LIU WEI DI HUANG TANG

Kidney & Liver Yin Tonic • Essence-Nourishing • Deficiency Heat Regulation

Classical formula designed to nourish Kidney and Liver Yin while maintaining balanced fluid metabolism. It supports Essence, replenishes depleted Yin, and gently regulates internal heat that arises from deficiency.

Symptoms

Lower back and knee weakness

Dizziness

Tinnitus

Diminished hearing

Night sweats

Spontaneous or nocturnal emissions

Fatigue

Additional signs may include:  Hot palms and soles, sore throat, toothache, wasting-thirsting patterns, or a sensation of internal heat.

Tongue: Red with little or no coating
Pulse: Thin, rapid, or deficient

Ingredients

Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 

Raw Herbs 30g Granulates 27.3g

Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus) 

Raw Herbs 20g Granulates 18.2g

Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs 15g Granulates 13.7g

Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 

Raw Herbs 15g Granulates 13.6g

Fu Ling (Poria)

Raw Herbs 15g Granulates 13.6g

Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs 15g Granulates 13.6g

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

This formula is a foundational prescription for Kidney and Liver Yin deficiency, classically known as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. In this pattern, Yin is insufficient to nourish the marrow, Blood, and sensory organs, leading to weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, and diminished hearing. As Yin declines, Yang becomes relatively excessive, giving rise to deficiency Heat manifestations such as night sweats, dryness, and internal agitation.

Shu Di Huang serves as the chief herb, deeply nourishing Kidney Yin, Essence, and marrow. It replenishes the foundational substances required for growth, regeneration, and neurological and sensory function, addressing the root of deficiency.

Shan Zhu Yu and Shan Yao act as deputies that stabilise and secure the Essence while supporting Liver and Spleen function. Shan Zhu Yu prevents excessive leakage of Essence and supports the Liver’s storage function, while Shan Yao strengthens the Spleen, ensuring that postnatal Qi can continue to nourish pre-heaven Essence.

The assistant herbs — Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi, and Fu Ling — are critical for maintaining balance. Ze Xie drains excess Ministerial Fire from the Kidneys and promotes fluid movement, preventing cloying from Shu Di Huang. Mu Dan Pi cools deficiency Heat and regulates Blood, ensuring that nourishment does not generate stagnation. Fu Ling supports the Spleen and drains Dampness, promoting healthy fluid metabolism and protecting digestion during long-term use.

Together, the formula exemplifies the classical principle of “tonifying while regulating”, enriching Yin without trapping Heat or Dampness. It restores internal balance, supports Essence and marrow, and gently resolves deficiency Heat, making it suitable for chronic and age-related depletion patterns.

Contraindications

Not indicated for pure Yang deficiency or pronounced Cold patterns

Use with caution in individuals with weak digestion or significant Dampness

Adjust or discontinue once deficiency Heat signs have resolved