Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan — Life-Saving Kidney Qi Pill

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan — the “Life-Saving Kidney Qi Pill” — is from the Song-dynasty Ji Sheng Fang. It is Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan with Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi added to give a stronger downward-draining, fluid-resolving action. It targets Kidney Yang deficiency with significant water retention — the classical picture of chronic kidney disease, congestive cardiac failure, lower-limb oedema, ascites and Yang-deficient nephrotic syndrome, where Yang must be warmed to restore the Kidney’s control of water metabolism.

I prescribe Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan, always alongside conventional nephrology, cardiology or endocrine care.

TCM pattern

Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan is prescribed for Kidney Yang deficiency with water retention:

• Lower-limb oedema, possibly pitting
• Scant urine output
• Cold sore lumbar region and knees
• Cold extremities
• Fatigue, breathlessness on exertion
• Pale complexion
• Loose stools
• Tongue — pale, swollen with tooth-marks, white moist coat
• Pulse — deep, weak, especially in chi position

Key herbs

1. Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, Shan Zhu Yu, Fu Ling, Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi — Liu Wei Di Huang Wan core (tonify Kidney Yin/balance)
2. Zhi Fu Zi, Rou Gui — warm Kidney Yang (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan addition)
3. Niu Xi — tonifies Kidney; directs water downward; benefits the joints
4. Che Qian Zi — promotes urination; resolves Damp; reduces oedema

Formula actions

1. Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
2. Promotes urination; reduces oedema
3. Restores the Kidney’s control over fluid metabolism

Conditions treated

1. Chronic kidney disease with Yang deficiency and oedema (alongside conventional care)
2. Congestive heart failure with Yang deficiency and oedema (with conventional care)
3. Chronic nephritis with Yang deficiency
4. Nephrotic syndrome recovery phase with Yang deficiency
5. Diabetic kidney disease with Yang deficiency
6. Idiopathic lower-limb oedema with cold pattern
7. Hypothyroid oedema (myxoedema) with cold pattern (alongside thyroxine)
8. Chronic prostatitis or BPH with cold-deficient pattern

Cautions

Contains Fu Zi — must use pharmaceutical-grade processed Fu Zi only. Pregnancy and severe hypertension are contraindications.

Chronic kidney disease, heart failure and nephrotic syndrome require conventional medical care; herbs are adjunctive only.

Not appropriate for Yin-deficient or Heat-pattern oedema, or for acute kidney injury without expert assessment.

Monitor blood pressure and electrolytes if used alongside diuretics.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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