Qi-Tonifying Formulas

舉元煎 · Jǔ Yuán Jiān

Ju Yuan Jian

A classical emergency-style Qi tonic for severe Qi deficiency with sinking and tendency to collapse.

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Last reviewed August 2026
Formula CategoryQi-Tonifying Formulas
Primary PatternQi Deficiency
Primary FunctionPowerfully tonify Yuan Qi, lift the sunken
Primary Therapeutic PrincipleTonify Yuan Qi and raise Yang to secure collapse and sinking
Main HerbsGinseng Root · Astragalus Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Honey-fried Licorice · Cimicifuga Rhizome
Classical SourceMing-Qing classical formulary

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for severe Qi deficiency with sinking or collapse tendency, when a compact, stronger Yuan-Qi lift is preferred over broader Spleen or Heart-Spleen tonics.

Traditionally selected for severe Qi deficiency with sinking or collapse tendency, when a compact, stronger Yuan-Qi lift is preferred over broader Spleen or Heart-Spleen tonics.

What Is Ju Yuan Jian?

1. Tracing Its Origins in the Classical Literature

Ju Yuan Jian (举元煎), or Lift the Source Decoction, is a classical Ming-dynasty formula from Zhang Jingyue’s Jing Yue Quan Shu (Complete Works of Jing Yue). It belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi and raise Yang.

This formula addresses Spleen Qi deficiency with sinking of clear Yang, particularly when deficient Qi fails to hold the Blood. Typical signs include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding with pale, dilute blood, marked fatigue, shortness of breath, pale complexion, a possible sinking sensation in the lower abdomen or mild prolapse, a pale tongue, and a weak pulse.

Combining Ren Shen and honey-fried Huang Qi as the chief herbs to strongly tonify Qi and raise Yang, supported by Bai Zhu to strengthen the Spleen and support the holding function of Qi, a small amount of Sheng Ma to lift sinking Yang, and Zhi Gan Cao to tonify the Middle and harmonize, Ju Yuan Jian effectively replenishes Qi, raises the clear Yang, and consolidates to stop bleeding or prolapse due to deficiency.

Ju Yuan Jian: Tonifying Qi, Raising Yang, Consolidating and Stopping Bleeding, Improving Uterine Prolapse and Recurrent Chronic Fatigue | HJMEDICAL

2. Application in Gynaecology

  • In gynaecology, Ju Yuan Jian is commonly used for conditions linked to "sinking middle qi," such as uterine prolapse and heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding (traditionally referred to as flooding and spotting).
  • For patients experiencing uterine prolapse, the formula aims to boost qi and raise yang, which traditionally helps provide the upward support needed to relieve prolapse symptoms.
  • For prolonged or unremitting bleeding, if the root cause is weak middle qi failing to secure the body's vital energy pathways (the chong and ren vessels), Ju Yuan Jian works to tonify the middle, consolidate this energy, and assist in managing the bleeding.

3. Treatment of Internal Medicine Conditions

  • Within internal medicine, Ju Yuan Jian is often applied to digestive and structural issues caused by sinking middle qi, including chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and rectal prolapse.
  • For individuals with chronic diarrhea that fits the sinking middle qi pattern, taking this formula helps reinforce the function of the spleen and stomach, raises the body's central energy, and improves bowel symptoms.
  • For rectal prolapse, boosting the middle qi provides the necessary lifting force to support the tissues and gradually encourage them back to their normal position.
Ju Yuan Jian

4. Related Applications in Paediatrics

  • In paediatric care, Ju Yuan Jian is sometimes utilized to address childhood bedwetting (enuresis) and related issues.
  • When bedwetting is associated with insufficient middle qi—meaning the body lacks the energy to properly control bladder function—the formula can help. By boosting qi and raising yang, it reinforces the child's foundational energy, supports better bladder control, and aims to reduce the frequency of these incidents.

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Chief Herb — Ren Shen (Ginseng)

Ren Shen is traditionally known for being sweet and slightly bitter, with a slightly warm nature. In the formula Ju Yuan Jian, it takes on the critical leading role. It is highly valued for its ability to greatly tonify source qi (the body's foundational energy) and restore vitality.

  • Strengthens digestion: It strongly boosts the qi of the spleen and stomach, improving their ability to transform food into usable energy.
  • Generates qi and blood: By reinforcing this digestive function, it provides the essential driving force needed to produce an abundant supply of qi and blood.
  • Stabilizes energy: When the digestive system is working vigorously, the body's "middle qi" becomes stabilized, providing excellent support for conditions caused by an energy deficiency in the core.

2. Deputy Herb — Huang Qi (Astragalus Root)

Huang Qi is sweet in flavor and slightly warm in nature. It works closely with the chief herb to reinforce the body's energy and vitality.

  • Raises yang energy: It helps to lift the "middle qi," supporting the upward flow of digestive energy and preventing it from sinking downward.
  • Consolidates the exterior: It strengthens the body's defensive energy (known as defensive qi). This makes it especially helpful for improving resistance to external stressors, making it ideal for patients who experience weakness or excessive sweating due to a lack of core energy.

3. Assistant Herb — Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root)

Zhi Gan Cao is sweet and neutral in nature. It serves a dual purpose in this formula as an essential supporting player that brings the entire blend together.

  • Boosts and protects: It assists the chief and deputy herbs in tonifying the spleen and boosting overall qi.
  • Harmonizes the formula: It acts as a gentle buffer, moderating the stronger effects of the other ingredients. This ensures the herbal blend is balanced, protects the stomach, and allows the active components to be smoothly absorbed and utilized by the body.
Ju Yuan Jian

4. Envoy Herbs — Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome)

Sheng Ma (slightly cold, acrid, and sweet) and Bai Zhu (warm, bitter, and sweet) work together as the messengers or guides of the formula, ensuring the therapeutic effects reach the right places.

  • Sheng Ma (Lifting Action): It acts as an energetic lift. It raises the "clear yang" of the digestive system and guides the powerful, tonifying effects of Ren Shen and Huang Qi upwards to effectively raise the middle qi.
  • Bai Zhu (Strengthening Action): It focuses on strengthening the spleen and drying out excess dampness in the body. Working in synergy with the rest of the formula, it helps restore the normal, healthy movement of digestive energy.

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathomechanism Analysis

The core issue that Ju Yuan Jian targets is traditionally known as the sinking of middle qi. In traditional Chinese medicine, "middle qi" refers to the vital energy of the spleen and stomach, which acts as the central pivot for the body's upward and downward energy flow.

  • When the digestive system becomes weak and deficient, this energy loses its ability to lift and support the body's organs, causing it to "sink."
  • Sinking spleen energy often manifests as physical issues like chronic diarrhea, a bearing-down sensation, rectal prolapse, or uterine prolapse.
  • Additionally, when this clear energy fails to rise to the head, it deprives the upper body of essential nourishment, often leading to symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision.

2. Elaboration of Actions

The primary goal of this formula is boosting qi and raising yang. It achieves this through a few key mechanisms:

  • Greatly tonifying digestive energy: It strongly reinforces the spleen and stomach's ability to process and transport nutrients.
  • Lifting sunken energy: By building up a sufficient reserve of middle qi, it naturally lifts what has sunk and restores the healthy, balanced flow of energy throughout the body.
  • Harmonizing the digestive tract: It gently supports the stomach and spleen, promoting better overall digestion and absorption to maintain normal, healthy bodily functions.
Ju Yuan Jian: Tonifying Qi, Raising Yang, Consolidating and Stopping Bleeding, Improving Uterine Prolapse and Recurrent Chronic Fatigue | HJMEDICAL

3. Indications

Ju Yuan Jian is generally indicated for individuals experiencing the classic pattern of "sinking middle qi." Common signs and symptoms that this formula addresses include:

  • Shortness of breath accompanied by persistent fatigue or weakness.
  • A pale, yellowish, or sallow complexion.
  • Episodes of dizziness and blurred vision.
  • Chronic digestive distress, such as ongoing diarrhea.
  • A heavy, bearing-down sensation in the lower body, or structural issues like uterine and rectal prolapse.

These conditions typically stem from an underperforming digestive system that fails to process nutrients properly, causing the body's internal energy movement to drop. By actively boosting qi and lifting yang energy, the formula is designed to improve these specific symptoms, strengthen a weak constitution, and support the body's natural recovery process.

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. The Subtlety of Tonifying the Middle and Boosting Qi

  • Within the formula, Ren Shen and Huang Qi greatly tonify the spleen and stomach qi, serving as the core herbs for boosting energy in the body's center.
  • Ren Shen potently tonifies the body's source qi, while Huang Qi boosts qi and raises yang energy.
  • When combined, these two herbs can rapidly supplement the middle qi (digestive energy). This reinforces the spleen and stomach's ability to process and transport nutrients, ensuring the body has a sufficient driving force to function normally.

2. The Method of Raising Yang and Lifting Prolapse

  • Sheng Ma and Bai Zhu act as the envoy (guiding) herbs in this formula.
  • Sheng Ma is used to raise the clear yang energy of the spleen and stomach. It guides the medicinal effects upward directly to where they are needed, helping to correct the "sinking" state of the middle qi.
  • Bai Zhu works by strengthening the spleen and drying up excess dampness. Acting synergistically with the other ingredients, it helps ensure the digestive system functions smoothly, allowing the middle qi to recover and properly rise.
Ju Yuan Jian

3. The Action of Harmonizing All the Herbs

  • Zhi Gan Cao plays the crucial role of harmonizing all the ingredients within the blend.
  • It moderates the strong, potent nature of herbs like Ren Shen and Huang Qi, making the overall formula more balanced and easily absorbed by the body.
  • Additionally, Zhi Gan Cao itself helps to tonify the spleen and boost qi, smoothly assisting the other herbs in reinforcing the overall therapeutic effect.

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare Ju Yuan JianBu Zhong Yi Qi TangSi Jun Zi TangGui Pi Tang
Primary Function Powerfully tonify Yuan Qi, lift the sunkenTonify Middle Qi, raise Yang, lift the sunkenTonify Spleen QiTonify Qi and Blood, strengthen Spleen, nourish the Heart
Formula Category Qi-Tonifying FormulasQi-Tonifying FormulasQi-Tonifying FormulasQi-Tonifying Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern Qi DeficiencySpleen Qi DeficiencySpleen Qi DeficiencyQi Deficiency
Main Conditions Fatigue & Low Energy, Spontaneous SweatingFatigue & Low Energy, Spontaneous Sweating, Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, General Lethargy, Susceptible to Colds, Spleen Qi DeficiencyPoor Appetite, Diarrhea, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Mental FogInsomnia, Fatigue & Low Energy, Poor Appetite, Anxiety Restlessness, Irregular Menstruation
Main Herbs Ginseng Root · Astragalus Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Honey-fried Licorice · Cimicifuga RhizomeAstragalus Root · Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Chinese Angelica Root · Tangerine Peel · Cimicifuga Rhizome · Bupleurum Root · Honey-fried LicoriceGinseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Honey-fried LicoriceGinseng Root · Astragalus Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Sour Jujube Seed · Longan Aril · Aucklandia / Costus Root · Chinese Angelica Root · Polygala Root · Honey-fried Licorice
Classical Source Ming-Qing classical formularyPi Wei Lun / Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun (Li Dongyuan, Jin dynasty, ~1247–1249)Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People, Song dynasty, 1107)Ji Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song dynasty)

How to tell them apart

Ju Yuan Jian, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Si Jun Zi Tang and Gui Pi Tang all tonify Qi. Si Jun Zi is the pure Spleen Qi base; Bu Zhong Yi Qi raises sunken Qi for prolapse and fatigue; Gui Pi tonifies Heart and Spleen for thinking-overwork patterns. Ju Yuan Jian is a compact, stronger Yuan-Qi emergency tonic for severe Qi deficiency with sinking and tendency to collapse.

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

Clinical Modifications for Ju Yuan Jian

1. Concurrent Blood Deficiency

  • If the patient also presents with blood-deficiency symptoms—such as a pale complexion, dizziness, blurred vision, or palpitations with insomnia—blood-tonifying herbs like Dang Gui (Angelica Root) and Shu Di (Prepared Rehmannia Root) may be added to the foundation of Ju Yuan Jian.
  • Dang Gui helps to tonify and activate the blood, while Shu Di nourishes the body's yin and builds blood.
  • When combined with the original formula, they work synergistically to boost qi and raise yang while also nourishing the blood, effectively improving conditions where both qi and blood are deficient.

2. Concurrent Qi Stagnation

  • When a patient experiences qi-stagnation symptoms—such as a feeling of chest heaviness, abdominal bloating, and frequent belching—qi-regulating herbs like Mu Xiang (Costus Root) and Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel) can be included.
  • Mu Xiang is traditionally used to promote the movement of qi and relieve pain, whereas Chen Pi regulates qi and strengthens the spleen.
  • Together, these additions help relieve stagnation and ensure a smooth, free flow of energy. They also support the digestive system's ability to process and transport nutrients, working alongside Ju Yuan Jian to enhance the overall therapeutic effect.
Ju Yuan Jian: Tonifying Qi, Raising Yang, Consolidating and Stopping Bleeding, Improving Uterine Prolapse and Recurrent Chronic Fatigue | HJMEDICAL

3. Concurrent Damp-Heat

  • If a patient also shows signs of damp-heat—such as a bitter taste in the mouth, a dry throat, and sticky stools—practitioners may appropriately add herbs that clear heat and dry dampness, like Huang Lian (Coptis Root) and Huang Bai (Phellodendron Bark).
  • Huang Lian and Huang Bai are effective at clearing heat and drying up excess moisture, helping to eliminate the damp-heat pathogens from the body.
  • By clearing these pathogens, the herbs prevent damp-heat from further damaging the middle qi. This modification allows Ju Yuan Jian to manage the damp-heat symptoms while continuing to treat the underlying issue of sinking middle qi.

What the Science Suggests

Ju Yuan Jian is a classical formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine that addresses qi and blood deficiency while it nourishes kidney yin and lifts sunken qi.

It generates fluids, moistens the intestines, and unblocks the bowels, making it useful for constipation linked to kidney yin deficiency. The formula also helps with lower back pain, bad breath, recurrent mouth ulcers, trigeminal neuralgia, and cases of more severe bleeding caused by deficiency and sinking of qi. By simultaneously tonifying the root and raising clear yang, Ju Yuan Jian restores balance and relieves these interrelated symptoms.

1. Pharmacological Action Research

Modern research has shown that the herbs Ren Shen and Huang Qi within the Ju Yuan Jian formula offer multiple pharmacological benefits:

  • Ren Shen can strengthen the body's immune system, regulate nervous system functions, and improve cardiovascular health.
  • Huang Qi provides immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fatigue effects.
  • Zhi Gan Cao plays a role in regulating immune function while offering anti-inflammatory and antiallergic benefits.
  • Bai Zhu helps regulate gastrointestinal activity, enhancing the body's overall digestive and absorptive capabilities.
  • Sheng Ma possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing (antipyretic) properties.

Working together, these combined pharmacological actions form the scientific foundation for how Ju Yuan Jian effectively treats the pattern of "sinking middle qi" and its associated conditions.

Ju Yuan Jian

2. Clinical Efficacy Verification

Several clinical studies have confirmed the real-world effectiveness of Ju Yuan Jian:

  • In treating conditions linked to sinking middle qi, such as uterine prolapse and chronic diarrhea or dysentery, the formula can significantly improve symptoms and enhance patients' quality of life.
  • Through the observation and analysis of patient symptom scores and physiological markers, researchers have found that Ju Yuan Jian delivers a reliable therapeutic effect in raising middle qi and improving spleen-stomach function.

These findings provide a solid scientific basis for its clinical application. As modern research continues to deepen, the future applications of Ju Yuan Jian within Traditional Chinese Medicine are expected to expand, potentially offering better therapeutic outcomes to a wider range of patients.

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Precautions

While taking Ju Yuan Jian, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy, greasy, raw, cold, and irritating foods, which may impair spleen-stomach function. Spleen-supporting foods such as Chinese yam, coix seed, and euryale seed may be helpful.

2. Special Populations and Contraindications

Pregnant women should use Ju Yuan Jian only under medical supervision, as its qi-tonifying and upward-directing ingredients may affect the fetus. It is contraindicated in excess or heat patterns, where it may retain pathogens or worsen internal heat.

Questions About Ju Yuan Jian

Q1: What are the actions of Ju Yuan Jian?
Ju Yuan Jian has the actions of strongly tonifying Qi, raising sinking Yang Qi, and restoring the Qi’s ability to hold Blood. It is a focused formula for severe Spleen Qi deficiency in which the body’s holding and lifting functions have collapsed.
Q2: Which modern diseases is Ju Yuan Jian suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within severe Qi deficiency with sinking, including functional uterine bleeding or menorrhagia of Qi-deficiency type, certain cases of threatened miscarriage due to Qi weakness, postpartum persistent bleeding from exhaustion, mild uterine or other organ prolapse, and stress urinary incontinence of Qi-sinking pattern.
Q3: Is Ju Yuan Jian suitable for improving heavy or prolonged bleeding and a sinking sensation due to Qi deficiency?
For presentations of heavy, prolonged, or continuous pale uterine bleeding, a dragging or sinking sensation in the lower abdomen, marked fatigue, shortness of breath, pale complexion, a pale tongue, and a weak or deficient pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Spleen Qi deficiency failing to hold Blood or raise Yang — TCM commonly applies Ju Yuan Jian as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical evaluation of abnormal bleeding.
Q4: Who should not take Ju Yuan Jian?
Those with bleeding due to Blood Heat (bright red blood, Heat signs, rapid pulse), excess patterns, Yin-deficiency Heat, or active exterior pathogens are generally not suitable. The formula is purely warming and tonifying; it can worsen Heat-driven hemorrhage or trap pathogens. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.
Q5: Why is this formula more focused than Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang?
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang broadly tonifies Middle Qi, raises Yang, and includes herbs that move Qi and regulate the exterior. Ju Yuan Jian strips away the moving and exterior-related herbs to concentrate purely on strong Qi tonification (Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, Zhi Gan Cao) and lifting (Sheng Ma). It is therefore more targeted for severe Qi collapse that fails to hold Blood or support organs.
Q6: Can Ju Yuan Jian help both uterine bleeding and organ prolapse of Qi-deficiency type?
Yes. Both heavy bleeding from failure of Qi to hold Blood and prolapse from failure of Qi to lift are manifestations of the same root — severe sinking of Spleen Qi. By strongly tonifying and raising Qi, the formula addresses the shared underlying mechanism when the pattern is pure deficiency without Heat or excess.
Q7: What are the main ingredients of Ju Yuan Jian?
The classical formula consists of Ren Shen to strongly tonify Yuan Qi; Huang Qi (often honey-fried) to tonify Qi and raise Yang; Bai Zhu to strengthen the Spleen; Zhi Gan Cao to tonify and harmonize; and a small dose of Sheng Ma to lift the sinking Qi. The combination is simple, focused, and purely tonifying and ascending.
Q8: Is Ju Yuan Jian suitable for long-term use?
It is generally used for a defined course to stabilize acute or severe Qi-sinking bleeding or prolapse symptoms. Once the holding and lifting functions improve, the formula may be modified or transitioned to a gentler long-term tonic. Continuous high-dose use should be monitored by a practitioner.
Q9: How does Ju Yuan Jian differ from formulas that stop bleeding by cooling or astringing?
Cooling or astringent hemostatic formulas address Blood Heat or slippage of Blood. Ju Yuan Jian works at the root by restoring the Qi that holds Blood in the vessels and lifts the organs. It is appropriate only when the bleeding or prolapse is clearly due to Qi deficiency and sinking, not Heat or excess.
Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Ju Yuan Jian?
Adequate rest, avoiding heavy lifting and prolonged standing, eating warm easily digestible foods, and reducing overwork help the formula rebuild and raise Qi. Any abnormal or heavy uterine bleeding requires prompt medical evaluation to exclude serious underlying conditions.

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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Ju Yuan Jian: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Qi Deficiency, Heavy Bleeding & Fatigue