Formula Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang

Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

七宝美髯丹

Also known as:

Seven-Treasure Special Pill for Beautiful Whiskers

Formula Composition

He Shou Wu
He Shou Wu
Niu Xi
Niu Xi
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi
Tu Si Zi
Tu Si Zi
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Chi Fu Ling
Chi Fu Ling
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Bu Gu Zhi
Bu Gu Zhi
Hei Zhi Ma
Hei Zhi Ma
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence
  2. Nourishes the Liver Blood
  3. Beautifies hair

Patterns Treated

Kidney Essence Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Comprehensive Outline of the Materia Medica (1590 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

Main Actions

Enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence
Nourishes the Liver Blood
Beautifies hair

Key TCM Concepts

Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1590 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Yin and Yang. Its main actions are: 1) enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence and 2) nourishes the Liver 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 Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as alopecia, premature graying of the hair or dental problems for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney Essence Deficiency
  • Liver Blood Deficiency
  • Kidney Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Alopecia Premature graying of the hair Dental problems Impotence Infertility in male Hair loss Loose teeth Nocturnal emissions Spontaneous emissions Sore lower back Sore knees Weak lower back Weak knees Periodontal disease

Ingredients in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

Detailed information about each herb in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
He Shou Wu
He Shou Wu

Fleeceflower roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried prepared root
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
He Shou Wu is bitter, which enables it to strengthen the sinews and bones. It is also astringent, which enable it to stabilize the Essence and thus the Kidneys. It is used here in a relatively large dosage.
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Niu Xi
Niu Xi

Achyranthes roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
In general Niu Xi's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and relieves pain in the raw state. Tonic to the Liver and Kidneys and strengthens the bones and sinews. Reduces Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Regulates the flow of reckless Blood caused by either ascendant Liver Yang or Yin Deficient Fire."

In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it strengthens the sinews and bones in general, especially on thelower back and knees.
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Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi

Goji berries

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Gou Qi Zi nourishes the Liver and Kidneys. Together with the key herb, they supplement and stabilize the Essence and thereby help stop nocturnal and spontaneous emissions.
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Tu Si Zi
Tu Si Zi

Cuscuta seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Tu Si Zi nourishes the Liver and Kidneys. Together with the key herb, they supplement and stabilize the Essence and thereby help stop nocturnal and spontaneous emissions.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it assists the Bladder's draining function. It leaches out any Dampness or turbidity in the body.
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Chi Fu Ling
Chi Fu Ling

Red poria

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys
Parts Used The outer red part of the dried sclerotium
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
In general Chi Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Removes Damp-Heat, regulates Water metabolism"

In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it assists the Bladder's draining function. It leaches out any Dampness or turbidity in the body.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it helps the key and deputy herbs nourish the hair due to its effect on nourishing Liver Blood.
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Bu Gu Zhi
Bu Gu Zhi

Psoralea fruits

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Kidneys
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Bu Gu Zhi is a warm herb to tonify the Yang. Thus it is added as an 'opposing assistant' to countereffect of the other Yin herbs of the formula.
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Hei Zhi Ma
Hei Zhi Ma

Black sesame seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried seeds
Role in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
In general Hei Zhi Ma's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Liver and Kidney Yin. Nourishes Blood. Lubricates the Intestines."

In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it is used to process some of the herbs to strengthen the Yin-nourishing properties of the formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

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

Contraindications

This formula has a notably rich and substantial quality, making it necessary to exercise caution, or potentially avoid its use altogether, in patients who exhibit Spleen deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.