Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan (金锁固精丸) — Golden Lock Pill to Secure Essence

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan (Golden Lock Pill) is the classical Chinese herbal formula for Kidney Qi deficiency with non-retention of Essence — used for chronic spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emission and chronic urinary frequency in deficient constitutions. First recorded in Wang Ang's Yi Fang Ji Jie (1682), it combines Kidney-astringing herbs (Sha Yuan Zi, Qian Shi, Lian Zi) with the heavy mineral anchors Long Gu and Mu Li to settle the Shen and seal leakage. Contraindicated in Damp-Heat patterns and acute infection.

On this page

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

What is Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan?

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan — Golden Lock Pill to Secure Essence — is a classical Qing dynasty formula from Wang Ang’s Yi Fang Ji Jie (1682). It is one of the most widely used formulas in Chinese herbal medicine for Kidney Qi deficiency unable to retain Essence, classically presenting with spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation and chronic urinary leak in deficient constitutions.

I prescribe Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan TCM pattern

Prescribed for Kidney Qi deficiency with non-retention of Essence: chronic spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation, urinary frequency, lower-back ache, weak knees, fatigue^[9], possible tinnitus, a pale tongue with a thin coat and a deep weak pulse.

Key herbs

1. Sha Yuan Zi (Sm. Astragali Complanati, 10-60g) — chief herb; tonifies Kidney and astringes Essence
2. Qian Shi (Sm. Euryales, 5-60g) — tonifies Kidney and Spleen, astringes Essence
3. Lian Xu (Stamen Nelumbinis, 5-60g), Lian Zi (Sm. Nelumbinis, 3-15g) — astringe Essence
4. Long Gu (Fried Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, 2.5-30g), Mu Li (Calcined Concha Ostreae, 3-30g) — settle the Shen and astringe leakage

Formula actions

1. Tonifies the Kidney
2. Secures and astringes Essence
3. Calms the Shen and prevents leakage

Conditions treated

1. Chronic spermatorrhoea and nocturnal emission
2. Premature ejaculation in deficient constitutions
3. Chronic urinary frequency and dribbling incontinence with deficiency
4. Chronic prostatorrhoea
5. Selected presentations of post-radiotherapy urinary leakage

Cautions

Contraindicated in Damp-Heat or Heart-Fire patterns of spermatorrhoea, acute prostatitis and urinary tract infection. Best used as a maintenance formula in chronic deficiency; not appropriate when an excess pathogen needs to be cleared first.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.

Frequently asked questions about Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan

What is Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan used for?

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan (Golden Lock Pill) is used for Kidney Qi deficiency with non-retention of Essence — classically chronic spermatorrhoea, nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation in deficient constitutions, chronic urinary frequency and dribbling incontinence, and selected presentations of post-radiotherapy urinary leakage. The pattern requires a deficient picture with a pale tongue and a deep weak pulse; it is the wrong formula when Damp-Heat or acute infection is present.

How does Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan work?

The formula works by simultaneously tonifying the Kidney and astringing leakage. Sha Yuan Zi tonifies Kidney Yang and astringes Essence; Qian Shi and Lian Zi tonify both Kidney and Spleen while astringing leakage; Long Gu (fossilised bone) and Mu Li (oyster shell) anchor the Shen and prevent the leakage of Yin and Essence. This dual tonify-and-astringe action is what defines “Gu” (securing) formulas in classical Chinese herbal medicine.

How long does Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan take to work?

For chronic deficient-pattern spermatorrhoea or premature ejaculation, expect 6–12 weeks of daily granule treatment before clear improvement. Kidney-tonifying formulas work slowly — they rebuild the underlying constitution rather than masking symptoms. Full courses are typically 3–6 months, often combined with acupuncture and lifestyle changes (adequate sleep, reduced sexual frequency, regular gentle exercise).

Is Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan safe?

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan is well tolerated when prescribed by a qualified RCHM herbalist for the appropriate pattern. It is contraindicated in Damp-Heat or Heart-Fire patterns of spermatorrhoea, in acute prostatitis or urinary tract infection, and in any acute excess pattern that needs clearing rather than astringing. Long Gu and Mu Li are mineral substances that occasionally cause mild epigastric heaviness in patients with weak digestion.

Can Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan be used for premature ejaculation?

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan is one of the principal classical Chinese herbal formulas for premature ejaculation when the pattern is Kidney Qi deficiency with non-retention — typically accompanied by lower-back ache, weak knees, fatigue and a deep weak pulse. It is not appropriate for premature ejaculation driven by Liver Fire, Damp-Heat or pure psychological anxiety^[4], which need different formulas. A qualified RCHM herbalist will diagnose the pattern before prescribing.

References

[4] Lin Y, Cai S, Wang T, Zhuang T, Huang T, Yu X, et al. Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Xiao Yao San as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:1319592. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1319592. PMID: 35432568.

[9] Wang YY, Li XX, Liu JP, Luo H, Ma LX, Alraek T. Traditional Chinese medicine for chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Aug;22(4):826-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2014.06.004. PMID: 25146086.