Liù Shén Wán (六神丸) — Six Spirits Pill
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional Chinese herbal formula that contains one or more animal-derived ingredients, for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
This is a toxic substance that is not prescribed in modern UK practice.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include plant heat-clearing, throat-benefiting herbs such as Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao and Ban Lan Gen.
On this page
- Overview
- Ingredients
- Traditional actions and indications
- Plant-based alternatives
- Why it is not prescribed
1. Overview
Liù Shén Wán (六神丸) — Six Spirits Pill — is a traditional formula of the Chinese Materia Medica that contains one or more animal-derived ingredients. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Liù Shén Wán or any formula containing animal products; where a comparable effect is needed I prescribe a plant-based formula matched to the patient's TCM pattern.
2. Ingredients
Traditional ingredients include:
- Chan Su (toad venom — toxic) (animal product)
- She Xiang (musk) (animal product)
- Niu Huang (ox gallstone) (animal product)
- Zhen Zhu (pearl) (animal product)
- Xiong Huang (realgar), Bing Pian (plant)
3. Traditional actions and indications
Traditional actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
- Reduces swelling and stops pain
Traditional indications
- Severe sore throat, mouth sores and toxic swellings
4. Plant-based alternatives
In my practice I use plant-based formulas in place of Liù Shén Wán. Depending on the TCM pattern, suitable alternatives include plant heat-clearing, throat-benefiting herbs such as Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao and Ban Lan Gen. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Liù Shén Wán contains toxic ingredients and is not prescribed in modern UK practice. All Chinese herbs and formulas should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
Return to the Chinese herbal formula directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
