Chinese: 左归丸
Pinyin: Zuǒ Guī Wán
Other names: Restore the Left (Kidney) Pill
Chinese: 左归丸
Pinyin: Zuǒ Guī Wán
Other names: Restore the Left (Kidney) Pill
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: InfertilityHypertensionLumbar strain and six other conditions
Contraindications: Contraindicated for patterns without any signs of Excess Heat such as a yellow... 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. see more
Source date: 1624 AD
Source book: Collected Treatises of (Zhang) Jing Yue
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.
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.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the eight ingredients in Zuo Gui Wan, we review the patterns and conditions that Zuo Gui Wan helps treat.
Shu Di huang is a king ingredient in Zuo Gui Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
Part used: Prepared dried root tuber
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
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.
Gou Qi Zi is a deputy ingredient in Zuo Gui Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
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 Blood. Together with Shan Zhu Yu, they work synergistically with the chief herb Shu Di huang.
Shan Zhu Yu is a deputy ingredient in Zuo Gui Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
Part used: Dried ripe sarcocarp
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sour
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Herbs that stabilize and bind
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).
Shan Yao is a deputy ingredient in Zuo Gui Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
Part used: Dried rhizome
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLungSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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.
Lu Jiao Jiao is a deputy ingredient in Zuo Gui Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
Part used: The horn (antlers) of the animal
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
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.
Gui Ban is a deputy ingredient in Zuo Gui Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
Part used: Carapace and plastron
Nature: Cool
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
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.
Niu Xi is an assistant ingredient in Zuo Gui Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Neutral
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Niu Xi augments the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens the back and knees, as well as builds the sinews and bones.
Tu Si Zi is an assistant ingredient in Zuo Gui Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
Part used: Dried ripe seeds
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiverSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi tonifies the Kidney Yin and Yang and secures the Essence, supporting the overall action of the formula in a balanced manner.
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 Zuo Gui Wan is used by TCM practitioners to treat six 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:
Irregular menstruation Abnormal vaginal discharge Abnormal uterine bleeding Intermenstrual bleeding Chronic bronchitis Chronic nephritis Hypertension Lumbar strain Infertility
Again it wouldn't be correct to say "Zuo Gui Wan treats irregular menstruation" for instance. Rather, Zuo Gui Wan is used to treat patterns that are sometimes the root cause behind irregular menstruation.
Now let's look at the six patterns commonly treated with Zuo Gui Wan.
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
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
Zuo Gui Wan 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
'Deficient' as a body pattern in Chinese Medicine is one of the so-called "Eight Principles". Learn more about Deficiency / Empty in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Red
Symptoms: Jumpy Thirst Anxiety Insomnia Weakness Thin body Dizziness Headaches Dry cough Dry stools Poor memory Malar flush Night sweats Irritability Flushed nose Restlessness Five palm heat Nocturnal emissions Sore throat at night Scanty dark urination Dry mouth and throat at night Desire to drink in small sips Low-grade fever in the afternoon Pain relieved by pressure and cold
Zuo Gui Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Yin Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as five palm heat, thin body, sore throat at night and thirst. Patients with Yin Deficiency typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or empty (Xu) pulses as well as Red or normal color without coating or with a thin shiny tongue body.
In the case of Yin Deficiency, the body is lacking in its cooling, moistening and nurturing aspects. This leads to Heat and Dryness accompanied by weakness and lack of strength and resistance. The Heat of the Yang gets more obvious because Yin is lacking and it cannot control Yang. Fire gets out of... read more about Yin Deficiency
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
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
Zuo Gui Wan 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
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Partial absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
Symptoms: Tics Vertigo Fatigue Tinnitus Insomnia Dry eyes Dry hair Dry skin Dizziness Dry mouth Sore back Headaches Dry throat Dry vagina Dry stools Amenorrhea Joint pain Infertility Hot flushes Night sweats Blurred vision Scanty periods Delayed period Excessive tear Lower back pain Lightheadedness Afraid of light Tingling of limbs Diminished hearing Vertical headaches Occipital headaches Nocturnal emissions Chronic sore throat Hot palms and soles Numbness in the limbs Withered and brittle nails Heat in vaginal and vulvar Feeling of heat in the afternoon Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions Soreness and weakness in the lower back
Zuo Gui Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, diminished hearing and lower back pain. Patients with Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency typically exhibit empty (Xu) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as Normal-coloured without coating or with rootless coating.
The Liver stores Blood while the Kidneys store Essence.
Liver Blood depends on Essence for nourishment, while Essence depends on Blood for replenishment. Both have a common source: Grain Qi derived from the Spleen. In terms of Five Elements, the Kidneys nourish the Liver.
A long term Liver Blood... read more about Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
Symptoms: Tinnitus Back pain Knee pain Dizziness Sore back Pale face Cold limbs Weak knees Amenorrhea Late period Malar flush Night sweats Restlessness Scanty periods Feeling of cold Frequent urination Pale menstrual blood Thin and watery periods Feeling of heat in the evening
Zuo Gui Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Kidney-Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as scanty periods, pale menstrual blood, back pain and knee pain. Patients with Kidney-Deficiency typically exhibit deep (Chen) or weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Fine (Xi), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Complete absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
Symptoms: Tinnitus Dizziness Back pain Dark Urine Night sweats
Zuo Gui Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood. This pattern leads to symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, night sweats and back pain. Patients with Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood typically exhibit rapid (Shu), empty (Xu), fine (Xi) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as a red tongue with complete absence of coating.
Learn more about Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood
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