The Efficacy, Function, and Applicable Population of Zuojin Pills

Jun 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Zuo Jin Wan is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, whose main ingredients include Coptis (Huang Lian) and Evodia (Wu Zhu Yu). It has functions and benefits such as clearing liver fire, soothing the liver and relieving depression, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, stopping vomiting, and relieving pain. It is suitable for individuals with liver fire invading the stomach, excessive liver and gallbladder fire, vomiting with acid regurgitation, indigestion, and those suffering from mouth ulcers. However, it should be noted that Zuo Jin Wan is a traditional Chinese medicine.

Zuo Jin Wan is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, with the main ingredients Coptis (Huang Lian) and Evodia (Wu Zhu Yu). It has various functions and therapeutic effects, including clearing liver fire, soothing the liver to relieve depression, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, harmonizing the stomach and lowering rebellious Qi, and regulating Qi to relieve pain. It is suitable for individuals with conditions such as liver fire invading the stomach, excessive fire in the liver and gallbladder, vomiting with acid regurgitation, indigestion, and oral ulcers. A detailed explanation is as follows:

I. Functions and Effects

1. Clearing Liver Fire

The Coptis component in Zuo Jin Wan has the effect of clearing heat and purging fire. It can be used to alleviate symptoms such as sore throat, oral ulcers, swollen and painful gums, and gastritis.

2. Soothing the Liver and Relieving Depression

The Evodia in Zuo Jin Wan helps soothe the liver and relieve emotional depression. It aids in regulating liver Qi, thereby improving the circulation of Qi and blood. It can be used to improve pain and other symptoms caused by liver Qi stagnation.

3. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Zuo Jin Wan contains Coptis, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, Zuo Jin Wan can be used to treat certain inflammatory diseases such as chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcers.

4. Harmonizing the Stomach and Lowering Rebellious Qi

Zuo Jin Wan can effectively act on the gastric mucosal system, regulate gastric acid secretion, and alleviate symptoms such as indigestion and vomiting caused by reduced gastric acid secretion, gastritis, or disharmony of the spleen and stomach.

5. Regulating Qi and Relieving Pain

The Evodia in Zuo Jin Wan also has the effect of warming the middle jiao and dispersing cold. It can provide some relief for pain caused by cold pathogens or liver Qi stagnation.

II. Suitable Populations for Zuo Jin Wan

1. Individuals with Liver Fire Invading the Stomach

These individuals may experience symptoms such as epigastric and hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, restlessness, vomiting of acidic fluid, etc. These symptoms are usually caused by excessive liver fire affecting the normal function of the stomach.

2. Individuals with Excessive Fire in the Liver and Gallbladder

These individuals may exhibit symptoms such as red eyes, irritability, and anger. These symptoms are typically caused by excessive fire in the liver and gallbladder, which affects the circulation of Qi and blood in the body.

3. Individuals with Vomiting and Acid Regurgitation

Vomiting and acid regurgitation are mainly caused by disharmony of the spleen and stomach, liver Qi invading the stomach, or dysregulation of gastric acid secretion. Zuo Jin Wan uses Coptis to clear stomach fire, reduce upward rushing Qi, and stop vomiting; Evodia soothes the liver to relieve depression, regulates Qi, and lowers rebellious Qi. The combination of these two herbs effectively harmonizes the liver and stomach, inhibits excessive gastric acid secretion, restores normal downward movement of stomach Qi, and thus alleviates symptoms of vomiting and acid regurgitation.

4. Individuals with Indigestion

The Coptis in Zuo Jin Wan can promote gastric juice secretion, enhance pepsin activity, and aid digestion. Evodia regulates gastrointestinal motility, promotes gastric emptying, and improves gastrointestinal motility. By enhancing the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, Zuo Jin Wan effectively reduces symptoms of indigestion such as abdominal distension and belching, helping patients restore normal digestive function.

5. Patients with Oral Ulcers

Zuo Jin Wan uses Coptis to clear heat and dampness, purge fire, and detoxify, thereby eliminating internal damp-heat at its source. Evodia helps direct the medicinal effect to the affected channels and harmonizes Qi circulation. It not only reduces local inflammatory responses and alleviates pain in oral ulcers but also improves the internal damp-heat environment, reducing the recurrence rate of oral ulcers.

However, it should be noted that Zuo Jin Wan, as a traditional Chinese medicine, should be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner and should not be taken blindly. Pregnant women, children, and patients with special medical histories should use it strictly under a doctor's supervision. During the course of treatment, avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, as they may interfere with the efficacy of the medication.

Related Articles

View All