Zhu Sha An Shen Wan (Cinnabar Pill to Calm the Spirit)

Zhu Sha An Shen Wan (朱砂安神丸) heavily settles the spirit, clears Heart fire and nourishes the yin and blood; the classic formula for a restless spirit from Heart fire with blood/yin deficiency.

Zhū Shā Ān Shén Wán  ·  朱砂安神丸  ·  Cinnabar Pill to Calm the Spirit

English Name

Cinnabar Pill to Calm the Spirit

Classical Source

Yi Xue Fa Ming, 13th c.

Ingredients

Actions & Functions

  • Heavily settles and calms the spirit
  • Clears Heart fire and nourishes the yin and blood

Indications

Heart fire with yin/blood deficiency: severe irritability, palpitations, insomnia, and a restless, anxious spirit.

Tongue & Pulse

Tongue: red. Pulse: rapid.

Modifications

In modern practice, settling herbs such as Long Gu and Mu Li are substituted for cinnabar.

Cautions & Contraindications

Zhu Sha (mercuric sulfide) is toxic and legally restricted in many countries - use a cinnabar-free version; never use long-term.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Check Also

PubMed research

Tai Chi Improves Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease, Though Underlying Mechanisms Remain Preliminary

Research summary (Tai Chi): Tai Chi for improving motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients: a systematic review of mechanisms. - Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 2026.