Formula Formulas that tonify Qi

Ju Yuan Jian

举元煎

Also known as:

Lift the Source Decoction , Lift the Source Drink

Formula Composition

Huang Qi
Huang Qi
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Qi and Blood

Patterns Treated

Qi Deficiency

Historical Origin

Collected Treatises of [Zhang] Jing Yue (1624 AD )

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ju Yuan Jian

Main Actions

Tonifies Qi and Blood

Key TCM Concepts

Ju Yuan Jian is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1624 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi. Its main action is that it tonifies Qi and Blood.

 

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 Ju Yuan Jian is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Qi Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as heavy menstruation or metrorrhagia for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Qi Deficiency

Common Applications

Heavy menstruation Metrorrhagia

Ingredients in Ju Yuan Jian

Detailed information about each herb in Ju Yuan Jian and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ju Yuan Jian
Huang Qi strongly tonifies Qi and raises the Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach. It also prevents further Qi loss through leakage to the outside.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ju Yuan Jian
Ren Shen tonifies the Qi of the Middle Burner, like the other two deputy herbs (Atractylodes rhizome and Liquorice). It is worth mentioning that Ginseng being often prohibitively expensive, it is commonly substituted for Codonopsis root (Dang Shen) which has similar attributes and is much cheaper.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ju Yuan Jian
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Ju Yuan Jian, it is used because it is sweet and warm and tonify the Qi of the Middle Burner.
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Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma

Bugbane rhizomes

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ju Yuan Jian
In general Sheng Ma's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior, scatters Wind and clears Heat. Allows the release of toxicity from the skin and clears Heat. Raises the Yang associated with Middle Qi Deficiency. Directs herbs upwards. Cools the Blood."

In the context of Ju Yuan Jian, it is used because it helps raise the sunken Yang Qi.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ju Yuan Jian
In general Bai Zhu's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen Qi. Fortifies the Spleen Yang and dispels Damp through urination. Tonifies Qi and stops sweating. Calms restless fetus when due to Deficiency of Spleen Qi."

In the context of Ju Yuan Jian, it is used because it is sweet and warm and tonify the Qi of the Middle Burner.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ju Yuan Jian

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

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