Hu Qian Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
虎潛丸 · Hǔ Qián Wán
A classical yin-tonifying formula, also known as Qian Yang Jiang Huo Tang, used for kidney yin deficiency with fire, weak sinew and bone.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yin-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Kidney Yin Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Nourish Yin, subdue Yang, strengthen sinew and bone
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Nourish yin, descend fire, strengthen sinew and bone
- Classical Source
- Dan Xi Xin Fa (Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- —
Formula Overview
A classical yin-tonifying formula, also known as Qian Yang Jiang Huo Tang, used for kidney yin deficiency with fire, weak sinew and bone.
Therapeutic Principle
Selected when yin deficiency with deficiency fire presents as weak, atrophic lower limbs rather than only tidal heat or night sweats.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
白芍Bai Shao60g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood and softens the sinews
陳皮Chen Pi60g
Tangerine Peel- moves qi and prevents stagnation
乾薑Gan Jiang15g
Dried Ginger- warms the middle and moderates cold
當歸Dang Gui45g
Chinese Angelica Root- nourishes and invigorates blood
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Phellodendri Cortex (Huang Bai) 240g
- Testudinis Plastrum (Gui Ban) 120g
- Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhi Mu) 60g
- Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shu Di Huang) 60g
- Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi) 60g
- Paeoniae Radix Alba (Bai Shao) 60g
- Cynomorii Herba (Suo Yang) 45g
- tiger bone (Hu Gu
- now substituted) 30g
- Zingiberis Rhizoma (Gan Jiang) 15g. Later versions add Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Achyranthis Radix.
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Nourishes yin and blood
- clears deficiency heat
- strengthens the sinews and bones.
Indications
- Liver-kidney yin deficiency with deficiency fire and weak sinew-bone.
- Sore lumbar and knees, atrophic weakness of the legs, difficulty walking, red tongue with little coating, thin weak pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Liver and kidney yin deficiency fails to nourish the sinews and bones, while deficiency fire rises.
- The lower body becomes weak and atrophic.
Clinical presentation
- Weak lower limbs, sore lumbar region and knees, difficulty walking, possible dizziness, tinnitus, nocturnal emission, red tongue with little coating, thin weak pulse.
Treatment strategy
- Nourish yin, descend fire, strengthen sinew and bone.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Hu Qian Wan, Da Bu Yin Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan all nourish kidney yin. Da Bu Yin Wan emphasises descending deficiency fire with less bone-strengthening force. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is a milder base yin tonic. Hu Qian Wan adds Suo Yang and bone-strengthening substances for atrophic weakness.
Clinical Differentiation
- Used for atrophic weakness of the lower limbs from liver-kidney yin deficiency with deficiency fire.
- Distinct from pure yin tonics that do not strengthen bone, and from cold-damp bi formulas.
Tongue & pulseKey points: sore lumbar and knees, thin weak legs, red tongue with little coating.
Safety notes: Not appropriate for cold-damp bi or yang deficiency with cold limbs. Tiger bone is substituted in modern use.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hu Qian Wan? Are Da Bu Yin Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan the same?
Hu Qian Wan (虎潜丸) is a classic formula from Zhu Danxi’s Danxi Xinfa, centered on nourishing yin, descending fire, and strengthening sinews and bones for atrophy patterns due to Liver-Kidney yin deficiency with ministerial fire. Da Bu Yin Wan shares Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, Shu Di, and Gui Ban but leans more to nourishing yin and descending fire to fill essence. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan evenly supplements Liver and Kidney without heavy bitter-cold fire-purging or dedicated bone-strengthening herbs. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Hu Qian Wan. Use caution in Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold and loose stool.
What is the composition and traditional use of Hu Qian Wan?
Classic composition: Huang Bai (wine-fried) 240 g, Gui Ban (wine-roasted) 120 g, Zhi Mu (wine-fried) 60 g, Shu Di Huang 60 g, Chen Pi 60 g, Bai Shao 60 g, Suo Yang 45 g, Hu Gu (roasted) 30 g, Gan Jiang 15 g. It acts to nourish yin, descend fire, and strengthen sinews and bones. It is used for atrophy from Liver-Kidney insufficiency with yin-deficiency internal heat: soreness and weakness of the low back and knees, weak sinews and bones, thinning of the legs and feet, difficulty walking, or dizziness, tinnitus, seminal emission, and enuresis; red tongue with little coating, thin weak pulse. Huang Bai and Zhi Mu clear vacuity fire; Gui Ban and Shu Di nourish yin; Suo Yang warms yang and benefits essence; the bone strengthens sinews; Chen Pi and Gan Jiang harmonize the Stomach.
How is tiger bone substituted? How do you choose raw versus prepared?
Because of wildlife protection, tiger bone is commonly replaced by dog bone, leopard bone, or by Achyranthes or Cibotium; the action is similar but requires pattern-based adjustment. Wine-frying of Huang Bai and Zhi Mu reduces coldness; wine-roasting of Gui Ban strengthens yin-nourishing and yang-subduing. Commercial products follow modern regulations; do not self-prepare with raw tiger bone.
Related Articles
Hu Qian Wan: Nourishing Yin, Descending Fire, Strengthening Sinews and Bones
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Yin Deficiency with Fire, Night Sweats & Hot Flashes
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney & Liver Yin Deficiency
Da Bu Yin Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Yin Deficiency with Fire, Night Sweats & Steaming Bone
Browse all classical formulas →
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.