Ju Yuan Jian — Lift the Source Decoction
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Overview
Ju Yuan Jian — the “Lift the Source Decoction” — is from Zhang Jingyue’s Jing Yue Quan Shu. It is a compact, focused formula for Spleen Qi deficiency unable to hold the Blood, producing heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, mid-cycle spotting and uterine prolapse. Where Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is broader and treats general Sinking Qi, Ju Yuan Jian is narrower and stronger for the specific situation of failure to control Blood — it strips out the moving herbs of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Chai Hu, Chen Pi) to focus purely on lifting and tonifying.
I prescribe Ju Yuan Jian as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
TCM pattern
Ju Yuan Jian is prescribed for Spleen Qi deficiency failing to hold the Blood:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged or continuous
- Pale, dilute blood
- Mid-cycle spotting
- Marked fatigue, breathlessness
- Pale complexion
- Possible mild prolapse symptoms
- Tongue — pale, thin coat
- Pulse — weak, possibly thin
Key herbs
- Ren Shen — strongly tonifies Original Qi
- Huang Qi — tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi; lifts sinking Qi
- Bai Zhu — tonifies Spleen; dries Damp; supports Qi to hold Blood
- Sheng Ma — lifts sinking Qi
- Zhi Gan Cao — tonifies and harmonises
Formula actions
- Strongly tonifies Spleen Qi
- Lifts sinking Qi
- Restores the Qi’s ability to hold Blood
Conditions treated
- Heavy menstrual bleeding from Qi deficiency — see heavy periods
- Prolonged periods or continuous spotting from Qi deficiency
- Post-partum lochia persisting too long
- Uterine prolapse with Qi deficiency
- Functional uterine bleeding in perimenopause
- Post-IUD insertion heavy bleeding with deficient pattern
- Mild rectal prolapse with Qi deficiency
Cautions
Heavy menstrual bleeding always warrants investigation to exclude fibroids, polyps, endometrial pathology, bleeding disorders or pregnancy complications.
Sudden heavy vaginal bleeding, soaking through a pad every hour, or accompanied by faintness requires urgent medical care.
Not appropriate for Heat-pattern bleeding (bright red, large clots, irritability) or Blood-stasis bleeding (dark clotted blood, fixed pain) — choose appropriate Heat or Blood-moving formulas instead.
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.
