Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (金匮肾气丸) — Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet
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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[9], 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
- Fu Zi (Aconitum carmichaelii prepared root, 3g) — the most potent Yang-warming herb in TCM; powerfully warms Kidney Yang and Ming Men
- Gui Zhi (Cinnamomum cassia twigs, 3g) — warms the channels and assists Yang; works with Fu Zi to warm Kidney Yang
- Shu Di Huang (prepared Rehmannia root, 24g) — nourishes Kidney Yin and Essence; provides the Yin foundation for Yang
- Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita rhizome, 12g) — tonifies Spleen, Lung and Kidney Qi
- Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis fruit, 12g) — astringes the Kidney and nourishes Liver Blood
- Ze Xie (Alisma plantago-aquatica rhizome, 9g) — leaches out Dampness and prevents the formula becoming too warm or cloying
- Fu Ling (Poria cocos, 9g) — tonifies Spleen and resolves Dampness
- Mu Dan Pi (Paeonia suffruticosa bark, 9g) — clears any Heat generated by the warming herbs
Formula actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Transforms and promotes urination
Conditions treated
- Lower back pain and knee weakness from Kidney Yang deficiency
- Frequent urination, nocturia and oedema from failure of Kidney Yang to transform fluids
- Menopausal symptoms with predominant Yang deficiency — fatigue, cold sensations and low libido
- Infertility from Kidney Yang deficiency — cold uterus, low libido, impotence
- Raynaud’s disease with constitutional Yang deficiency pattern
- 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.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
References
[9] Wang YY, Li XX, Liu JP, Luo H, Ma LX, Alraek T. Traditional Chinese medicine for chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Aug;22(4):826-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2014.06.004. PMID: 25146086.
Comparison with related formulas
- You Gui Wan — a stronger, purer Kidney Yang and Essence tonic that leaves out the draining herbs (Ze Xie, Fu Ling, Mu Dan Pi). Chosen when there is no Damp or oedema and the aim is to strongly restore Yang and Essence.
- Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan — this same formula with Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi added for a stronger diuretic action. Chosen when lower-limb oedema and difficult urination dominate.
- Liu Wei Di Huang Wan — the Kidney Yin base formula without the two warming herbs. Chosen for Kidney Yin deficiency with heat signs rather than the cold, Yang-deficient picture Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan treats.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan used for?
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan is the foundational formula for Kidney Yang deficiency. It is used for cold, aching lower back and knees, a cold body and limbs, deep fatigue, frequent or night-time urination, lower-limb fluid retention, and low libido or impotence where the underlying pattern is Yang deficiency. It is prescribed as part of a bespoke formula after individual pattern diagnosis.
What is the difference between Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan?
They share the same six-herb Kidney Yin base. Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan adds two warming herbs — Fu Zi and Gui Zhi — to gently kindle Kidney Yang within that Yin foundation. Use Liu Wei Di Huang Wan for Yin deficiency with heat (night sweats, warm palms), and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan for Yang deficiency with cold (cold limbs, nocturia, aversion to cold).
What is the difference between Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan and You Gui Wan?
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan warms Yang while still draining Damp, so it suits Yang deficiency with fluid retention or urinary problems. You Gui Wan is a more concentrated Yang-and-Essence tonic without the draining herbs, chosen for deeper Yang and Essence depletion when there is no Damp or oedema to clear.
Is Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan safe?
In the hands of a qualified herbalist, yes. It contains prepared Fu Zi (processed Aconite), which is safe only when correctly processed and dosed, so this formula must never be self-prescribed. It is not suitable in Yin deficiency with heat, in acute fevers, or in pregnancy. Always have it prescribed by a herbalist registered with the RCHM.
How long does Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan take to work?
Warming, tonifying formulas work gradually. Many people notice steadier warmth, better energy and improved urinary patterns over 4–8 weeks of daily use, with deeper change over several months. It is taken as a reviewed course rather than a one-off remedy.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
