Zuo Gui Wan
Star左归丸 (Restore the Left [Kidney] Pill)
Source: Jing Yue Quan Shu — Zhang Jiebin (Ming, 1624)
Last updated July 22, 2026
Description
Zuo Gui Wan (Restore the Left [Kidney] Pill) is Zhang Jiebin's enriched Kidney Yin tonifying formula — a more intensive approach than Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. It removes the draining herbs from Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and adds more potent Yin and Essence tonics including Lu Jiao Jiao (deer antler glue) and Gui Ban Jiao (tortoise plastron glue). It is indicated for severe Kidney Yin and Essence deficiency.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shu Di Huang | 24g | 22.86% | Jun (Chief) | Strongly enriches Kidney yin and essence |
| Shan Yao | 12g | 11.43% | Chen (Deputy) | Tonifies the Spleen and Kidney, secures essence |
| Gou Qi Zi | 12g | 11.43% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes the Liver and Kidney, benefits essence and the eyes |
| Shan Zhu Yu | 12g | 11.43% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes the Liver and Kidney, astringes essence |
|
Gui Ban
Dissolve into the strained decoction.
|
12g | 11.43% | Zuo (Assistant) | Nourishes yin and fills essence (yin within yin) |
|
Lu Jiao
Dissolve into the strained decoction.
|
12g | 11.43% | Zuo (Assistant) | Tonifies essence and blood — seeks yin within yang |
| Tu Si Zi | 12g | 11.43% | Zuo (Assistant) | Tonifies the Kidney to reinforce the generation of yin |
| Chuan Niu Xi | 9g | 8.57% | Zuo (Assistant) | Strengthens the lower back and knees, directs the herbs downward |
Total weight: 75g
Preparation
Honey pills. Dissolve Lu Jiao Jiao and Gui Ban Jiao separately in warm water and take with the pills, or incorporate into honey pills.
Dosage
Pills: 9g twice daily with warm water. Long-term use is often appropriate for severe deficiency.
Conditions Addressed
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Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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