in the lower burner.
Huang Bai and Huang Qin focus on clearing heat and dampness, removing the pathogenic factor that causes bleeding.
Chun Gen Pi directly astringes to stop bleeding and discharge, addressing the main symptom.
Xiang Fu regulates Qi and moves stagnation, supporting overall circulation and preventing Qi stagnation from worsening the condition.
By targeting the cause, the symptoms, and the circulation at the same time, the formula achieves a more complete and lasting effect on menstrual regulation.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Gu Jing Wan	Si Wu Tang	Wen Jing Tang
Primary Function	Enrich Yin, clear Heat, stabilize menses, stop bleeding	Tonify Blood, nourish Liver	Warm channels, nourish Blood, regulate menses
Formula Category	Astringent Formulas	Blood-Tonifying Formulas	Blood-Tonifying Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Yin Deficiency	Blood Deficiency	Blood Deficiency
Main Conditions		Irregular Menstruation, Dizziness & Vertigo, Fatigue & Low Energy, Eye Dryness	Irregular Menstruation, Dysmenorrhea, Cold Limbs, Abdominal Pain
Main Herbs	Tortoise Plastron · White Peony Root · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Phellodendron Bark · Cyperus Rhizome · Ailanthus Bark	Prepared Rehmannia Root · Chinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome	Evodia Fruit · Cinnamon Twig · Chinese Angelica Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome · White Peony Root · Donkey-hide Gelatin · Ophiopogon Tuber · Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark · Ginseng Root · Fresh Ginger · Pinellia Rhizome · Licorice Root
Classical Source	Yi Xue Ru Men or traditional sources (Stabilize the Menses Pill)	Xian Shou Li Shang Xu Duan Mi Fang / Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang	Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

How to tell them apart

Gu Jing Wan stabilizes excessive menstrual bleeding from Heat. Si Wu Tang and Tao Hong Si Wu Tang address deficiency or stasis without primary bleeding control. Wen Jing Tang is for cold-type patterns. Gu Chong Tang is a related astringent formula.

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

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Gu Jing Wan

1. Heavy Bleeding

When menstrual bleeding is very heavy, add Xian He Cao and Di Yu to strengthen the formula’s ability to stop bleeding.
Xian He Cao helps astringe and stop bleeding while also supporting the body’s energy.
Di Yu cools the blood and stops bleeding, making it effective for profuse or sudden bleeding.
Adding these two herbs allows the formula to control heavy bleeding more quickly, which is especially useful in cases of flooding and spotting.

2. Pronounced Damp-Heat

If damp-heat symptoms are strong (such as yellow, thick, smelly discharge or dark urine), add Che Qian Zi and Ze Xie.
Che Qian Zi clears heat, promotes urination, and helps drain dampness from the lower burner.
Ze Xie also drains dampness and clears heat, reducing the downward pouring of damp-heat.
These additions enhance the formula’s effect on clearing damp-heat, helping improve excessive vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and burning urination.

3. Pronounced Yin Deficiency

When yin deficiency signs are obvious (such as hot palms and soles, dry mouth, or sore lower back), add Sheng Di and Mai Dong.
Sheng Di nourishes yin, clears heat, and cools the blood.
Mai Dong nourishes yin, generates fluids, and helps relieve internal heat and restlessness.
Adding these herbs strengthens the formula’s ability to replenish yin fluids, making it more suitable for patients with significant yin deficiency and improving overall treatment results.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

Gu Jing Wan (Stabilize the Menses Pill) is a classical formula that nourishes yin, clears deficiency heat (clears heat), and stabilizes the Chong and Ren vessels.

It is highly effective for kidney yin deficiency and kidney deficiency patterns with ministerial fire flaring, addressing for irregular menstruation, stops uterine bleeding, blood stagnation, and blood out of the vessels. The formula is also used for vaginal discharge due to deficiency, urinary incontinence, nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, and wet dreams caused by failure of the kidney to secure essence. By nourishing yin, clearing heat, and consolidating the lower jiao, Gu Jing Wan comprehensively treats the various patterns addressed by spleen deficiency and kidney weakness.

1. Pharmacological Research

Modern studies show that Huang Bai and Huang Qin have strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. They can help inhibit harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation, which may benefit menstrual problems caused by infection or inflammation.
Chun Gen Pi contains compounds that provide astringent and hemostatic (bleeding-stopping) effects. It can help reduce bleeding and also has antibacterial properties that support treatment of gynecological infections.
Xiang Fu helps regulate uterine smooth muscle and improves blood circulation in the uterus. This action can relieve menstrual pain and support better uterine function.

2. Clinical Efficacy Observation

Multiple clinical studies have confirmed that Gu Jing Wan is effective for treating early menstruation, flooding and spotting, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Research shows that the formula can significantly reduce bleeding volume, regulate the menstrual cycle, and improve overall symptoms in patients with yin deficiency and blood heat patterns.
Compared with some Western medications, Gu Jing Wan tends to have fewer side effects and provides more stable, long-term results, making it a good option for chronic menstrual disorders.

3. Dosage Form Improvement Research

In addition to the traditional pill form, modern versions of Gu Jing Wan are now available as concentrated granules, tablets, and capsules.
These new dosage forms maintain the same therapeutic effects while making the medicine easier to take and more convenient to carry.
For example, Gu Jing Wan tablets use advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure consistent quality and stability, offering patients more practical choices in clinical use.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Restrictions & Emotional Regulation

While taking Gu Jing Wan, avoid spicy, greasy, irritating foods (e.g., chili, fried foods, coffee) and alcohol, which generate internal heat and can worsen pathogenic fire and reduce efficacy. Maintain a relaxed, stable mood—avoid prolonged anxiety, anger, or depression, since emotional disturbance promotes liver‑qi stagnation and can aggravate menstrual and blood disharmonies; combine emotional self‑care (exercise, relaxation, social support) with treatment.

2. Contraindications & Special Advice

Gu Jing Wan is contraindicated in pregnancy due to blood‑moving and cold‑natured herbs that may harm the fetus. Seek physician guidance for all special populations and stop/consult if symptoms worsen or adverse effects occur.

Available Products

Where to Get It

HJMEDICAL Nong's Gu Jing Wan (Stabilize the Menses Pill) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $83.35

oi Tin Wen Jing Tang Wen Jing Ke Li Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Wen Jing Tang (Warm the Menses Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $45.80

HJMEDICAL Nong's Wen Jing Tang (Warm the Menses Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $71.58

FAQ

Questions About Gu Jing Wan

Q1: What are the actions of Gu Jing Wan?

Gu Jing Wan has the actions of nourishing Yin and clearing Heat, consolidating the Chong vessel and stopping bleeding. It is primarily used for abnormal uterine bleeding caused by Yin deficiency with Blood Heat.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Gu Jing Wan suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Yin deficiency with Blood Heat, including functional uterine bleeding, perimenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy or prolonged menstruation, and certain cases of bleeding associated with chronic pelvic conditions when Heat and Yin deficiency are present.

Q3: Is Gu Jing Wan suitable for improving heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding?

For presentations of heavy or prolonged menstrual flow, dark red or purple-black thick blood, heat in the palms and soles, lumbar soreness, a red tongue, and a wiry-rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Yin deficiency with Blood Heat forcing the Blood — TCM commonly applies Gu Jing Wan as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.

Q4: Who should not take Gu Jing Wan?

Those with Yang deficiency or deficiency-Cold bleeding, pure Blood stasis-type bleeding, Spleen Qi deficiency failing to hold the Blood, or who are pregnant are generally not suitable. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician based on individual constitution and pattern differentiation.

Q5: How does Gu Jing Wan address abnormal uterine bleeding?

It nourishes Yin to restrain the reckless movement of Blood caused by deficient Heat, clears residual Heat, and uses astringent herbs to consolidate the Chong and Ren vessels, thereby helping to stop excessive or prolonged bleeding when the pattern matches.

Q6: Can Gu Jing Wan be used for perimenopausal bleeding?

Yes, when perimenopausal abnormal bleeding presents with signs of Yin deficiency and Heat (such as dark thick blood, heat sensations, and a red tongue). Pattern differentiation remains essential, as other patterns of perimenopausal bleeding require different formulas.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Gu Jing Wan?

The classical formula typically includes Gui Ban (Tortoise plastron) and Bai Shao to nourish Yin and soften the Liver, Huang Qin and Huang Bai to clear Heat, Chun Gen Pi (Ailanthus bark) to astringe and stop bleeding, and Xiang Fu to regulate Qi and prevent stagnation from the astringent herbs.

Q8: Is Gu Jing Wan suitable for long-term use?

It is generally used for a defined course under professional supervision until bleeding stabilizes. Long-term use requires monitoring, as the cooling and astringent nature may not suit all constitutions if the underlying pattern changes.

Q9: How does Gu Jing Wan differ from formulas for Qi-deficiency bleeding?

Gu Jing Wan targets Yin deficiency with Heat forcing the Blood. Formulas for Qi deficiency (such as those based on Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang or Gu Chong Tang variations) address the Spleen’s failure to hold Blood and typically include stronger Qi-tonifying and raising herbs rather than heavy Yin-nourishing and Heat-clearing ingredients.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Gu Jing Wan?

Avoiding spicy, heating, or stimulating foods, managing stress, ensuring adequate rest, and avoiding overexertion help support Yin nourishment and reduce Heat. Professional guidance remains essential for safe and effective use, especially in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding.

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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