Abstract: The samples for GFAAS analysis were pretreated by digesting with concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The best conditions were confirmed by the investigation of wavelength, spectral width, lamp-current, dry temperature, ashing temperature and atomization temperature, so the contents of Pb and Cd in Yin zhi huang injection and four medicinal materials were determined by GFAAS. 0.002% citric acid was used as matrix modifier to increase the ashing temperature, eliminate the background interference, improve the atomy absorption peak and enhance the sensitivity. The linear regression equation, the correlation coefficient and the detection limit are:A_Pb=0.003 3C+0.040 72, r_Pb=0.999 1, 4×10^-8 mg/L; A_Cb=0.088 9C+0.215 8, r_Cb=0.999 5, 2×10^-9 mg/L, respectively. The recoveries of this method are in a range of 99.0%~110%, with a RSD' value of less than 2.5%. This method is proved to be simple, rapid and high accuracy with satisfactory results, and it can provide a simple and reliable method for the determination of trace elements in the Chinese traditional medicine.