Niu Che Shen Qi Wan — Achyranthes & Plantago Kidney Qi Pill

On this page

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

Overview

Niu Che Shen Qi Wan — the “Achyranthes and Plantago Kidney Qi Pill” — is essentially synonymous with Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan in classical sources (both add Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi to Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan), and the name “Niu Che” comes from the abbreviations of these two added herbs. In modern usage the name Niu Che Shen Qi Wan is associated more with the Japanese Kampo tradition where it is widely prescribed for combined Kidney Yang deficiency with lumbar pain, knee pain and lower-urinary-tract symptoms in older adults, particularly diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

I prescribe Niu Che Shen Qi Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Niu Che Shen Qi Wan is prescribed for Kidney Yang deficiency with lumbar-knee pain and water retention:

• Lower back ache, knees feel weak or sore
• Cold extremities, cold lumbar region
• Frequent clear urination, nocturia
• Possibly lower-limb oedema or numbness
• Fatigue, breathlessness on exertion
• Tongue — pale, swollen, white moist coat
• Pulse — deep, weak in chi position

Key herbs

1. Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, Shan Zhu Yu, Fu Ling, Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi — Liu Wei Di Huang Wan core
2. Zhi Fu Zi, Rou Gui — warm Kidney Yang
3. Niu Xi — tonifies Kidney; strengthens lumbar and knees; directs Qi/Blood downward
4. Che Qian Zi — promotes urination; resolves Damp

Formula actions

1. Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
2. Strengthens the lumbar region and knees
3. Promotes urination; reduces oedema
4. Improves circulation to the lower limbs

Conditions treated

1. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy with cold-deficient pattern
2. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
3. Chronic lumbar pain in older adults with Kidney Yang deficiency
4. Knee osteoarthritis with cold-deficient pattern
5. Lower-limb oedema with cold pattern
6. BPH urinary frequency and weak stream with cold pattern
7. Overactive bladder with cold-pattern nocturia
8. Spinal stenosis with lumbar-leg symptoms and cold pattern

Cautions

Contains Fu Zi — must use pharmaceutical-grade processed Fu Zi only. Pregnancy and severe hypertension are contraindications.

Not appropriate for Yin-deficient or Heat-pattern lumbar pain — the warming herbs aggravate Heat.

Sudden severe back pain with neurological symptoms (saddle anaesthesia, leg weakness, urinary retention) requires emergency assessment for cauda equina syndrome.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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