Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (济生肾气丸) — Life-Saving Kidney Qi Pill

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. How it compares to related formulas
7. Cautions
8. Frequently asked questions

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 (Rx. Rehmanniae Preparata, 15g), Shan Yao (Rx. Dioscoreae, 30g), Shan Zhu Yu (Fr. Corni, 30g), Fu Ling (Poria, 30g), Ze Xie (Rz. Alismatis, 30g), Mu Dan Pi (Cx. Moutan, 30g) — Liu Wei Di Huang Wan core (tonify Kidney Yin/balance)
2. Zhi Fu Zi (Rx. Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, 15g), Rou Gui (Cx. Cinnamomi Loureroi, 15g) — warm Kidney Yang (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan addition)
3. Niu Xi (Rx. Cyathulae, 15g) — tonifies Kidney; directs water downward; benefits the joints
4. Che Qian Zi (Sm. Plantaginis, 30g) — 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

How it compares to related formulas

Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan sits within a family of Yang-warming and water-draining formulas. Choosing correctly depends on whether the picture is one of deficiency or excess, and on which organ leads the pattern:

• Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan — the parent formula. Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan is Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan plus Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi, which add a stronger downward, urine-promoting action. Choose Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan when Kidney Yang deficiency dominates without marked fluid retention; choose Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan when oedema and scant urination are prominent.
• Zhen Wu Tang — also warms Yang and drains water, but centres on combined Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency with a more acute, Spleen-damp picture (dizziness, palpitations, heavy limbs). Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan is more tonifying and better suited to chronic, constitutional Kidney Yang deficiency.
• Wu Ling San — promotes urination and resolves Damp but does not tonify Kidney Yang; better for a fuller, excess-type fluid accumulation rather than deficiency oedema.

Cautions

Contains Fu Zi — must use pharmaceutical-grade processed Fu Zi only. Pregnancy and severe hypertension^[19] 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.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan used for?

In TCM it warms Kidney Yang and promotes urination in patterns of Kidney Yang deficiency with water retention — typically lower-limb oedema, scant urination, a cold sore lower back and knees, and fatigue. It is used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional care for conditions such as chronic kidney disease and congestive heart failure.

What is the difference between Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan?

Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan is Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan with two added herbs — Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi — that strengthen the downward, urine-promoting action. It is preferred when oedema and reduced urine output are prominent, whereas Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan suits Kidney Yang deficiency without significant fluid retention.

Does Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan contain aconite?

Yes — it contains processed Fu Zi (aconite). Only pharmaceutical-grade, correctly processed Fu Zi is used, and only under a qualified herbalist. Raw aconite is toxic and is never used.

Can it be taken alongside diuretics or blood-pressure medication?

Only under professional supervision, with monitoring of blood pressure and electrolytes. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and in severe hypertension, and chronic kidney and heart conditions must remain under conventional medical care.

Is it suitable for all types of oedema?

No. It is for cold, Yang-deficient oedema only. It is not appropriate for Yin-deficient or Heat-pattern fluid retention, or for acute kidney injury without expert assessment.

References

[19] Wang J, Xiong X, Liu W. Tianma Gouteng Yin as Adjunctive Treatment for Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:706125. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/706125. PMID: 23710230.