Formula Composition

Qian Niu Zi

Xiao Hui Xiang

Sheng Jiang

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King

Main ingredient

Deputy

Assists main

Assistant

Supports

Formula Formulas that drive out excess water

Yu Gong San

禹功散

Also known as:

Yu's Achievement Powder

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Expels water and
Reduces edema
Unblocks the bowels
Moves Qi

Patterns Treated

Oedema

Historical Origin

Confucians' Duties to Their Parents (1228 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Yu Gong San

Main Actions

Expels water and

Reduces edema

Unblocks the bowels

Moves Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Yu Gong San is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Morning Glory Seeds (Qian Niu Zi) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 1228 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that drive out excess water. Its main actions are: 1) expels water and and 2) reduces edema.

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 Yu Gong San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Oedema. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as nephritis with edema or hydrocele for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Oedema

Common Applications

Nephritis with Edema Hydrocele

Ingredients in Yu Gong San

Detailed information about each herb in Yu Gong San and their roles

Kings

Deputies

Assistants

Qian Niu Zi

Morning glory seeds

Temperature Cold

Taste Bitter, Pungent

Organ Affinity Kidneys, Large Intestine, Lungs

Parts Used Seeds

Role in Yu Gong San

Qian Niu Zi directs downward. It reduces Edema by promoting urination and driving out water by means of purgation.

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Xiao Hui Xiang

Fennel seeds

Temperature Warm

Taste Pungent

Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used Dried ripe fruits

Role in Yu Gong San

Xiao Hui Xiang moves Qi and stops pain. Its warmth moderates the Cold nature of the key herb. Meanwhile, its acrid nature aids restoration of the normal Qi dynamic. Hence, it considerably strengthens the power of the formula to drive out Water.

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Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm

Taste Pungent

Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used Fresh root

Role in Yu Gong San

Sheng Jiang opens the pores and interstices to facilitate the Qi movement and the driving out of Water Dampness.

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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Yu Gong San

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

Contraindications

It should be taken with caution during pregnancy and in old or disabled patients due to its purgative effects. This is a formula for Excess disorders.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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