Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Zuo Gui Wan

左归丸

Also known as:

Restore the Left (Kidney) Pill

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Lu Jiao Jiao
Lu Jiao Jiao
Gui Ban
Gui Ban
Niu Xi
Niu Xi
Tu Si Zi
Tu Si Zi
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes the Yin
  2. Strengthens the Kidneys
  3. Fills the Essence
  4. Augments the marrow

Patterns Treated

Kidney Essence Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney-Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood

Historical Origin

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

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Zuo Gui Wan

Main Actions

Nourishes the Yin
Strengthens the Kidneys
Fills the Essence
Augments the marrow

Key TCM Concepts

Zuo Gui Wan is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1624 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes the Yin and 2) strengthens the Kidneys.

 

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 Zuo Gui Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency, Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as irregular menstruation, abnormal vaginal discharge or abnormal uterine bleeding for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney Essence Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney-Deficiency
  • Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood

Common Applications

Irregular menstruation Abnormal vaginal discharge Abnormal uterine bleeding Intermenstrual bleeding Chronic bronchitis Chronic nephritis Hypertension Lumbar strain Infertility

Ingredients in Zuo Gui Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Zuo Gui Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Zuo Gui Wan
Shu Di huang tonifies the true Yin of the five Yin Organs. In case of Yin Deficiency and Empty Fire arises, the heaviness of Shu Di huang can direct it downward sufficiently. It can also be used for settling down restless movement and hard tension.
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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 Zuo Gui Wan
Gou Qi Zi nourishes the Liver Blood. Together with Shan Zhu Yu, they work synergistically with the chief herb Shu Di huang.
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Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu

Cornelian cherries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe sarcocarp
Role in Zuo Gui Wan
Shan Zhu Yu nourishes the Liver Blood and restrains the leakage of Essence. It performs the latter function by inhibiting the improper dispersion and drainage through the Liver, thereby enabling the Essence to build up in the Kidneys. It works synergistically with Shu Di huang and Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi).
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Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Zuo Gui Wan
In general Shan Yao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Tonifies the Lung Qi and nourishes the Lung Yin. Nourishes the Kidneys and consolidates Jing."

In the context of Zuo Gui Wan, it is used because it benefits the Yin and tonifies the Spleen which is the origin of the postnatal Qi and Blood.
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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 Zuo Gui Wan
Lu Jiao Jiao is sweet, salty, and slightly warming. It entering the Governing vessel to tonify the Essence and Blood and stimulate the Yang. It pushes the action of the formula even further toward the Essence tonification.
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Gui Ban
Gui Ban

Tortoise plastrons

Temperature Cool
Taste Salty, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Carapace and plastron
Role in Zuo Gui Wan
Gui Ban sweet, salty, and cooling. Therefore it is able to sedate Liver Yang as well as cool Empty Heat from Yin Deficiency. It pushes the action of the formula even further toward the Essence tonification.
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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 Zuo Gui Wan
Niu Xi augments the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens the back and knees, as well as builds the sinews and bones.
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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 Zuo Gui Wan
Tu Si Zi tonifies the Kidney Yin and Yang and secures the Essence, supporting the overall action of the formula in a balanced manner.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zuo Gui Wan

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for patterns without any signs of Excess Heat such as a yellow tongue coating or a wiry and rapid pulse. Also need to cautious in cases of Spleen and Stomach Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Zuo Gui 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.