How Qian Jin Zhi Dai Wan Helps with Spleen and Kidney Deficiency: A TCM Guide for Women’s Health
Women’s physiological health, such as menstruation and leukorrhea, serves as an important indicator of overall health status.
In TCM theory, these phenomena are closely related to the body’s qi, blood, and organ functions, particularly the health of the spleen and kidneys.
BaoshuTang Qian Jin Zhi Dai Wan is a classic formula based on profound TCM principles, specifically designed to regulate menstrual disorders and morbid leukorrhea caused by spleen and kidney deficiency.
I. Theoretical Basis: Essence from Huangdi’s Canon of Medicine and Formula Design
Huangdi’s Canon of Medicine states: “The spleen is the foundation of acquired essence and the source of qi and blood transformation,” and “The kidney is the foundation of innate essence and governs reproduction.” The spleen is responsible for transporting and transforming nutrients, serving as a key organ in the generation of qi and blood.
The kidney stores essence and is closely linked to growth, development, and reproductive functions. If spleen and kidney functions are weak, the generation of qi and blood may be insufficient, leading to a lack of consolidation, which can result in menstrual irregularities, abnormal menstrual flow, and excessive, clear, watery leukorrhea in women.
The formulation of BaoshuTang Qian Jin Zhi Dai Wan deeply embodies the TCM principles of “strengthening the spleen, tonifying the kidney, regulating menstruation, and stopping leukorrhea”:
- Strengthening the spleen and benefiting qi, tonifying the kidney and consolidating essence: The chief herbs, such as Codonopsis Root and Processed Atractylodes Macrocephala, greatly tonify spleen qi, providing a source for qi and blood generation. Salted Eucommia Bark, Teasel Root, and Salted Psoralea Fruit warm and tonify kidney yang, consolidating kidney essence to fundamentally restore spleen and kidney functions.
- Nourishing blood and regulating menstruation, promoting qi flow to stop leukorrhea: Angelica Sinensis, White Peony Root, and Chuanxiong Rhizome are essential herbs for gynecological regulation, nourishing and invigorating blood. Vinegar-processed Cyperus Rotundus, Costus Root, Villous Amomum Fruit, Salted Fennel Fruit, and Vinegar-processed Corydalis Tuber promote qi flow, regulate the middle burner, and warm the lower abdomen, helping to restore normal menstruation and reduce abnormal leukorrhea.
- Clearing heat and astringing to address both root and symptoms: Cockscomb Flower, Processed Ailanthus Bark, and Calcined Oyster Shell have astringent properties to stop leukorrhea and consolidate essence. Indigo Naturalis clears heat and cools blood, targeting any potential damp-heat accumulation, achieving a balanced approach to treating both the root cause and symptoms.
II. The Name “Qian Jin”: Inheriting the Wisdom of TCM Gynecological Care
The term “Qian Jin” often evokes associations with the Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao’s masterpieces, Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold and A Supplement to Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold. These works emphasize that “human life is of utmost value, worth a thousand pieces of gold,” reflecting a deep respect for life and a high regard for the value of medicine. While Baoshu Tang Qian Jin Zhi Dai Wan is not directly derived from Sun Simiao’s formulas, its name conveys a profound appreciation for women’s health and the provision of high-value, clinically proven herbal remedies.
TCM gynecology has a long history, with generations of physicians accumulating rich experience in understanding and treating menstrual disorders and leukorrhea. Qian Jin Zhi Dai Wan draws on this invaluable heritage, skillfully combining various effective herbs to offer modern women a safe and reliable traditional conditioning solution.
III. Core Formula Logic: Harmonizing Spleen and Kidney, Treating Both Root and Symptoms
1. Traditional TCM Monarch-Minister-Assistant-Guide Combination Analysis
| Role | Main Herbs | Primary Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Monarch | Codonopsis Root, Processed Atractylodes Macrocephala, Salted Eucommia Bark, Teasel Root, Salted Psoralea Fruit | Greatly tonify spleen and kidney, benefit qi, and consolidate essence, serving as the core of the formula |
| Minister | Angelica Sinensis, White Peony Root, Chuanxiong Rhizome, Vinegar-processed Cyperus Rotundus | Assist the monarch herbs in nourishing blood, invigorating blood, and regulating qi to harmonize menstruation |
| Assistant | Astringent and stop leukorrhea: Cockscomb Flower, Processed Ailanthus Bark, Calcined Oyster Shell Warm the middle and promote qi flow: Costus Root, Villous Amomum Fruit, Salted Fennel Fruit, Vinegar-processed Corydalis Tuber Clear heat and resolve dampness: Indigo Naturalis |
Enhance the leukorrhea-stopping effect, regulate qi dynamics, and also clear damp-heat |
| Guide | Herbs like Vinegar-processed Cyperus Rotundus and Costus Root also act as guides | Direct the actions of all herbs to the appropriate meridians, harmonize properties, and ensure the formula’s effects reach the affected areas |
Note: All herbs and their processing methods comply with the standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition).
2. Modern Pharmacological Perspective (Selected Components)
| Role | Key Herbs | Modern Pharmacological Research Directions |
|---|---|---|
| Monarch | Codonopsis Root, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Eucommia Bark, Teasel Root, Psoralea Fruit | Enhance immune function, improve digestion and absorption, regulate endocrine balance, combat fatigue, and support bone health by providing trace elements |
| Minister | Angelica Sinensis, White Peony Root, Chuanxiong Rhizome, Cyperus Rotundus | Regulate uterine smooth muscle, improve blood circulation, exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and modulate estrogen levels to alleviate menstrual discomfort |
| Assistant | Cockscomb Flower, Ailanthus Bark, Calcined Oyster Shell, Villous Amomum Fruit, Fennel Fruit, Corydalis Tuber, Indigo Naturalis | Possess astringent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties; improve gastrointestinal function, relieve pain, and offer antioxidant and immune-modulating potential through certain components |
| Guide | Cyperus Rotundus, Costus Root | Promote absorption of other herbs and regulate gastrointestinal motility |
IV. Target Audience: Aimed at Subhealth Conditions Caused by Spleen and Kidney Deficiency
Baoshu Tang Qian Jin Zhi Dai Wan is primarily suitable for gynecological subhealth issues resulting from spleen and kidney deficiency:
1. Menstrual Disorders
- Symptoms: Irregular menstrual cycles (either early or delayed), abnormal flow; excessive menstrual volume with pale color and thin consistency, without clots.
- TCM Interpretation: Spleen deficiency fails to consolidate blood, and kidney deficiency impairs sealing and storage, leading to instability in the Chong and Ren channels.
2. Morbid Leukorrhea
- Symptoms: Significantly increased leukorrhea, with a white or clear, watery appearance and no obvious odor (distinguished from infectious leukorrhea).
- TCM Interpretation: Spleen deficiency impairs transportation, leading to undigested dampness accumulating in the uterus; or kidney deficiency weakens the Dai channel, failing to consolidate and retain.
3. Associated Systemic Symptoms
- Symptoms: Fatigue, lack of energy, easy fatigability; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, sometimes with pain; pale or sallow complexion lacking luster.
- TCM Interpretation: Dual deficiency of spleen and kidney results in insufficient qi and blood, failing to nourish the entire body and the lumbar region.
V. Safety Precautions: Scientific Usage and Health Considerations
1. Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments
- During medication, avoid raw, cold, spicy, or greasy foods to prevent interference with efficacy or exacerbation of dampness stagnation.
- Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid excessive fatigue to support the recovery of spleen and kidney functions.
2. Cautions and Contraindications
- Not suitable for use during colds or fever.
- Pregnant women, pre-pubertal girls, the elderly with weak constitutions, or those with severe chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease should use under medical supervision.
- If leukorrhea shows abnormal color or odor, or is accompanied by symptoms like vulvar itching, it may indicate other infections, and medical consultation is advised.
- If symptoms do not improve after one month of use, or if they worsen, discontinue use and consult a physician.
- Contraindicated in individuals allergic to this product; use with caution in those with allergic constitutions.
Warm Reminder: This is an over-the-counter medication. Please read the instructions carefully before use or consult a pharmacist for guidance. If you have any questions, seek advice from a healthcare professional.