An Shen Bu Xin Wan (安神补心丸) — Calm the Spirit, Tonify the Heart Pill

By Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto — registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner (BAcC, RCHM) with over 25 years’ clinical experience.

An Shen Bu Xin Wan — “Calm the Spirit and Tonify the Heart Pill” — is a Chinese patent remedy for the restless, palpitating, poor-sleep picture of a depleted, over-active Heart. It is a complementary self-care remedy for mild sleep and anxiety complaints, not a treatment for a diagnosed mental-health or heart condition, and not a substitute for medical advice.

On this page

What it is
What it is used for
Key ingredients
Safety and cautions
When to see a practitioner
Frequently asked questions
Related pages

1. What it is

An Shen Bu Xin Wan is an over-the-counter Chinese herbal formula that calms the mind (Shen) while gently nourishing Heart Yin and Blood. It is used for the common modern picture of a tired but wired nervous system — light, broken sleep with a racing mind.

2. What it is used for

Traditionally used for the pattern of Heart Yin and Blood deficiency with a disturbed Shen:

Difficulty falling asleep and light, dream-disturbed sleep
Palpitations or a fluttering, uneasy heart
Mild anxiety, restlessness and irritability
Dizziness, tinnitus and poor concentration on a background of depletion

3. Key ingredients

It combines Shen-calming and Yin-and-Blood-nourishing herbs, typically including Dan Shen (salvia), He Huan Pi (albizia bark), Nu Zhen Zi (ligustrum), Han Lian Cao (eclipta), Wu Wei Zi (schisandra) and Shi Chang Pu (acorus), often with mother-of-pearl (a shell) to settle the mind. Choose a version that does not contain cinnabar (zhu sha), and check the packet.

4. Safety and cautions

Avoid cinnabar-containing versions — some older formulations include zhu sha (mercury sulphide), which is not safe. Buy a modern, cinnabar-free product from a reputable supplier.
Not a substitute for treatment of diagnosed insomnia, anxiety or depression — keep any prescribed medication and speak to your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: only under professional advice.
Palpitations that are new, frequent or come with chest pain or breathlessness need medical assessment, not a herbal pill.
Tell your prescriber if you take sedatives, antidepressants or heart medication. Always have Chinese herbal medicine prescribed by a herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

5. When to see a practitioner instead

A patent remedy is a fixed formula for a passing complaint. Recurrent or persistent symptoms point to an underlying pattern that a one-size-fits-all pill will not resolve — for those, an individualised assessment and a tailored prescription address the root. See Chinese herbal medicine or arrange an online herbal consultation.

6. Frequently asked questions

What is An Shen Bu Xin Wan used for?

It is traditionally used for the restless, palpitating, poor-sleep picture of Heart Yin and Blood deficiency — trouble falling asleep, light dream-disturbed sleep, palpitations, mild anxiety and poor concentration. It is a complementary self-care remedy, not a treatment for a diagnosed condition.

Does An Shen Bu Xin Wan help with sleep and anxiety?

It is used for mild, stress-related sleeplessness and unease within its TCM pattern, and works gently over days to weeks rather than as a sedative. Persistent insomnia, anxiety or low mood should be assessed properly — keep any prescribed treatment.

Does it contain cinnabar?

Some older versions did (zhu sha / mercury sulphide), which is not safe. Only buy a modern, clearly cinnabar-free product from a reputable supplier, and check the ingredient list.

Can I take it with my antidepressant or sleeping tablet?

Only with your doctor's knowledge. Herbal calming formulas can add to the effect of sedatives and other medication, so disclose everything you take and do not stop prescribed medicine.