Gu Yin Jian — Astringe the Yin Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Gu Yin Jian — the “Astringe the Yin Decoction” — is from Zhang Jingyue’s Ming-dynasty Jing Yue Quan Shu. It addresses Kidney-Yin deficiency with failure to consolidate Essence — chronic leakage of fluids from the lower burner: persistent clear leucorrhoea, spermatorrhoea, mid-cycle spotting, urinary frequency, all on a background of Yin-deficient depletion. Distinguished from cold-deficient leakage by the presence of Heat signs (mild thirst, restlessness, red tongue).

I prescribe Gu Yin Jian as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Gu Yin Jian is prescribed for Kidney Yin deficiency with leakage of Essence/fluids:

• Persistent clear or sticky leucorrhoea
• Spermatorrhoea or nocturnal emissions
• Mid-cycle spotting
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Lower back ache, weak knees
• Five-palm Heat, mild night sweats
• Tongue — red with scant coat
• Pulse — thin, slightly rapid

Key herbs

1. Ren Shen (Rx. Ginseng, 3–9g) — tonifies Qi to support holding
2. Shu Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae Preparata, 9–30g) — nourishes Kidney Yin and Essence
3. Shan Yao (Rz. Dioscoreae, 9–15g) — tonifies Spleen and Kidney
4. Shan Zhu Yu (Fr. Corni, 6–12g) — tonifies Liver-Kidney; astringes Essence
5. Tu Si Zi (Sm. Cuscutae, 6–12g) — tonifies Kidney Yang and Essence; secures Essence
6. Wu Wei Zi (Fr. Schisandrae, 3–9g) — astringes Kidney; consolidates fluids
7. Zhi Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae Preparata, 3–6g) — harmonises
8. Yuan Zhi (Rx. Polygalae, 3–6g) — calms Shen

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Kidney Yin and Essence
2. Astringes leaking fluids from the lower burner
3. Calms Shen and stabilises the constitution

Conditions treated

1. Chronic clear / sticky leucorrhoea in Yin-deficient women
2. Spermatorrhoea or persistent nocturnal emission
3. Mid-cycle ovulation spotting with Yin-deficient pattern
4. Nocturia and frequent urination with Yin deficiency
5. Functional bladder leakage in Yin-deficient menopause
6. Subfertility with luteal phase defect and Yin-deficient pattern

Cautions

Not appropriate for Damp-Heat leucorrhoea (yellow, foul-smelling) — use Yi Huang Tang or similar instead.

Persistent abnormal vaginal discharge, mid-cycle bleeding or urinary symptoms warrant medical assessment to exclude infection, malignancy or hormonal causes.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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