Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Zuo Gui Yin

左归饮

Also known as:

Restore the Left (Kidney) Drink

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes the Yin
  2. Tonifies the Kidneys

Patterns Treated

Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

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 Yin

Main Actions

Nourishes the Yin
Tonifies the Kidneys

Key TCM Concepts

Zuo Gui Yin is a 6-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) tonifies 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 Yin is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as menopausal syndrome or absence of menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Menopausal syndrome Absence of menstruation

Ingredients in Zuo Gui Yin

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

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
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 Yin
Shu Di huang tonifies the true Yin of the five Yin Organs. In case of Yin Deficiency that causes Empty Fire to rise, 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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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 Yin
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 work synergistically with Shu Di huang and Goji berries.
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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 Yin
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 Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Zuo Gui Yin
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 Yin, 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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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Zuo Gui Yin
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 Zuo Gui Yin, it is used because it drains Dampness.
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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 Zuo Gui Yin
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 Zuo Gui Yin, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zuo Gui Yin

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, Zuo Gui Yin may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.