What are the therapeutic actions of Suo Quan Wan?

Suo Quan Wan warms the kidneys and dispels cold, consolidates and astringes to stop enuresis, and regulates bladder function. It is primarily used for frequent urination, increased nocturia, clear and copious urination, and enuresis caused by kidney qi insufficiency and bladder failure to restrain.

What modern conditions is Suo Quan Wan used for?

It is commonly used for overactive bladder (OAB), nocturia, urinary incontinence, childhood enuresis, age-related frequent urination, and frequent urination symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, when the pattern corresponds to kidney qi insufficiency.

Is Suo Quan Wan suitable for frequent nocturia and urgency?

For people with increased nocturnal urination, urgency, and frequent urination with small volumes, along with signs such as soreness and weakness of the lumbar region and knees and aversion to cold, TCM practitioners commonly use Suo Quan Wan based on pattern differentiation as adjunctive treatment.

Astringent Formulas

缩泉丸 · Suō Quán Wán

Suo Quan Wan

A classical astringent formula for Bladder cold with insecurity of Kidney Qi, presenting with frequent clear urination or enuresis, a pale tongue and a deep weak pulse.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryAstringent Formulas

Primary PatternKidney Yang Deficiency

Primary FunctionWarm Kidney, astringe urine, stop leakage

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleWarm Kidney Yang, astringe urine and stop enuresis

Main HerbsAlpinia Oxyphylla Fruit · Lindera Root · Chinese Yam

Classical SourceWei Sheng Bao Jian or traditional sources

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected as a focused formula for frequent, clear urination and enuresis from Kidney Yang deficiency, warming and astringing with just three herbs — simpler and narrower than Sang Piao Xiao San, which adds Heart-Kidney support, and unlike Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan, which secures Essence.

Overview

What Is Suo Quan Wan?

1. Origins in the Classical Literature

Suo Quan Wan (缩泉丸), or Restrict the Fountain Pill (also known as Shut the Sluice Pill), is a classic Song-dynasty Chinese herbal formula recorded in texts such as the Wei Shi Jia Cang Fang and later refined in the Jiao Zhu Fu Ren Liang Fang. It belongs to the category of formulas that warm the Kidneys, secure essence, and stop leakage.

This simple three-herb formula targets Kidney Yang deficiency with deficient cold in the Lower Jiao, leading to failure of the Bladder to hold urine. Typical signs include frequent clear urination, nocturia, nocturnal enuresis (especially in children), or mild urinary incontinence, often with a pale tongue and deep weak pulse.

By combining the warming and astringent action of Yi Zhi Ren with the cold-dispersing and qi-moving properties of Wu Yao, supported by the Spleen-Kidney tonifying Shan Yao, Suo Quan Wan warms Kidney Yang, dispels cold, reduces urinary frequency, and helps restore proper control over urination.

Suo Quan Wan: Warming the Kidneys, Consolidating and Astringing, Stopping Enuresis and Reducing Urination, Improving Frequent Urination, Nocturia and Overactive Bladder | HJMEDICAL

2. Help for Children (Paediatrics)

Suo Quan Wan is a classic remedy for childhood bedwetting (enuresis).

Why it helps: Kids’ bodies are still developing, and their Kidney energy isn't always fully "ripe" yet. If a child has been sick or has a weaker digestive system, they can struggle to stay dry at night.
The approach: A practitioner will adjust the dose based on the child's age. It works best when combined with a healthy diet and gentle encouragement to help the child build both physical and psychological confidence in their bladder control.

3. Help for Adults

Adults can also benefit from this formula, especially when their issues are caused by general weakness.

For Seniors: As we get older, our Spleen and Kidney energy naturally starts to decline. This often leads to needing to pee many times throughout the night (nocturnal urination) or struggling with bladder control. Suo Quan Wan can significantly improve these symptoms.
For Busy Professionals: If you work in a high-stress, sedentary job and feel physically weak, you might develop an overactive bladder. This formula helps restore your core energy to fix the problem.

4. Special Uses and Recovery

This formula is very versatile and can be used in other specific recovery situations:

Postpartum and Post-Illness: New mothers or people recovering from a major surgery/illness often feel very depleted. If this leads to frequent urination or "leaks," Suo Quan Wan helps rebuild the Spleen and Kidney strength needed to regain control.
Chronic Infections: For people who get frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) because their immune system is weak, this formula can be used alongside regular medical treatment. It strengthens the body's internal defenses, which helps reduce the chance of the infection coming back.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. The Leader (Chief Herb) — Shan Yao

Shan Yao (Dioscorea Rhizome/Chinese Yam) is the backbone of this formula. It has a sweet taste and a neutral nature, working across the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney systems.

Building the Foundation: Its main job is to strengthen your "core" energy. By boosting the Spleen, it ensures your body can turn food into energy and blood efficiently.
Root Support: By nourishing the Kidneys, it helps consolidate the "lower burner" (the pelvic area). This is the key to fixing issues like frequent urination or bedwetting, which often happen when Kidney energy isn't strong enough to hold things in place.

2. The Partner (Deputy Herb) — Yi Zhi Ren

Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia Fruit) is the second-in-command. It is warm and spicy, focusing its energy on the Spleen and Kidneys.

Warming and Holding: This herb is excellent at warming "Kidney Yang"—the internal fire that gives your organs the power to function. It helps the Kidneys "store" and "hold" fluids correctly, which directly reduces the urge to pee constantly.
Fluid Balance: It also helps the Spleen manage water and dampness in the body. Working with Shan Yao, it ensures that your fluid metabolism is back in balance, especially if your body feels a bit "cold" or weak internally.

3. The Helper (Assistant Herb) — Wu Yao

Wu Yao (Lindera Root) is an assistant that is also warm and spicy. It works through the Lungs, Spleen, Kidneys, and Bladder.

Moving the Energy: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, "when energy (Qi) flows, water flows." Wu Yao makes sure your internal energy isn't stuck. This helps resolve feelings of pressure or difficult urination.
Chasing Out the Cold: It warms the Bladder and Kidneys, acting as a backup to Yi Zhi Ren. Together, they create a warm, supportive environment in the lower body, which is essential for stopping incontinence caused by "deficiency-cold."

4. The Harmonizer (Envoy Herb) — Zhi Gan Cao

Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) is the "peacemaker" that brings the whole formula together.

Teamwork: Its primary role is to coordinate all the other herbs—Shan Yao, Yi Zhi Ren, and Wu Yao—so they work as one cohesive team to get the best results.
Extra Support: It also gives a little extra boost to your Spleen energy. This makes the whole formula more effective and gentle on your system, ensuring your body can absorb the medicine comfortably and rebuild its strength.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. What’s Going Wrong? (Pathomechanism)

The main issue Suo Quan Wan (Shrink the Fountain Pill) addresses is a weakness in the Spleen and Kidneys that prevents the Bladder from "holding" correctly.

Kidney Weakness: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are responsible for controlling the lower orifices. When Kidney energy (Qi) is low, it’s like a tap that can’t be fully closed. This leads to frequent urination and bedwetting (enuresis).
Spleen Weakness: The Spleen manages the movement of fluids in your body. If it’s weak, your fluid metabolism becomes messy, which puts extra pressure on the bladder.
External Factors: Being exposed to cold or dealing with emotional stress can make this weakness even worse, leading to an overactive or "leaky" bladder.

2. How the Formula Works (Actions)

Suo Quan Wan acts like a natural "clamp" for the bladder by strengthening the organs that control it.

Stopping the Flow: Its primary goal is to reduce frequent urination by tonifying the Kidneys. This helps the bladder open and close exactly when it’s supposed to.
Boosting Core Energy: By strengthening the Spleen and boosting overall energy (Qi), the formula helps your body manage fluids better.
The Result: It doesn't just treat the symptom; it builds up the internal strength needed to manage your urinary system normally again.

3. Who This Formula Is For (Indications)

This formula is traditionally used for functional bladder issues in both children and adults:

For Children: It is the classic remedy for bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) or for kids who need to pee constantly during the day because their "core" energy isn't yet strong enough.
For Adults: It is used for frequent urination, sudden urgency, or incontinence, especially if these issues are caused by a feeling of "cold" in the lower body or general weakness.
Functional Issues: It is particularly effective for people whose bladder issues are "functional"—meaning there isn't a physical injury or disease, but rather the organs just aren't working as efficiently as they should.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Treating the Spleen and Kidneys Together

Suo Quan Wan follows a key principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine: treating the "Postnatal Root" (Spleen) and the "Prenatal Root" (Kidneys) at the same time.

The Duo: Shan Yao focuses on the Spleen to help your body create more energy and blood, while Yi Zhi Ren focuses on the Kidneys to build up your core strength.
The Big Picture: When both systems are strong, your body has the energy it needs to function correctly, and the Kidneys gain the power to "hold" fluids. This holistic approach doesn't just look at the bladder; it fixes the two most important energy centers in your body to solve the problem from the inside out.

2. Warming and "Holding" (Warming Yang and Astringing)

When the bladder can't hold urine, it is often because there isn't enough internal warmth (Yang) to power the "closing" mechanism.

Internal Heaters: Yi Zhi Ren and Wu Yao act as internal heaters. They warm the Kidneys and the Bladder, chasing out the "cold" that makes the bladder overactive or weak.
The Astringent Effect: By warming the area, these herbs also have an "astringent" effect—meaning they help tighten and consolidate the bladder’s control.
Teamwork: Zhi Gan Cao (Licorice) harmonizes the formula, making sure this warming and tightening action is steady and effective without being too harsh on the system.

3. How the Herbs Support Each Other (Synergy)

All four herbs in this formula work like a well-coordinated team:

Shan Yao + Yi Zhi Ren: They create a solid energy base by balancing the Spleen and Kidneys.
Wu Yao: This herb makes sure that while the others are "holding" and "warming," your energy (Qi) is still moving. This prevents anything from getting "stuck" and helps your body process fluids naturally.
Zhi Gan Cao: As the peacemaker, it blends these different actions—building, warming, and moving—into one smooth formula.

Summary: This synergy ensures that the formula strengthens your organs, warms your system, and restores your control over urination, all while keeping your body’s overall energy in balance.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Suo Quan Wan	Sang Piao Xiao San	Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan	Si Shen Wan
Primary Function	Warm Kidney, astringe urine, stop leakage	Tonify Kidney, astringe Essence, stop leakage	Secure Essence, astringe leakage, tonify Kidney	Warm Spleen-Kidney Yang, astringe intestines, stop diarrhea
Formula Category	Astringent Formulas	Astringent Formulas	Astringent Formulas	Astringent Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Kidney Yang Deficiency	Kidney Yang Deficiency	Kidney Yang Deficiency	Yang Deficiency
Main Conditions	Frequent Urination, Frequent Nocturia	Frequent Nocturia, Insomnia	Frequent Nocturia, Low Libido, Premature Ejaculation	Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Poor Appetite, Cold Limbs
Main Herbs	Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit · Lindera Root · Chinese Yam	Mantis Egg-case · Dragon Bone / Fossilized Bone · Tortoise Plastron · Ginseng Root · Poria with Pine Root · Polygala Root · Chinese Angelica Root · Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome	Flatstem Milkvetch Seed · Euryale Seed · Lotus Stamen · Dragon Bone / Fossilized Bone · Oyster Shell · Lotus Seed	Psoralea Fruit · Nutmeg · Evodia Fruit · Schisandra Fruit
Classical Source	Wei Sheng Bao Jian or traditional sources	Ben Cao Yan Yi (Song dynasty) / traditional	Yi Fang Ji Jie (Qing dynasty)	Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng or traditional (Ming dynasty sources)

How to tell them apart

Suo Quan Wan is a focused astringent for urinary leakage. Sang Piao Xiao San is broader with Heart-Kidney support. Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan secures Essence more strongly. Si Shen Wan addresses diarrhea from Yang deficiency.

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

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Suo Quan Wan

1. If You Feel Intensely Cold

If your bladder issues are accompanied by strong signs of being chilled—like a very pale face and ice-cold hands and feet—extra "warming" herbs can be added:

Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) and Gan Jiang (Dry Ginger): Rou Gui boosts your internal fire, while Gan Jiang warms your core and gets the circulation moving.
The Result: Adding these turns up the heat of the formula, helping to "thaw out" the cold that is causing the bladder weakness.

2. If You Have Signs of Inflammation (Damp-Heat)

Sometimes, frequent urination comes with a burning sensation or very dark, concentrated urine. This is a sign of "Damp-Heat" (inflammation), and the formula needs to be adjusted to be more cooling:

Swap and Add: We reduce the warming herbs and add "draining" herbs like Che Qian Zi (Plantain Seed) and Hua Shi (Talc).
The Result: These herbs help clear the heat and flush out the "sticky" inflammation through your urine. This ensures the formula treats the bladder issue without making the "heat" symptoms worse.

3. Adjusting Based on Your Other Symptoms

A practitioner will often fine-tune the formula to match exactly how you feel:

For Back and Knee Pain: If your lower back and knees feel weak or sore, we add Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) and Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) to strengthen your bones and joints.
For Trouble Sleeping: If you have insomnia or vivid dreams, we add Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed) and Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root) to calm your heart and help you rest.
For Poor Digestion: If you have no appetite or feel bloated, we add Mai Ya (Malted Barley) and Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) to help your stomach process food better.

Summary: The goal is always to match the medicine to you, not just the symptom. By adjusting the formula, we can achieve the best possible result for your unique health situation.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Understanding the Science Behind the Formula

Suo Quan Wan (also known as Shut the Sluice Pill or Restrict the Fountain Pill) is a time-honored classical formula designed for cases where Kidney Yang is too weak to control the bladder.

Modern pharmacological research has shed light on how it works:

Muscular Control: Studies show that the herbs in this formula help regulate the muscles of the bladder (the detrusor muscle) and the urethral sphincter. This directly strengthens the bladder’s ability to "hold" urine and empty it properly.
Nervous System Support: Research indicates it can influence the nervous system by regulating the release of neurotransmitters. This is why it is so effective for "functional" bladder issues where the brain-to-bladder signaling needs a boost.
Infection Prevention: The formula has also shown mild anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which helps keep the urinary tract healthy and prevents infections from taking hold.

2. Proven Results in Clinical Studies

Extensive clinical research has confirmed that Suo Quan Wan is a reliable treatment for bladder control issues:

Success for Children: In trials for childhood bedwetting, the formula has a high success rate. It not only reduces how often a child wets the bed but also improves their sleep quality and overall confidence.
Relief for Adults: For adults struggling with urgency and incontinence, it significantly increases daily comfort and reduces the frequency of bathroom trips.
Better Together: Studies have found that combining this formula with behavioral therapy (like bladder training) or physical therapy produces even faster and more lasting results than using one method alone.

3. Modern and Convenient Formats

As technology advances, researchers are finding new ways to prepare Suo Quan Wan to fit a modern lifestyle:

New Options: While concentrated granules are common, the formula is now being developed into capsules and "dropping pills."
Convenience and Quality: These new formats are more stable and much easier to take, especially for busy adults or children who may not like the taste of herbal tea.
Maximum Potency: Scientists are also refining the extraction process to make sure the active ingredients are as concentrated as possible, ensuring every dose provides the best therapeutic benefit.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Restrictions & Special Populations

While taking Suo Quan Wan, avoid raw/cold, greasy, and spicy/irritating foods (e.g., ice cream, cold drinks, fried foods, chili) that damage spleen‑stomach yang, hinder digestion, or generate internal heat and reduce efficacy. Use with caution in pregnancy (formula is warm‑hot and may affect the fetus); adjust pediatric dosing by age/constitution and monitor response. Elderly patients with multiple conditions should inform their physician of all illnesses and medications to avoid interactions.

2. Monitoring & Long‑Term Use

Monitor symptoms during treatment—if frequent urination or enuresis persist or worsen, or if adverse effects occur (dry mouth, constipation, epigastric discomfort), seek medical evaluation and adjust therapy. Avoid prolonged unsupervised use; reassess treatment if benefits are not achieved.

Available Products

Where to Get It

HJMEDICAL Nong's Suo Quan Wan (Shut the Sluice Pill) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $70.51

Nong's Sang Piao Xiao San Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Sang Piao Xiao San (Mantis Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $109.03

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $54.14

Nong's Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $68.37

FAQ

Questions About Suo Quan Wan

Q1: What are the actions of Suo Quan Wan?

Suo Quan Wan has the actions of warming the Kidneys, dispelling Cold, astringing the Bladder, and stopping urinary frequency and leakage. It is the classic formula for Kidney Qi or Yang deficiency leading to failure of the Bladder to hold urine.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Suo Quan Wan suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Kidney deficiency with Bladder Cold, including childhood nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), adult nocturia or frequent clear urination, stress urinary incontinence with cold pattern, and overactive bladder symptoms associated with deficiency-Cold.

Q3: Is Suo Quan Wan suitable for improving frequent urination or bedwetting?

For presentations of frequent clear and prolonged urination, nocturia, nocturnal enuresis, or mild incontinence, often accompanied by cold lower body, fatigue, or a pale tongue — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Kidney Yang/Qi deficiency with Bladder Cold — TCM commonly applies Suo Quan Wan as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical assessment and treatment.

Q4: Who should not take Suo Quan Wan?

Those with Damp-Heat in the Bladder (scanty, dark, burning urine), Yin deficiency with Heat signs, or active exterior conditions such as colds or fevers are generally not suitable. The formula is warming and astringent; using it in Heat or excess patterns can worsen symptoms. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician after excluding organic causes.

Q5: Why is the formula called “Restrict the Fountain” or “Shut the Sluice”?

The name reflects its primary action of controlling excessive urinary outflow (“restricting the fountain” or “shutting the sluice”) caused by Kidney deficiency failing to secure the Bladder. It warms and consolidates rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

Q6: Can Suo Quan Wan help with childhood bedwetting?

Yes, it is classically and commonly used for nocturnal enuresis in children when the pattern is Kidney Qi deficiency with Cold, often presenting with clear urine, possible cold limbs or lower back weakness. Organic causes should first be ruled out by a physician.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Suo Quan Wan?

The classical formula consists of three herbs: Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia oxyphylla) to warm the Kidneys and astringe urine, Wu Yao (Lindera) to warm and move Qi in the Lower Jiao and help transform Bladder Qi, and Shan Yao (Dioscorea) to tonify the Spleen and Kidneys while supporting astringency.

Q8: Is Suo Quan Wan suitable for long-term use?

It is generally used for a course of weeks under professional supervision until urinary control improves. Prolonged use without reassessment is not recommended, especially if symptoms do not improve or if underlying organic conditions are present.

Q9: How does Suo Quan Wan address both warming and astringing?

Yi Zhi Ren and Wu Yao warm the Kidney and Lower Jiao to restore proper Qi transformation and Bladder control, while Shan Yao tonifies and astringes to secure essence and urine. This combination treats the root (deficiency-Cold) and the branch (leakage) simultaneously.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Suo Quan Wan?

Avoiding cold, raw, spicy, or stimulating foods and drinks, keeping the lower abdomen and feet warm, establishing regular voiding habits, and ensuring adequate rest help support Kidney and Bladder function. Professional medical evaluation remains essential to rule out structural or metabolic causes of urinary symptoms.

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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