ZHI BAI DI HUANG WAN

Yin-Nourishing, Heat-Clearing Formula – Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire

Kidney Yin–Nourishing • Deficiency Heat–Clearing • Empty Fire–Draining Formula

Symptoms

Tongue: red with little or no coating
Pulse: thin and rapid

Night sweats

Tidal or afternoon fever

Heat in the palms, soles, or chest,

Dry mouth or throat, lower back soreness,

Dark or scanty urine

Dizziness

Tinnitus

Insomnia

Restlessness

Ingredients

Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata)  

Raw Herbs: 24g          Granulates 27.6g

Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus)           

Raw Herbs: 12g          Granulates 13.8g                     

Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma)       

Raw Herbs: 12g          Granulates 13.8g                    

Fu Ling (Poria)                         

Raw Herbs: 9g          Granulates 10.4g                            

Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex)   

Raw Herbs: 9g          Granulates 10.3g                                

Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma)     

Raw Herbs: 9g          Granulates 10.3g                             

Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma)     

Raw Herbs: 6g          Granulates 6.9g                    

Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex)               

Raw Herbs: 6g          Granulates 6.9g           

Posology

Granules 
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water

Raw Plants
Boil in 1000 or 1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan is a refined evolution of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, enhanced to address more pronounced deficiency Heat. At its core, the formula nourishes Kidney Yin to restore the body’s foundational cooling and moistening functions, while simultaneously draining empty Fire that arises when Yin fails to anchor Yang.

Shu Di Huang serves as the chief herb, deeply replenishing Kidney Yin, Essence, and Blood. Its rich, nourishing nature restores the body’s depleted fluids and anchors flaring Yang. Shan Zhu Yu stabilizes and binds the Kidneys, preventing further leakage of Essence and supporting Yin retention, while Shan Yao strengthens the Spleen and Kidney, ensuring that nourishment is both generated and sustained.

The classic balancing trio of Fu Ling, Mu Dan Pi, and Ze Xie ensures that nourishment does not lead to stagnation. Fu Ling supports digestion and gently drains Dampness, Mu Dan Pi clears lurking deficiency Heat from the Blood level, and Ze Xie guides excess Heat and turbidity downward through the urinary system.

The distinguishing feature of this formula lies in Zhi Mu and Huang Bai. Zhi Mu enriches Yin while clearing deficiency Heat from the upper and middle burners, protecting fluids and relieving dryness. Huang Bai strongly drains empty Fire from the lower burner, targeting Heat symptoms such as night sweats, tidal fever, and dark urine. Together, they form a powerful pair that clears Heat without damaging Yin.

Overall, the formula restores equilibrium by nourishing what is deficient while clearing what is falsely excessive, making it especially effective for chronic Yin depletion with pronounced Heat signs.

Contraindications

Not suitable for pure Yang deficiency or Cold patterns.

Use cautiously in individuals with weak digestion or Spleen deficiency, as the formula is rich and cloying.

Dosage should be reduced or discontinued once Heat signs have resolved to avoid over-cooling.