Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan — Five-Seed Lineage Pill
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What is Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan?
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan (“Five-Seed Lineage-Continuing Pill”) is the classical Chinese formula for male fertility. Its name reflects its purpose: five seed-herbs to support the continuation of the family lineage. Dating to the Ming Dynasty, the formula tonifies Kidney essence and Yang while gently nourishing Yin, addressing the underlying TCM patterns most commonly responsible for low sperm count, poor motility and morphology, impotence and low libido. Modern research demonstrates improvements in sperm parameters in oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic patients.
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan TCM pattern
Prescribed for Kidney essence deficiency with mild Kidney Yang and Yin deficiency, characterised by (in men): low sperm count, poor sperm motility, low libido, premature ejaculation, lumbar soreness, fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, and a thin or weak pulse. Also used in women for fertility support where Kidney essence deficiency predominates.
Key herbs
- Gou Qi Zi (Lycium fruit) — nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, brightens the eyes
- Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta seed) — tonifies Yang, nourishes essence, secures the Kidney
- Fu Pen Zi (Chinese raspberry) — tonifies Kidney essence, secures the Kidney
- Wu Wei Zi (schisandra) — secures the Kidney essence; calms the Shen
- Che Qian Zi (plantago seed) — balances the formula by leaching out Damp
Formula actions
- Tonifies Kidney essence (Jing)
- Tonifies Kidney Yang and Yin in balance
- Secures the Kidney essence
Conditions treated
- Male fertility — oligozoospermia (low sperm count), asthenozoospermia (poor motility), teratozoospermia (poor morphology)
- Erectile dysfunction and impotence from Kidney essence deficiency
- Premature ejaculation
- Low libido in men and women
- Female fertility support where Kidney essence deficiency predominates
- Recurrent miscarriage from Kidney essence deficiency
Cautions
Use cautiously in Damp-Heat patterns and acute infections. Combined dietary and lifestyle changes (sleep, exercise, alcohol reduction) are essential for results in male fertility. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM. Online herbal consultations are available.
