Yu Quan San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
玉泉散 · Yù Quán Sàn
A classical formula for intense thirst and polyuria from Yin deficiency and depleted fluids.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yin-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yin Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Generate fluids, stop thirst, tonify Qi
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Generate fluids and tonify Qi for thirst from Yin deficiency
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for intense thirst and polyuria from Yin deficiency and depleted fluids.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for intense thirst from Yin deficiency and fluid depletion, rather than Qi-Yin deficiency with sweat, Kidney Yin tonic patterns, or Yangming excess heat thirst.
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
人參Ren Shen6g
Ginseng Root- powerfully boosts yuan qi and fortifies the spleen and lung
茯苓Fu Ling9g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen
- leaches dampness and quiets the heart
五味子Wu Wei Zi6g
Schisandra Fruit- astringes and generates fluids
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Radix Trichosanthis (Tian Hua Fen) 15g
- Radix Puerariae (Ge Gen) 12g
- Radix Ophiopogonis (Mai Dong) 12g
- Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng (Ren Shen) 6g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 9g
- Fructus Schisandrae (Wu Wei Zi) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Boosts qi
- generates fluids
- and treats thirst from qi and yin injury.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for injured qi and fluids with constrained heat, in thirst-type presentations.
- Signs and symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is fine and rapid or deficient.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to yin-fluid insufficiency that fails to moisten and restrain yang.
- Qi and fluids both injured, with constrained heat, produce thirst, frequent urination and fatigue resembling wasting-thirst presentations.
Clinical presentation
- Yin deficiency generates interior heat, producing dry throat, night sweating, a red tongue with little coating, and a fine, rapid pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to enrich yin, moisten dryness, and clear deficiency heat.
- In this formula the emphasis is to generate fluids and tonify Qi for thirst from Yin deficiency.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Yu Quan San, Sheng Mai San, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Bai Hu Tang address thirst or fluid damage. Sheng Mai San generates fluids and astringes Qi; Liu Wei Di Huang Wan tonifies Kidney Yin; Bai Hu Tang clears Yangming heat with intense thirst. Yu Quan San generates fluids and tonifies Qi for thirst from Yin deficiency and depleted fluids.
Clinical Differentiation
- Yu Quan San is used for injured qi and fluids with constrained heat in thirst-type presentations.
- It is distinguished from Bai Hu Tang (blazing qi-level heat) and from Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Sheng Mai San used for yin or qi-fluid injury without the same thirst-wasting frame.
Safety notes: This formula is not a substitute for pattern differentiation in thirst presentations; it is not appropriate for damp-heat or for cold-deficiency thirst.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Yu Quan San?
Yu Quan San has the actions of nourishing Yin, generating fluids, stopping thirst, and mildly supporting Qi. “Jade spring powder” is a classical fluid-generating formula for dry mouth and wasting-thirst (xiao ke) from Heat injuring Qi and Yin.
Which modern conditions is Yu Quan San suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Qi-Yin deficiency with dryness-Heat, including persistent thirst and dry mouth of this pattern, some xiao ke presentations after medical diagnosis, and late-stage febrile illness with remaining dry mouth — never as a replacement for diabetes medication or endocrine care.
Is Yu Quan San suitable for improving thirst that drinking does not fully relieve?
For presentations of dry mouth and throat, thirst, fatigue, possible frequent urination of deficiency-Heat type, a red tongue with scant coating, and a thin rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Yin injury with residual Heat — TCM commonly applies Yu Quan San as an adjunct. New or worsening thirst with weight loss requires medical evaluation of diabetes and other causes.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Yu Quan Wan (Jade Spring Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Yu Quan San (Jade Spring Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Yu Quan San: Classic TCM Formula for Xiao Ke, Thirst, Frequent Urination & Fluid Damage
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney & Liver Yin Deficiency
Sheng Mai San: Classic TCM Formula for Qi & Yin Deficiency, Fatigue & Shortness of Breath
Bai Hu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Yangming Heat, High Fever, Thirst & Profuse Sweating
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.