Formula Formulas that sedate and calm the Mind

Ci Zhu Wan

磁朱丸

Also known as:

Magnetite and Cinnabar Pill

Formula Composition

Ci Shi
Ci Shi
Zhu Sha
Zhu Sha
Shen Qu
Shen Qu
Feng Mi
Feng Mi
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Heavily sedates and calms the Mind
  2. Pacifies Rising Yang
  3. Improves the vision and hearing

Patterns Treated

Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces (650 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ci Zhu Wan

Main Actions

Heavily sedates and calms the Mind
Pacifies Rising Yang
Improves the vision and hearing

Key TCM Concepts

Ci Zhu Wan is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Magnetite (Ci Shi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 650 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that sedate and calm the Mind. Its main actions are: 1) heavily sedates and calms the Mind and 2) pacifies Rising Yang .

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Ci Zhu Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as cataracts, optic nerve atrophy or disorders of the vitreous humor for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Cataracts Optic nerve atrophy Disorders of the vitreous humor Disorders of the vitreous lens Neural deafness Aural vertigo Epilepsy Tinnitus Visual hallucinations Schizophrenia

Ingredients in Ci Zhu Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Ci Zhu Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Ci Shi
Ci Shi

Magnetite

Temperature Cold
Taste Salty
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used The mineral power
Role in Ci Zhu Wan
Ci Shi is salty, cold, and heavy. It enters the Kidneys, anchors and calms the Mind, pacifies the Rising Yang whilenourishing the Yin, and improves the acuity of hearing and vision. Cinnabar is red and corresponds to the Fire phase, like the Heart. Magnetite is black and corresponds to the water phase, like the Kidneys. Together, they anchor the Mind and pacify the floating Heart Yang so that it can interact with the Kidneys. In this manner, the Fire in the Heart is controlled and the Essence in the Kidneys is able to rise, which gradually resolves the condition.
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Zhu Sha
Zhu Sha

Cinnabar

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in Ci Zhu Wan
Zhu Sha sedates and calms the Mind and clears Heat from the Heart. Cinnabar is red and corresponds to the Fire phase, like the Heart. Magnetite is black and corresponds to the water phase, like the Kidneys. Together, they anchor the Mind and pacify the floating Heart Yang so that it can interact with the Kidneys. In this manner, the Fire in the Heart is controlled and the Essence in the Kidneys is able to rise, which gradually resolves the condition.
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Shen Qu
Shen Qu

Medicated leaven

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used This is a fermented combination of wheat flour, Artemisia annua, Xanthium, Polygonum hydropiper and other herbs.
Role in Ci Zhu Wan
Shen Qu strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and aids digestion. Not only does it prevent injury to the Stomach Qi from the heavy metals, it also helps disseminate their actions throughout the body. Focusing on the Middle Burner, it also plays an active role in stabilizing the normal ascending and descending of the Essence and Fire.
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Feng Mi
Feng Mi

Honey

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Honey
Role in Ci Zhu Wan
In general Feng Mi's main actions are as follows: "Reinforces the spleen and stomach. Moistens dryness, relieves pain, and detoxifies."

In the context of Ci Zhu Wan, it is used because it serves as the filler for the pills and also tonifies the Middle Burner.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ci Zhu Wan

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

This formula should not be used without significant modification for problems with visual or auditory acuity associated with Fire from Liver and Kidney Deficiency. In patients with a weak digestive system, the dosage should be reduced and carefully monitored. At present, the heavy metal toxicity of Cinnabar renders its use obsolete and requires substitution. Not recommended during pregnancy.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ci Zhu Wan may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.