Du Qi Wan — Capital Qi Pill

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Du Qi Wan — the “Capital Qi Pill” — is a modification of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with Wu Wei Zi added, from the Qing-dynasty Yi Zong Ji Cheng. It addresses Lung-Kidney Qi deficiency where the Kidney fails to grasp Qi for inspiration: chronic wheezing or dyspnoea worse on exertion, more difficulty inhaling than exhaling, weak voice, fatigue on minimal activity. The classical TCM concept of “Kidney grasping Qi” describes the Kidney’s role in anchoring the descending phase of breathing; when depleted, the breath becomes shallow and the patient cannot “catch” their breath.

I prescribe Du Qi Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Du Qi Wan is prescribed for Kidney failing to grasp Qi (Lung-Kidney Qi deficiency):

• Wheezing or dyspnoea worse on exertion
• Difficulty inhaling, can exhale but not inhale fully
• Shortness of breath, weak voice
• Lower back ache, weak knees
• Spontaneous sweating with exertion
• Tongue — pale or red, possibly with peeled patches
• Pulse — thin, weak, especially in chi position

Key herbs

1. Shu Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae Preparata, 9–30g) — chief; tonifies Kidney Yin and Essence
2. Shan Zhu Yu (Fr. Corni, 6–12g) — tonifies Liver-Kidney; astringes
3. Shan Yao (Rz. Dioscoreae, 6–15g) — tonifies Spleen, Lung and Kidney
4. Fu Ling (Poria, 6–9g), Ze Xie (Rz. Alismatis, 6–9g), Mu Dan Pi (Cx. Moutan, 6–9g) — balance the nourishing herbs (Liu Wei core)
5. Wu Wei Zi (Fr. Schisandrae, 3–9g) — astringes Lung Qi; helps Kidney grasp Qi

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Lung and Kidney Yin
2. Helps the Kidney grasp Qi for inspiration
3. Astringes Lung Qi; stops wheezing

Conditions treated

1. Chronic asthma with Kidney failing to grasp Qi — see asthma
2. COPD with Lung-Kidney deficiency
3. Exercise-induced dyspnoea in older adults
4. Chronic dry cough with Yin deficiency
5. Post-COVID exertional dyspnoea with Lung-Kidney depletion
6. Pulmonary fibrosis with Yin-deficient pattern (adjunctive)

Cautions

Not appropriate for acute Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat asthma exacerbations, Phlegm-Damp patterns, or excess wheezing — this is for the deep deficiency root.

Severe acute asthma attack requires conventional emergency care — call 999 if the patient cannot complete sentences.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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