What Chinese patent medicine is best for urinary incontinence?
Generally, urinary incontinence is often related to factors such as deficiency of kidney qi or spleen deficiency with sinking qi. Patients may follow medical advice to use traditional Chinese patent medicines like Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, Suo Quan Wan, Sang Piao Xiao San, and Yi Qi Gu Shen Capsules for treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Jin Kui Kidney Qi Pills)
Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan uses processed aconite root (Fu Zi) and cinnamon bark (Rou Gui) to warm and tonify kidney yang, while rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang) and cornus fruit (Shan Zhu Yu) nourish kidney yin, thus addressing both root and branch. When kidney yang is sufficient, the bladder's transformation function normalizes and can effectively control urination. It is suitable for frequent urination and nocturnal enuresis caused by kidney yang deficiency.
2. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen-Qi-Tonifying Pills)
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan contains astragalus (Huang Qi), codonopsis (Dang Shen), and other ingredients that strengthen the spleen, boost qi, and lift sunken organs. Spleen deficiency with sinking qi leads to weakened urinary control; this formula enhances spleen and lung qi, thereby improving the body’s ability to retain urine. It is effective for stress urinary incontinence due to qi deficiency, such as urine leakage during coughing or laughing.
3. Suo Quan Wan (Urine-Consolidating Pills)
Suo Quan Wan consists of alpinia oxyphylla fruit (Yi Zhi Ren), lindera root (Wu Yao), and Chinese yam (Shan Yao), specifically formulated to warm the kidneys, dispel cold, and reduce urinary frequency or bedwetting. Yi Zhi Ren warms the kidneys and consolidates essence, Wu Yao warms the bladder and dispels cold, while Shan Yao strengthens the spleen and benefits the kidneys. It is suitable for clear, copious urine and incontinence due to unstable kidney qi.
4. Sang Piao Xiao San (Ant Bed Nucleus Powder)
Sang Piao Xiao San uses Toxoides sinensis (Sang Piao Xiao) as the principal herb to tonify the kidneys and consolidate essence, preventing urinary leakage. It is combined with dragon bone (Long Gu) and oyster shell (Mu Li) to enhance astringent effects, and with ginseng (Ren Shen) and poria (Fu Ling) to invigorate qi and strengthen the spleen. This formula is indicated for urinary incontinence due to dual deficiency of heart and kidney with loss of urinary control, often accompanied by palpitations and insomnia.
5. Yi Qi Gu Shen Capsules
Yi Qi Gu Shen Capsules contain epimedium (Yin Yang Huo), astragalus (Huang Qi), polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu), and other ingredients that tonify qi and strengthen the kidneys. By enhancing kidney qi and improving the function of the bladder sphincter, it alleviates symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, and urinary incontinence due to kidney deficiency—particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly patients.
In daily life, avoid holding urine and maintain regular bladder training. Reduce intake of diuretic beverages such as coffee and strong tea. Perform appropriate pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegel exercises, to help relieve symptoms of urinary incontinence and promote recovery.