Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán
Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán (金匮肾气丸, “Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet”) comes from Jin Gui Yao Lue - Zhang Zhongjing (220 CE). Warms and tones Kidney Yang.
Main action
Warms and tones Kidney Yang
Zhang Zhongjing's original formula for Kidney Yang. Use only a small amount of Yang to 'fan the flame without burning the oil' — fundamental principle of Yin-Yang balance.
Indications
- cold extremities
- Low back pain with cold
- Frequent urination at night
- Edema
- Helplessness
- Fatigue with cold
- Asthma due to kidney deficiency
- Tongue
- Pale, moist, with white coating
- Pulse
- Deep and weak, especially in chi
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shú Dì Huáng 熟地黄 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 24g | Nourishes Yin and Blood, basis of Yang |
| Shān Yào 山药 | Minister (臣 chén) | 12g | Tones Spleen and Kidney |
| Shān Zhū Yú 山茱萸 | Minister (臣 chén) | 12g | Nourishes Liver and Kidney, astringes essence |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, drains moisture |
| Zé Xiè 泽泻 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Drains heat and moisture from the Kidney |
| Mǔ Dān Pí 牡丹皮 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Move blood, cool |
| Guì Zhī 桂枝 | Minister (臣 chén) | 3g | Warms Heart and Kidney Yang, moves Qi |
| Fù Zǐ 附子 | Minister (臣 chén) | 3g | Warms Kidney Yang, restores collapsed Yang |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Pill: 9g, 2-3 times/day. Decoction: boil 45 min (Fu Zi must be decocted first 30 min)
Classical modifications
Add: Niu Xi (牛膝) 9g, Che Qian Zi (车前子) 12g → Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (济生肾气丸)
Current uses being studied
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic kidney failure
- Diabetes insipidus
- Prostatism
- Edema due to cardiac deficiency
Precautions
- Fu Zi is toxic raw: only use processed and long decocted
- Avoid in heat, Yin deficiency or Kidney fire
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 金匮肾气丸
- English name
- Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet
- Source
- Jin Gui Yao Lue - Zhang Zhongjing (220 CE)
- Dynasty
- Han
- Category
- Tonify Yang
- Constitutions
- Yang Deficiency Constitution
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
