Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
济生肾气丸 · Jì Shēng Shèn Qì Wán
A classical modification of Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan with Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi for Kidney Yang deficiency oedema with heavy urinary difficulty and lumbar pain.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yang-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Kidney Yang Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Warm Kidney Yang, promote urination, reduce oedema
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm Yang, transform Qi and promote urination for oedema
- Classical Source
- Ji Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical modification of Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan with Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi for Kidney Yang deficiency oedema with heavy urinary difficulty and lumbar pain.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Kidney Yang deficiency presents with clear oedema and urinary difficulty — more diuretic than Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, still warming rather than pure draining.
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/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
茯苓Fu Ling15g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen
- leaches dampness and quiets the heart
牡丹皮Mu Dan Pi9g
Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark- clears heat
- cools blood and and gently invigorates blood
澤瀉Ze Xie15g
Alisma Rhizome- leaches dampness and drains ministerial fire via the urine
桂枝Gui Zhi6g
Cinnamon Twig- warms and unblocks the channels
附子Fu Zi6g
Prepared Aconite Root- restores devastated yang
- warms the interior and channels
牛膝Niu Xi9g
Achyranthes Root- invigorates blood
- guides downward and supplements liver and kidney
車前子Che Qian Zi15g
Plantago Seed- leaches dampness and clears heat
Classical Composition
- Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata (Shu Di Huang) 15g
- Rhizoma Dioscoreae (Shan Yao) 15g
- Fructus Corni (Shan Zhu Yu) 9g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 15g
- Cortex Moutan (Mu Dan Pi) 9g
- Rhizoma Alismatis (Ze Xie) 15g
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 6g
- Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata (Fu Zi) 6g
- Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (Niu Xi) 9g
- Semen Plantaginis (Che Qian Zi) 15g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Warms kidney yang
- transforms qi
- and promotes urination for water swelling.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for kidney yang deficiency failing to transform qi, with water swelling.
Tongue & pulseSigns and symptoms include lumbar cold, edema, inhibited urination, and a deep weak pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to kidney yang insufficiency that fails to warm the lower jiao and transform qi.
- Kidney yang deficiency failing to transform qi produces lumbar cold, edema and inhibited urination more marked than in Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan alone.
Clinical presentation
- Water metabolism and reproductive fire decline, producing cold limbs, frequent urination, edema or reduced libido.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to warm kidney yang, transform qi, and secure the lower origin.
- In this formula the emphasis is to warm Yang, transform Qi and promote urination for oedema.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan warms Yang and drains water for oedema. Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan is the base Yang tonic with milder diuresis. You Gui Wan pure-tonifies without draining. Zhen Wu Tang warms Yang and transforms water with a different herb structure.
Clinical Differentiation
- Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan is used for kidney yang deficiency failing to transform qi, with edema and inhibited urination.
- Chuan Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi distinguish it from Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, which warms the gate of vitality with less emphasis on leaching water.
Safety notes: This formula is warm. It is not appropriate for yin-deficiency fire or for damp-heat edema.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan?
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan has the actions of warming and tonifying Kidney Yang, promoting Qi transformation of water, and reducing edema. It is primarily used for patterns of Kidney Yang deficiency with water retention, presenting as lower-limb edema, scanty urination, cold and aching lower back and knees, cold extremities, and fatigue.
Which modern conditions is Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan commonly applied to?
In modern TCM clinical practice it is frequently used for patients whose pattern differentiation matches Kidney Yang deficiency with water overflowing, including chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure with edema, and chronic kidney disease with Yang-deficient edema.
Is Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan suitable for treating edema and difficult urination?
For presentations of pitting edema in the lower limbs, scanty or difficult urination, cold-sore lower back and knees, cold extremities, and fatigue — when pattern differentiation confirms Kidney Yang deficiency with water retention — TCM commonly employs Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (Jisheng Kidney Qi Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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Zhen Wu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney Yang Deficiency, Edema & Water Retention
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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.