Formula Composition

Huang Lian

Wu Zhu Yu

View detailed herb information

King

Main ingredient

Deputy

Assists main

Formula Formulas that clear Heat

Zuo Jin Wan

左金丸

Also known as:

Left Metal Pill

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Clears Liver Heat
Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Stops vomiting

Patterns Treated

Stomach Qi Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach

Historical Origin

Essential Teachings of [Zhu] Dan Xi (1481 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Zuo Jin Wan

Main Actions

Clears Liver Heat

Directs Rebellious Qi downward

Stops vomiting

Key TCM Concepts

Zuo Jin Wan is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 1481 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat. Its main actions are: 1) clears Liver Heat and 2) directs Rebellious Qi downward.

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 Jin Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Stomach Qi Stagnation or Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as morning sickness, esophagitis or gastritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Stomach Qi Stagnation
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach

Common Applications

Morning sickness Esophagitis Gastritis Gastroesophageal reflux disease Peptic ulcers

Ingredients in Zuo Jin Wan

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

Kings

Deputies

Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold

Taste Bitter

Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used Dried rhizome

Role in Zuo Jin Wan

Huang Lian is bitter and cold and it has two functions. The first is to remove Heat from the Heart (Fire), which is the 'child' of the Liver (Wood) in the generative cycle of the Five Phases. When the Heat is drained from the Liver, it no longer rebels horizontally to invade the Stomach. The second function is to clear Stomach Fire. When the Stomach Fire is drained downward, Qi follows it so that acid reflux is quelled.

View herb details

Wu Zhu Yu

Evodia fruits

Temperature Hot

Taste Bitter, Pungent

Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys, Liver

Parts Used Dried nearly ripe fruit

Role in Zuo Jin Wan

Wu Zhu Yu is hot and acrid. It helps with Qi movement and releases Stagnation by dispersing the Liver. It is also very effective in directing Rebellious Stomach Qi downward. Like the king herb Huang Lian, it thereby also kills two birds with one stone. The hot nature of Wu Zhu Yu is moderated by the cold nature of Huang Lian, whose dosage is six times that of Wu Zhu Yu. The acrid nature of Wu Zhu Yu, on the other hand, ensures that physiological Fire is not drained by the bitter, cold, downward-moving nature of Huang Lian.

View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zuo Jin Wan

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for patients with acid reflux due to Stomach Cold from Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Zuo Jin 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.