Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan — Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet

On this page

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

Overview

Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan is the foundational formula for tonifying Kidney Yang in Chinese herbal medicine. It originates from Zhang Zhongjing’s Jin Gui Yao Lue and is built upon the Yin-nourishing base formula Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with the addition of Fu Zi (Aconitum) and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon) to gently warm and activate Kidney Yang. The principle is to “warm Kidney Yang within nourishing Kidney Yin”, reflecting the TCM understanding that Yang cannot exist without Yin as its material foundation.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Kidney Yang deficiency, characterised by: lower back and knee soreness and weakness, a sensation of cold in the lower back and limbs, fatigue, frequent and copious urination especially at night (nocturia), impotence or reduced libido, oedema of the lower limbs, a pale swollen tongue with white coating, and a deep, slow or weak pulse in the Chi (kidney) position.

Key herbs

1. Fu Zi (Aconitum carmichaelii prepared root) — the most potent Yang-warming herb in TCM; powerfully warms Kidney Yang and Ming Men
2. Gui Zhi (Cinnamomum cassia twigs) — warms the channels and assists Yang; works with Fu Zi to warm Kidney Yang
3. Shu Di Huang (prepared Rehmannia root) — nourishes Kidney Yin and Essence; provides the Yin foundation for Yang
4. Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita rhizome) — tonifies Spleen, Lung and Kidney Qi
5. Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis fruit) — astringes the Kidney and nourishes Liver Blood
6. Ze Xie (Alisma plantago-aquatica rhizome) — leaches out Dampness and prevents the formula becoming too warm or cloying
7. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — tonifies Spleen and resolves Dampness
8. Mu Dan Pi (Paeonia suffruticosa bark) — clears any Heat generated by the warming herbs

Conditions treated

1. Lower back pain and knee weakness from Kidney Yang deficiency
2. Frequent urination, nocturia and oedema from failure of Kidney Yang to transform fluids
3. Menopausal symptoms with predominant Yang deficiency — fatigue, cold sensations and low libido
4. Infertility from Kidney Yang deficiency — cold uterus, low libido, impotence
5. Raynaud’s disease with constitutional Yang deficiency pattern
6. Chronic fatigue with profound cold and Yang deficiency pattern

Contains Fu Zi (Aconitum): contraindicated in Yin deficiency with Heat, pregnancy and acute febrile illness. Requires qualified practitioner supervision.

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.