This formula is for nocturnal emissions that are NOT accompanied by a dream. I know, it’s ironic, a wet dream, without the dream. To find a formula for nocturnal emissions WITH a dream, see the flow-chart graphic on nocturnal emissions.

Alternative Names

• Jin Suo Gu Jing Tang
• Golden Lock Essence-Securing Decoction
• Chin Suo Ku Ching Wan
• Golden Lock Essence-Securing Pill
• Golden Lock Pill for Consolidating the Essence
• Lotus Stamen Formula

About this formula: the mention of the “metal lock” in this formula’s name suggests that when something is open and leaking, this formula will close it up as securely as if held by a metal lock. Essence means male ejaculate. Stabilizing that essence with a metal lock means it addresses nocturnal emissions.

Some books talk about this formula treating “spermatorrhea” which is defined as addressing nocturnal emissions, but without accompanying dreams.

This formula is also prescribed for astringing urinary frequency or incontinence. Same problem, different symptom. Still all comes down to “securing the lower gate” which is to say the penis where both urine and ejaculate emerge.

For young men who are having lots of nocturnal emissions with dreams (or “wet dreams”), they might benefit from something that cools them off internally.  Check out your options on the nocturnal emissions page.

Ingredients

Sha Yuan Ji Li 沙苑蒺藜 milkvetch seed; astragalus seed, milk-vetch seed, milk vetch seed Semen Cuscutae Chinensis

Lian Zi 蓮子 lotus seed Nelumbinis Semen

• The two herbs listed above are seeds. This formula is for when a man’s seed starts leaking out. Seeds treat the seeds according to the Chinese medicine’s “doctrine of signatures”. We can apply the astringent action of these two seeds to frequent urination or urinary incontinence as well. Lian Zi also serves to “calm the heart”. Calming the heart is really good for when anxiety is aggravating the frequent urination or causing nocturnal emissions without a dream.

Qian Shi 芡實 euryale seeds Euryales Semen

• This herb supports the goals of the seeds in this formula. It’s astringent for things that are leaking out.

Mu Li 牡蠣 oyster shell Concha Ostreae

Long Gu 龍骨 dragon bone; fossilized vertebrae Os Draconis

• These two herbs are both heavy materials, calcium mostly. In this formula they’re actually “calcined” or baked. This promotes their astringent action for fluids that are leaking out. This works well for inappropriate sweating too. Because they’re both heavy minerals, they’re used to calm anxiety which often arises along side nocturnal emissions or premature ejaculation.

Jin Ying Zi 金櫻子 Cherokee rosehip Rosae laevigatae Fructus

• This herb is also called a sour cherry, which should give you a sense of how it looks and tastes. Sour has an astringent action such that it helps keep things from leaking out inappropriately. The fact that this is a “zi” or seed, suggests that it has an affinity for the “seed” of the body.

Suo Yang 鎖陽 fleshy stem of cynomorium Cynomorii Herba

• This is another herb who’s appearance gives some clue as to the structure that it most supports. Good for men (and presumably great for women!)