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Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (六味地黃丸), ‘Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill’, is the foundational formula for nourishing the yin of the Kidney and Liver, with a balanced design of ‘three tonifying and three draining’ herbs.
English Name
Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill
Classical Source
Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue (Craft of Medicinal Treatment for Childhood Disease), 1119
Ingredients
- Shu Di Huang (prepared rehmannia) 24g – chief
- Shan Zhu Yu (cornus) 12g & Shan Yao (Chinese yam) 12g – deputies (tonify)
- Ze Xie 9g, Mu Dan Pi 9g, Fu Ling 9g – assistants (drain)
Actions & Functions
- Nourishes and enriches the yin of the Kidney and Liver
Indications
Kidney and Liver yin deficiency: sore, weak lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, night sweats, nocturnal emission, and afternoon flushes; also a common base for yin-deficiency conditions.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: red with little coat. Pulse: thin and rapid.
Modifications
Add Zhi Mu and Huang Bai (Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan) for marked deficiency fire; add Gou Qi Zi and Ju Hua (Qi Ju Di Huang Wan) for the eyes; add Wu Wei Zi for Lung-Kidney deficiency.
Cautions & Contraindications
Cloying; use with caution in Spleen deficiency with poor appetite, loose stools and much damp.
