Jin Ling Zi San — Melia Toosendan Powder

On this page

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

Overview

Jin Ling Zi San — Melia Toosendan Powder — is a deceptively simple two-herb formula first recorded in Liu Wansu’s Su Wen Bing Ji Qi Yi Bao Ming Ji (1186 CE). Its purpose is to address Liver Qi stagnation that has begun to transform into Heat, producing intermittent stabbing or burning pain in the hypochondrium, epigastrium or lower abdomen. The pair of Yan Hu Suo with a bitter, cold Liver-cooling herb produces both pain relief and Liver-Qi regulation in a single elegant formulation. It pairs well with Xiao Yao San when there is broader Liver Qi stagnation, and with Long Dan Xie Gan Tang when Liver Heat is more pronounced.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Liver Qi stagnation transforming into Heat with epigastric or hypochondriac pain, characterised by: intermittent burning or stabbing pain in the hypochondrium, epigastrium or lower abdomen; pain that is worsened by emotional upset; bitter taste; acid reflux; a thin yellow tongue coat; and a wiry, rapid pulse. The pain is often worse with hot food or drink (distinguishing it from cold-pattern abdominal pain).

Key herbs

1. Chuan Lian Zi (Melia toosendan fruit, Sichuan chinaberry) — 30 g; the principal herb; bitter and cold; soothes Liver Qi, drains Liver Heat and alleviates pain
2. Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis rhizome) — 30 g; powerfully invigorates Blood, moves Qi and stops pain; among the strongest analgesic herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia

Ground into a fine powder; usual dose 9 g taken with warm wine or water.

Formula actions

1. Soothes the Liver and regulates Qi
2. Drains Liver Heat
3. Invigorates Blood
4. Alleviates pain

Conditions treated

1. Intermittent epigastric and hypochondriac pain from Liver Qi stagnation transforming into Heat
2. Dysmenorrhoea worsened by hot food or drink; period pain with Liver-Heat features
3. Cholecystitis and biliary colic with Liver-Heat pattern
4. Chronic gastritis with Liver-Stomach disharmony
5. Peptic ulcer pain with bitter taste and acid reflux
6. Hiatus hernia and reflux disease with Liver Qi stagnation
7. Painful inguinal hernia from Liver channel constraint
8. Hepatitis pain and intercostal neuralgia from Liver Qi stagnation with Heat

Cautions

Chuan Lian Zi is mildly toxic in large doses or with long-term use; this formula should always be prescribed by a qualified Chinese herbalist who monitors duration. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Not appropriate for cold-pattern abdominal pain or pure Spleen-Qi deficiency. 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.

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