Is Ba Zhi Shen Qi Wan harmful to the kidneys?
Disease description:
My spleen and stomach have never been in good condition, and I'm currently taking health-promoting pills to regulate them. Recently, I've noticed an increase in nighttime urination and some soreness in my lower back. Could this medication potentially harm the kidneys or affect overall health?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
In general, following medical advice when using Jianpi Pills does not cause significant harm to the kidneys.
Jianpi Pills are a traditional Chinese medicine formulation primarily used to treat symptoms such as spleen and stomach weakness and indigestion. Their main ingredients include herbs like Codonopsis root (Dang Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), and Poria (Fu Ling), which are known for strengthening the spleen, invigorating qi, drying dampness, and stopping diarrhea. Jianpi Pills mainly regulate the functions of the spleen and stomach and do not directly affect the kidneys. Under normal circumstances, if patients use Jianpi Pills correctly as directed by a physician, they typically do not cause noticeable harm to the kidneys.
However, if patients misuse Jianpi Pills—such as by taking excessive doses or using them long-term without medical supervision—the process of drug metabolism and excretion in the body involves the kidneys. Excessive or prolonged use may increase the burden on the kidneys and potentially lead to kidney damage. Therefore, patients are advised to consult a doctor before taking the medication and to use it correctly according to medical instructions.
In daily life, maintaining healthy habits such as drinking adequate water, eating a balanced diet, and keeping regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "作息" here, but the exact English equivalent depends on context; likely meaning "rest and activity patterns" or "regular作息 habits") can also help protect kidney health.
