Formula Formulas that tonify

Yu Lin Zhu

毓麟珠

Also known as:

Fertility Pearl , Offspring Nurturing Pearl , Nurturing Qi Lin Pearl , Fertility Ba Zhen Tang

Formula Composition

Tu Si Zi
Tu Si Zi
Du Zhong
Du Zhong
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Lu Jiao Jiao
Lu Jiao Jiao
Hua Jiao
Hua Jiao
Dang Shen
Dang Shen
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Kidney Yang
  2. Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
  3. Facilitating pregnancy
  4. Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation

Patterns Treated

Blood Stagnation, Kidney Yang Deficiency

Historical Origin

Complete Works of Jingyue (1624 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Yu Lin Zhu

Main Actions

Tonifies Kidney Yang
Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
Facilitating pregnancy
Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation

Key TCM Concepts

Yu Lin Zhu is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi), Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong) and Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1624 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies Kidney Yang and 2) consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai).

 

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 Lin Zhu is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Stagnation or Kidney Yang Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as infertility, amenorrhea or infertility in female for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Blood Stagnation
  • Kidney Yang Deficiency

Common Applications

Infertility Amenorrhea Infertility in female Infertility in male Scanty menstruation Irregular menstruation Luteal phase bleeding Polycystic ovary syndrome Miscarriage Postpartum depression Female sexual dysfunction

Ingredients in Yu Lin Zhu

Detailed information about each herb in Yu Lin Zhu and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Tu Si Zi
Tu Si Zi

Cuscuta seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Yu Lin Zhu
Tu Si Zi tonifies the Kidneys and Liver, strengthens the Kidney Yang, nourishes Yin, astringes the Essences and urine and benefits the marrow.
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Du Zhong
Du Zhong

Eucommia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Yu Lin Zhu
In general Du Zhong's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys. Calms ascendant Liver Yang (hypertension/high blood pressure). Calms a restless fetus."

In the context of Yu Lin Zhu, it is used because it tonifies the Kidneys and Liver, tonifies Kidney Yang and aids the smooth flow of Qi and Blood.
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Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Yu Lin Zhu
Shu Di huang nourishes the Liver and Kidney Yin, nourishes the Essence and Blood as well as fills the Marrow.With Dang Gui, it is also used for Blood Deficiency marked by dizziness, palpitations, insomnia and menstrual dysfunction.
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Lu Jiao Jiao
Lu Jiao Jiao

Deer antler glue

Temperature Warm
Taste Salty, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used The horn (antlers) of the animal
Role in Yu Lin Zhu
Lu Jiao Jiao replenishes and nourishes Qi and Blood, fortifies the Kidneys, enhances and warms the Yang, regulates the Penetrating and Directing Vessels, stabilizes the Girdle Vessel, strengthens the Governing Channel, and supports Essence, Blood, and Marrow. When combined with Shu Di Huang, it addresses impotence and spermatorrhea in men, as well as infertility and thin vaginal discharge in women, both of which stem from Kidney Deficiency Cold.
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Hua Jiao
Hua Jiao

Sichuan pepper

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried pericarp of ripe fruit
Role in Yu Lin Zhu
In general Hua Jiao's main actions are as follows: "Warms the body core, relieves pain, kills parasites and relieves itching"

In the context of Yu Lin Zhu, it is used because it warms the body core and relieves pain.
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Dang Shen
Dang Shen

Codonopsis roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Yu Lin Zhu
Dang Shen
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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 Yu Lin Zhu
Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen, enhances Qi, reduces Dampness, and supports water metabolism. When paired with Fu Ling and Gan Cao, it addresses Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiencies. In combination with Shu Di Huang, Dang Gui, and Bai Shao, it is effective for supporting a stable pregnancy in cases of Blood Deficiency.
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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 Yu Lin Zhu
Fu Ling promotes urination, drains Dampness, fortifies the Spleen, and balances the Middle Burner. When combined with Bai Zhu, it enhances Spleen function and effectively clears Dampness.
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Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Yu Lin Zhu
Chuan Xiong stimulates Blood circulation, encourages Qi movement, and relieves pain. When paired with Dang Gui, it is particularly effective for menstrual issues such as dysmenorrhea, scanty periods, and amenorrhea resulting from Blood Deficiency.
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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 Yu Lin Zhu
Dang Gui strengthens, revitalizes, and balances the Blood, dispels Cold, alleviates pain from Blood Stasis, and regulates menstruation. When paired with Bai Shao, it balances and harmonizes both Qi and Blood. Combined with Shu Di Huang, it addresses Empty Heat symptoms stemming from Yin Deficiency and severe Blood Deficiency. When used with Chuan Xiong, it nourishes, harmonizes, and invigorates the Blood while clearing Blood Stasis. The combination of Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang, and Chuan Xiong is particularly effective for treating menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea resulting from Blood Deficiency or Blood Stasis.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Yu Lin Zhu
Bai Shao enriches the Blood, balances menstruation, soothes the Liver, and eases pain. When combined with Dang Gui and Shu Di Huang, it addresses dizziness, blurred vision, and dysmenorrhea caused by Blood Deficiency or Stasis. When paired with Dang Gui, it nourishes both Yin and Blood.
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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 Yu Lin Zhu
Gan Cao nourishes the Spleen, boosts Qi, and hamonizes the intensity of other herbs. When paired with Dang Shen, it helps alleviate anorexia, fatigue, and loose stools associated with Spleen Deficiency. When combined with Dang Shen, Fu Ling, and Bai Zhu, it reinforces the Spleen and enhances Qi.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Yu Lin Zhu

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for those with Excess patterns.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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