Chinese: 七宝美髯丹
Pinyin: Qī Bǎo Měi Rán Dān
Other names: Seven-Treasure Special Pill for Beautiful Whiskers
Number of ingredients: 9 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: AlopeciaImpotenceHair loss and ten other conditions
- Enriches the Kidney Yin
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
Contraindications: This formula has a notably rich and substantial quality, making it necessary to... This formula has a notably rich and substantial quality, making it necessary to exercise caution, or potentially avoid its use altogether, in patients who exhibit Spleen deficiency. see more
Source date: 1590 AD
Source book: Comprehensive Outline of the Materia Medica
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) as a principal ingredient.
Invented in 1590 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Yin and Yang. Its main actions are: 1) enriches the Kidney Yin and 2) nourishes the Liver Blood.
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 Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as alopecia, premature graying of the hair or dental problems for instance.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the nine ingredients in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, we review the patterns and conditions that Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan helps treat.
The nine ingredients in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
He Shou Wu is a king ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu)
Part used: Dried prepared root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
He Shou Wu is bitter, which enables it to strengthen the sinews and bones. It is also astringent, which enable it to stabilize the Essence and thus the Kidneys. It is used here in a relatively large dosage.
Niu Xi is a deputy ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
2. Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Neutral
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
In general Niu Xi's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and relieves pain in the raw state. Tonic to the Liver and Kidneys and strengthens the bones and sinews. Reduces Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Regulates the flow of reckless Blood caused by either ascendant Liver Yang or Yin Deficient Fire."
In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it strengthens the sinews and bones in general, especially on the
lower back and knees.
Gou Qi Zi is a deputy ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
3. Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi)
Part used: Dried ripe fruit
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Gou Qi Zi nourishes the Liver and Kidneys. Together with the key herb, they supplement and stabilize the Essence and thereby help stop nocturnal and spontaneous emissions.
Tu Si Zi is a deputy ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
4. Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi)
Part used: Dried ripe seeds
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiverSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi nourishes the Liver and Kidneys. Together with the key herb, they supplement and stabilize the Essence and thereby help stop nocturnal and spontaneous emissions.
Fu Ling is an assistant ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
5. Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling)
Part used: Dried sclerotium
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLungSpleen
Category: Herbs that drain Dampness
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 Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it assists the Bladder's draining function. It leaches out any Dampness or turbidity in the body.
Chi Fu Ling is an assistant ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
6. Red Poria (Chi Fu Ling)
Part used: The outer red part of the dried sclerotium
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: Kidney
Category: Herbs that drain Dampness
In general Chi Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Removes Damp-Heat, regulates Water metabolism"
In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it assists the Bladder's draining function. It leaches out any Dampness or turbidity in the body.
Dang Gui is an assistant ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
7. Dong Quai (Dang Gui)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartLiverSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."
In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it helps the key and deputy herbs nourish the hair due to its effect on nourishing Liver Blood.
Bu Gu Zhi is an assistant ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
8. Psoralea Fruits (Bu Gu Zhi)
Part used: Dried ripe seeds
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: SpleenKidney
Category: Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Bu Gu Zhi is a warm herb to tonify the Yang. Thus it is added as an 'opposing assistant' to countereffect of the other Yin herbs of the formula.
9. Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma)
Part used: Dried seeds
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Laxative herbs that drain downward
In general Hei Zhi Ma's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Liver and Kidney Yin. Nourishes Blood. Lubricates the Intestines."
In the context of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, it is used because it is used to process some of the herbs to strengthen the Yin-nourishing properties of the formula.
Conditions and patterns for which Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan may be prescribed
It's important to remember that herbal formulas are meant to treat patterns, not "diseases" as understood in Western Medicine. According to Chinese Medicine patterns, which are disruptions to the body as a system, are the underlying root cause for diseases and conditions.
As such Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is used by TCM practitioners to treat three different patterns which we describe below.
But before we delve into these patterns here is an overview of the Western conditions they're commonly associated with:
Alopecia Premature graying of the hair Dental problems Impotence Infertility in male Hair loss Loose teeth Nocturnal emissions Spontaneous emissions Sore lower back Sore knees Weak lower back Weak knees
Again it wouldn't be correct to say "Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan treats alopecia" for instance. Rather, Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is used to treat patterns that are sometimes the root cause behind alopecia.
Now let's look at the three patterns commonly treated with Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan.
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney Essence Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Complete absence of coating
Tongue color: Pale
Symptoms: Deafness Tinnitus Hair loss Sterility Dizziness Sore back Weak Limbs Retardation Infertility Poor memory Loose teeth Hair Graying Blurred vision Absentmindness Mental dullness Lower back pain Premature aging Softening of bones Primary amenorrhoea Poor sexual ability Poor bone development Decreased mental sharpness Late closure of fontanelle Loss of hearing or deafness
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Kidney Essence Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as deafness, mental dullness, retardation and softening of bones. Patients with Kidney Essence Deficiency typically exhibit empty (Xu) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as Red and peeled tongue .
Kidney Essence (Jing 精) Deficiency usually involves Deficiency of Kidney Yin and, to some extent, Kidney Yang. Its signs manifest in relation to growth, development, reproduction, sexuality, bones, marrow, the brain, teeth, memory and hair.
Poor hereditary constitution in children, aging, excessive... read more about Kidney Essence Deficiency
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Blood Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Tongue color: Pale
Symptoms: Insomnia Dry hair Dry skin Pale lips Dizziness Amenorrhea Depression Joint pain Blurred vision Scanty periods Muscle weakness Floaters in eyes Tingling of limbs Dull-pale complexion Numbness in the limbs Dream disturbed sleep Feeling of aimlessness Diminished night vision Withered and brittle nails
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Liver Blood Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as blurred vision, dull-pale complexion, scanty periods and numbness in the limbs. Patients with Liver Blood Deficiency typically exhibit choppy (Se) or fine (Xi) pulses as well as Pale tongue, especially on the sides with thin, dry and white coating.
This pattern has all the general manifestation of the Blood Deficiency, such as dizziness, pale lips, dull pale face. The Liver stores Blood, that is the reason any Blood Deficiency often involves the Liver.
This pattern has an impact on areas the Liver relates to, such as the eyes, the sinews,... read more about Liver Blood Deficiency
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Complete absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
Tongue shape: Cracked
Symptoms: Anxiety Vertigo Itching Sweating Tinnitus Insomnia Dry hair Dry skin Back pain Tiredness Lassitude Dizziness Bone ache Sore back Dry mouth Depression Sore knees Weak knees Dry throat Dry tongue Dry stools Limbs pain Infertility Malar flush Poor memory Constipation Night sweats Little sperm Irritability Restlnessness Five palm heat Scanty periods Blurred vision Lower back pain Evening anxiety Weak lower back Feeling of heat Poor constitution Diminished hearing Nocturnal emissions Hot palms and soles Scanty dark urination Premature ejaculation Menopausal hot flushes Excessive sexual desire White vaginal discharge Dry mouth and throat at night Feeling of heat in the evening Low-grade fever in the afternoon Thirst with desire to drink in small sips
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Kidney Yin Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as sweating, back pain, diminished hearing and dry mouth and throat at night. Patients with Kidney Yin Deficiency typically exhibit rapid (Shu), empty (Xu) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as Red tongue without coating, cracked in severe cases.
This pattern often accompanies Kidney Essence Deficiency, as Kidney Yin includes Essence. When both element are depleted in the Kidneys, not enough Marrow is generated to fill the Brain, thus the symptoms of dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo and poor memory. The dizziness is mild and the tinnitus is... read more about Kidney Yin Deficiency
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