When the lower body lacks warmth

Sensitivity to cold, especially marked in the lower body, lower back and knees that tire quickly, heavy legs at the end of the day, deep-seated fatigue, a desire for warmth and hot drinks… In TCM, these signs may be associated with weakened Kidney Qi, whose Yang is no longer enough to warm and set things in motion. According to tradition, when this fire burns low, the Fluids circulate less well and Dampness lingers in the lower body.

Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan appeared around the year 200, at the end of the Eastern Han, in the Jin Gui Yao Lue (《金匮要略》) by Zhang Zhongjing (张仲景), under the shorter name Shen Qi Wan. The prefix Jin Gui, the “golden casket”, echoes the title of the work: it was added later to distinguish the classic formula from its many variants. It is the mother of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, which Qian Yi derived from it under the Song.

A small fire within a great reserve of Yin

Commentators all cite the same principle about it: seeking Yang within Yin (阴中求阳). Rehmannia, by far the highest-dosed herb, provides the reserve of Yin on which the Yang can rely; cinnamon twig, in a small amount, lights a moderate fire there, for according to the Su Wen, a small fire generates Qi. Our adapted version keeps it as the only hot herb, and pairs it with achyranthes and plantain seeds.

Tonifies Kidney Qi: Rehmannia, cornelian cherry and Chinese yam nourish the Kidney, Liver and Spleen: this is the foundation that tradition calls the “three that supplement”.

Gently warms the body: Cinnamon twig, warm and pungent, moves the Yang through the meridians and helps the Qi to transform. Its small amount is intentional: the aim is to kindle, not to stoke.

Helps transform Dampness: Poria, the second herb by dose, water plantain and plantain seeds help Dampness to transform, while tree peony bark tempers the heat.

Supports comfort in the lower back and knees: Achyranthes nourishes the Liver and Kidney and guides the formula’s action towards the lower body, where cold and heaviness are felt.