Shuilu Erxian Pills: Treating Spermatorrhea, Enuresis, and Leukorrhea

Shuilu Erxian Dan (Two Terrestrials and Aquatics Immortal Elixir) originates from Hongshi Jiyan Fang, an empirical formula collected by the Song-dynasty physician Hong Zun. Its composition is Jinyingzi (Cherokee Rose Hips) and Qianshi (Gordon Euryale Seed), each in equal amounts. Boil the Jinyingzi into a decoction, grind the Qianshi into powder, and use the Jinyingzi decoction to bind the Qianshi powder into pills the size of a phoenix-tree seed. Take 50 pills each time, twice daily.

This formula supplements the kidney and secures essence. It is indicated for spermatorrhea, enuresis, and excessive leukorrhea. Both Jinyingzi and Qianshi in this formula are Chinese medicines with an astringing, securing, and antidiarrheal action; Jinyingzi is a classic medicine for frequent urination, spermatorrhea, and excessive leukorrhea. In rural areas children often eat Jinyingzi as a wild fruit; it tastes sweet and sour. Qianshi, also called jitoumi (chicken-head rice), is likewise both a medicine and a food.

The sugars, antioxidant components, natural plant active constituents, and tannins contained in Jinyingzi are thought to be related to its astringing and securing action. Jinyingzi appears in many TCM formulas for frequent urination and spermatorrhea, such as Biyuan Jian, Jinjie tablets, and Shenbao mixture. But TCM regards it as a tonic, suitable only for deficiency patterns; it is ineffective for frequent urination, leukorrhea, and spermatorrhea caused by excess-heat patterns, and may even worsen the condition.

Qianshi in this formula is also a commonly used medicine for enuresis, leukorrhea, and spermatorrhea. Because Qianshi grows in water while Jinyingzi grows on land, this formula composed of the two was named Shuilu Erxian Dan (Terrestrial and Aquatic Two Immortals Elixir).