Kidney Tonifying Pill

Kidney Tonifying Pill

From “Experienced Recipes”

[Composition] 30 grams of Huang Qi, 30 grams of Shan Yao, 60 grams of Yin Yang Huo, 10 grams of Gui Zhi, 15 grams of Po Gu Zhi, 15 grams of Wu Wei Zi, 60 grams of Xian Mao, 15 grams of Ba Ji Tian, 15 grams of Du Zhong, 30 grams of Lu Rong, 15 grams of Gou Qi Zi, 15 grams of Dang Gui, 10 grams of Fu Pi, 15 grams of Sheng Di.

[Usage] Make pills with honey, size like walnuts, take twice daily, 6 grams each time; or prepare as a decoction.

[Indications] Kidney Yang Deficiency, Weakness of the Sexual Gate.

[Suitable Symptoms] Lower back pain and leg coldness, impotence and nocturnal emission, a weak and deep pulse at the wrist.

[Functions] Warm the Kidneys and strengthen Yang.

[Formula Explanation] When Kidney Yang is deficient, dizziness and tinnitus, lower back pain and leg coldness may occur; when the Sexual Gate is weak, impotence and nocturnal emission may develop. Kidney Yang Deficiency is the root cause, while Weakness of the Sexual Gate is the manifestation. Following the principle of treating the root cause first, this formula focuses on warming the Kidneys and strengthening Yang; the Sexual Gate will naturally stabilize, and the various symptoms will be completely alleviated. The deer antler, born from the top of young male deer, uniquely absorbs the Yang Qi of Heaven and Earth—this substance greatly nourishes Original Yang, possessing the strongest power and serving as the primary herb. Ba Ji Tian, Xian Mao, Yin Yang Huo, Rou Cong Rong, Gui Zhi, Fu Pi, Po Gu Zhi, Du Zhong—these warming herbs for Kidney Yang work together to assist the deer antler as an auxiliary herb. Qi is the commander of Blood, and Blood is the mother of Qi; in this formula, Shan Yao and Huang Qi nourish Qi, while Gou Qi Zi, Dang Gui, and Sheng Di nourish Blood, all serving as complementary treatments. Wu Wei Zi and Yin Yang Huo act as a balance between Qi and Blood, facilitating the movement of Yang—restoring Kidney Yang is the ultimate goal.

[Clinical Additions and Subtractions] For lower back pain, add Chuan Duan and Ji Sheng; for palpitations, add Sheng Long Mu; for insomnia, add Ye Jiao Teng and He Huan Pi; for long-term impotence, add Si Jun Zi Tang; for Yin Deficiency with Hot Flashes, add Zhi Mu.

[Commentary] This formula is widely circulated in rural and urban areas of Gansu Province, and it has proven effective for treating Kidney Deficiency, Impotence, and other related conditions.

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Chapter Eleven: Heavy-Weighted Remedies for Calming the Mind

The Classic of Internal Medicine states: “The Heart is the Lord of all things, and its spirit is the source of all clarity.” When Heart Qi is deficient, the mind cannot remain stable; when Heart Yin is deficient, excessive Fire rises to the surface. At this point, symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, burning heat in the chest, restless sleep, even panic and wandering thoughts may appear. The Classic of Internal Medicine says: “When high energies are suppressed,” this is the fundamental principle for treating this condition. Metals, stones, and minerals—those with heavy, sinking qualities—“heavy weights can calm fear.” By administering these remedies, excessive Fire can be calmed, and the mind can find peace. Accordingly, later generations came to collectively refer to formulas whose main components are metals, stones, and minerals, aiming to nourish the Heart and calm the Mind. This category of remedies has a broad range of applications; Li Shizhen said: “There are four types of heavy-weighted remedies: when one is frightened and the spirit flies about, as if losing one’s sense of self; when anger rises and Liver Fire becomes intense, causing madness and violent anger, use realgar and iron powder to calm the Liver; when the mind is lost and prone to fear, with confusion and forgetfulness, use cinnabar or purple quartz to calm the Heart; when fear causes Qi to descend and the spirit to lose control, as if someone is about to be captured, use magnetite and agarwood to calm the Kidneys. In general, heavy-weighted remedies suppress floating Fire and bring down phlegm and saliva—not only treating fear. Therefore, for conditions such as dizziness and vertigo caused by wind, epilepsy, coughing with phlegm, persistent vomiting, and even nausea, all caused by floating Fire and phlegm, heavy-weighted remedies are ideal for bringing them down.” (Compendium of Materia Medica)

Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang

From “Treatise on Cold Damage”

[Composition] 12 grams of Chai Hu (four liang), 12 grams of Huang Qin, 10 grams each of Ren Shen, Sheng Jiang, Fu Ling, Qian Dan, Gui Zhi, Long Gu, and Mu Li, 6 grams of Da Huang (two liang), 6 grams of Ban Xia (one he), and six dates.

[Usage] First, decoct all herbs, then add Da Huang, bring to a gentle boil, remove the residue, and take. If there is no Qian Dan, use raw iron filings instead.

[Indications] Triple Yang Syndrome, when Yang Overflows and the Spirit Fears.

[Suitable Symptoms] After eight or nine days of Cold Damage, with chest fullness, restlessness, difficulty urinating, delirium, a heavy body throughout the body, unable to turn over, and a tense pulse.

[Functions] Clear the Triple Yang, calm the heaviness and calm the mind.

[Formula Explanation] After eight or nine days of Cold Damage, with a heavy body and inability to turn over, the Sun is not yet resolved; chest fullness and restlessness, a tense pulse—these indicate that Shaoyang has an evil presence; difficulty urinating and delirium—this indicates that Heat has entered Yangming. Since all three Yangs are affected, it is called Triple Yang Syndrome, and the prominent symptoms are restlessness, delirium, and fever—these are signs of Yang Overlapping and the Spirit Fearing. Gui Zhi disperses evil in the Sun; Chai Hu and Huang Qin resolve evil in Shaoyang; Da Huang acts as a bitter purgative, clearing Heat in Yangming—these four herbs together fulfill the great task of clearing the Triple Yang, and together they serve as the main herbs. Long Gu, Mu Li, and Qian Dan—these stones are heavy-weighted remedies for calming the Spirit—acting as auxiliary herbs. “Where evil gathers, its Qi must be deficient.” Ren Shen and Fu Ling strengthen the Spleen and nourish Qi as complementary treatments; Ban Xia descends rebellious Qi and clears phlegm as a complementary treatment. Sheng Jiang’s pungent flavor regulates the defensive Qi in the exterior; the dates’ sweet flavor harmonizes the Qi in the interior; the two herbs harmonize the Qi and the Defense, balancing the interior and exterior—this is the foundation for calming the Spirit.

[Clinical Additions and Subtractions]

① For excessive Liver Fire: add Xia Ku Cao, Long Dan Cao, etc., to clear the heat and stagnation in the Liver Meridian; or add Bai Shao, Gui Bang, etc., to soothe the Liver and ease tension.

② For Yangming Heat or severe mania: use large amounts of Da Huang, or reduce the amount of Ren Shen; when the overall situation is already subdued, use less Da Huang or omit it altogether.

③ For stubborn blood stasis and phlegm buildup: increase the amount of Da Huang, Tao Ren, Bai Jie Zi, Wu Ling Zhi, and Quan Xie; or add Ming Fan, Lan Shi, and Tie Luo to bring down phlegm and calm the Spirit.

④ For restlessness and worry: add Cinnabar, Ye Jiao Teng, Zao Ren, and Yuan Zhi.

⑤ If there are no signs of Chai Hu syndrome, remove Chai Hu and do not use it. If there is no phlegm or fluid retention, consider other formulas; however, such phlegm buildup often lacks obvious signs, so try using this formula for two or three doses. If no improvement is seen after taking the medicine, switch to another method.

⑥ Once the palpitations have settled, remove Da Huang; or continue with Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, adding Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi, and Long Chi, to soothe the Liver Meridian and calm the Spirit.

[Reference Materials]

① “In this case, the Hand Shaoyin Heart is driven by evil, causing the spirit to become chaotic and leading to delirium; compared to other cases where delirium is caused by stomach heat, the differences are profound. If one were to treat it with methods targeting the Foot Meridians, there would be no hope. The formula contains nine herbs, with five herbs used for the Heart—this is not redundant; moreover, three bitter herbs are used, not too harsh. When the capital is shaken, one must exert all efforts to rescue, not relying solely on chance. As for phlegm and fluid passing through the diaphragm, which are the most difficult to treat, use Ban Xia alone; when external evil invades the interior, and the initial symptoms are difficult to identify, use Gui Zhi and Chai Hu as examples; when Yang evil enters Yin, it is best to quickly expel it—use Da Huang alone. This is precisely where the core of treating Cold Damage lies, and the second priority is to treat the Heart—after all, this is how we conclude the case. How could anyone recognize such subtle nuances?” (Complete Formulas for Use)

② Chen ××, female, 11 years old, tall and slender, resembling a 14- or 15-year-old, with a rather irritable temperament. According to her family’s account: in recent years, she often woke up in the middle of the night with nightmares, or when going out, she would cry out in terror without any dreams, and even at midnight, she would scream and wake up. Otherwise, she was just like any other person. Prescription: 8 fen each of Chai Hu, Gui Zhi, and Long Dan Cao, 1 qian each of Huang Qin and Ban Xia, 3 qian each of Fu Ling and Long Gu, 5 fen each of Guang Dan and Da Huang, 4 qian of Mu Li, 3 slices of Sheng Jiang, and 3 dates. After two doses, the illness was cured; after ten doses, she has not experienced any episodes for months. (Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1964.7:19)

③ Sun ××, male, 32 years old. Usually quiet and reserved, but recently, due to mental stress, he even stayed awake all night, and soon after, he lost his sense of identity, didn’t recognize people, couldn’t find his way home, crossed ditches, waded through water, became silent and dazed, didn’t know when he was hungry, spoke to himself, cried and laughed for no reason. Western medical diagnosis: “Schizophrenia.” Prescription: 4 qian of Chai Hu, 4 qian of Dang Shen, 4 qian of Huang Qin, 4 qian of Fu Ling, 2 qian of Sheng Da Huang (added later), 3 qian of Chang Pu, 3 qian of Yu Jin, 3 qian of Tian Zhu Huang, 3 qian of Sheng Long Gu, 3 qian of Sheng Mu Li, 3 qian of Sheng Jiang, 5 fen of Cinnabar (mixed in), 5 fen of Amber (mixed in), taken as a decoction. Added acupuncture at Shaoshang, plus moxibustion. Adjusting the formula based on the patient’s condition, after 27 doses, the illness stabilized; after three months of medication and recovery, he returned to work, and to this day, he has not relapsed. (Hebei New Medical University: “Eighty Cases of Traditional Chinese Medicine,” page 169)

[Commentary] This formula is effective for treating hysteria and schizophrenia.

An Shen Wan

From “Secrets of the Orchid Chamber”

[Composition] 4.5 grams of Huang Lian (washed in wine), 3 grams of Cinnabar (pulverized in water), 1.5 grams each of Sheng Di, Sheng Dang Gui, and Roasted Gan Cao.

[Usage] Grind all ingredients into powder, soak in water, steam into cakes, shape like millet grains, and take 15 pills per dose. In modern times, it is also prepared as a decoction.

[Indications] Excessive Heart Fire, depletion of Yin and Blood due to Fire.

[Suitable Symptoms] Burning heat in the chest, restlessness and insomnia, palpitations and unease, dry throat and mouth, red urine, yellow tongue, and a rapid pulse.

[Functions] Calm the Heart and calm the Spirit, clear Fire and nourish Yin.

[Formula Explanation] When Heart Fire is excessive, this condition appears; when Fire depletes Yin and Blood, the excess Fire becomes even more pronounced. The key to this condition is restlessness of the Heart and Spirit; although this is the manifestation, the patient is extremely distressed. Following the principle of “treat the symptoms when they are acute,” this formula uses Cinnabar to calm the Heart and calm the Spirit as the main herb. Huang Lian clears the Fire in the Heart Meridian; Sheng Di nourishes the Yin of the Kidney Meridian; the two herbs work together to clear Fire and nourish Yin as auxiliary herbs. When Fire is quelled, it eventually enters the Blood and consumes Blood; Dang Gui nourishes Blood and activates Blood as a complementary treatment, while Gan Cao harmonizes all the herbs as a balancing agent.

[Clinical Additions and Subtractions] For burning heat in the chest, add Gua Lou; for insomnia, add Lotus Seed Heart and Raw Gardenia; for palpitations and shortness of breath, add Sheng Long Mu; for restlessness and agitation, add Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.

[Reference Materials]

① “Cinnabar… can strongly calm fear, cool heat, sweeten to generate fluids, suppress floating Yin Fire, nourish the Original Qi in the Upper Jiao—this is the first choice for calming the Spirit. When the Heart is hot, pair it with the bitter cold of Huang Lian to clear Heart Heat. Add the sweetness of Gan Cao to further cool it down. The Heart governs Blood; use the sweet warmth of Dang Gui to return to the Blood. Add the cold of Sheng Di to supplement the nourishment.” (Selected and Revised Treatises on Famous Physicians) ② "In Li Gao’s two works, this formula has different names. The ‘Neurological and Psychological Disturbance in Internal and External Injuries’ is known as Zhusha Anshen Wan; while the ‘Secret Treasury of the Orchid Room’ refers to Anshen Wan, which also contains a separate formula called Zhusha Anshen Wan, consisting only of cinnabar, coptis, and raw licorice. All later medical formulas referring to Zhusha Anshen Wan refer to the formula from the ‘Neurological and Psychological Disturbance in Internal and External Injuries.’ This formula is indeed effective for treating neurasthenia and insomnia. Clinically, it is advisable to focus on conditions such as blood deficiency leading to restlessness and heart discomfort, as well as yin fire that rises excessively. This formula is also suitable for those who find it easy to fall asleep but often dream, experiencing chest and heart discomfort." (Medical History and Documentary Research, 1979.4)

[Commentary] This formula is effective for treating neurasthenia, vegetative nervous system disorders, early-stage conditions associated with various heart diseases, and insomnia caused by anemia.

Gui Zhi, Qu Shao Yang, Jiu Shu Qi Long Gu Mu Li Jiu Ni Tang

From the “Shanghan Lun”

[Composition] Gui Zhi 4.5 grams (3 liang), Shu Qi 4.5 grams (3 liang), Sheng Jiang 6 grams (3 liang), Gan Cao 3 grams (2 liang), Da Zao 4 pieces (12 pieces), Long Gu 9 grams (4 liang), Mu Li 9 grams (5 liang)

[Usage] First decoct Shu Qi, then add all other ingredients, remove the residue, and take warm.

[Indications] When heart yang is about to fail and the spirit cannot be contained within.

[Indications] Palpitations, chest tightness, weak pulse with a desire for cessation, fear and agitation, and restlessness when getting up or lying down.

[Functions] Warm and open heart yang, calm fear and stabilize the spirit.

[Formula Explanation] When heart yang is about to fail, palpitations and chest tightness occur, along with a weak pulse that feels like it's about to stop; when the spirit cannot be contained within, fear and agitation arise, and one becomes restless when getting up or lying down. The “Shanghan Lun” states: “When the pulse is floating in Shanghan, if a physician uses heat to force the patient into a state of extreme exhaustion, causing yang to be lost, the patient will inevitably become agitated and fearful, unable to rest peacefully.” Thus, this formula is used to treat this condition. It is evident that the underlying mechanism of this syndrome is: heat forcing the yang to be lost, leading to yang loss, and subsequently, spirit disturbance. The heat forcing the yang to be lost differs from the yang loss in the Shaoyang meridian—while the former involves heat forcing sweat and depleting heart yang, the latter occurs due to insufficient heart and kidney energy, resulting in yang loss through sweating. The primary indication of this formula is the former, not the latter. In the formula, Gui Zhi warms and opens heart yang to address the root cause; Long Gu and Mu Li calm fear and stabilize the spirit, assisting Gui Zhi in warming yang and stopping sweating as auxiliary components. Shu Qi is the small seedling of Chishan, known for its ability to clear phlegm and calm fear, making it a complementary treatment; ginger and jujube harmonize the vital energy and defensive qi, allowing yang energy to flow both internally and externally—also a complementary treatment. Gan Cao harmonizes all the herbs and serves as a conductor and mediator.

[Clinical Additions and Subtractions] For those experiencing intense fear and agitation, add Sheng Tie Luo; if the tongue is yellow and stools are hard, increase the use of Dahuang and Mangxiao; for chronic conditions lasting long periods, add Gan Cao, wheat, and Da Zao; if the pulse is thin and weak, add Muto, Xixin, and Danggui; for excessive thirst and sweating, add Sheng Shi Gao.

[Reference Materials] “In Shanghan, cold attacks the yang of the ruler. When heat forces sweat and causes yin to be lost from the center, this is considered ‘fire reversing.’ If yin is lost through excessive sweating, yet we speak of yang loss, then the heart is the sun within yang, and the essence of the heart is the sweat of yang. Fear and agitation stem from disturbed spirit; yin does not store essence, so fear arises internally, while yang cannot be firmly held, leading to agitation externally. Those who experience restlessness when getting up or lying down—when they become agitated upon rising, and frightened upon lying down—have their spirit disturbed. Fever accompanied by sweating indicates that the heart’s essence is not retained; the Gui Zhi formula uses peony to draw the essence back in. Because sweat is forced out, fluids are lost, leaving no fluid to be sweated, thus peony is removed; Long Gu is added to replenish the heart with its salty properties, to calm fear and tighten the body, and to seal away any leakage, hence the name ‘saving the reverse.’” (Collection of Shanghan Lai Su)

[Commentary] This formula can be used for hysteria and mild cases of schizophrenia.

Zhen Zhong Wan

From the “Qian Jin Fang”

[Indications] Kidney water deficiency, with excess yang rising upward.

[Indications] Dizziness and tinnitus, lower back pain, nocturnal emission, palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia with frequent dreams, a troubled mind, red tongue, and a wiry pulse.

[Functions] Nourish the kidneys and calm the liver, stabilize the spirit and calm the mind.

[Formula Explanation] When kidney water is deficient, liver wood loses nourishment; when liver wood loses nourishment, excess yang rises upward. When kidney water is deficient, dizziness and tinnitus, lower back pain, and nocturnal emission appear; when excess yang rises, the mind becomes confused, sleep is disrupted by frequent dreams, and there is palpitation and forgetfulness. In the formula, Gui Ban replenishes water and nourishes the kidneys; Long Gu calms yang and calms the liver—these two herbs work together as the main components to nourish the kidneys and calm the liver. Chang Pu opens the orifices and calms the spirit, while Yuan Zhi calms the heart and stabilizes the mind; these two herbs work together to calm the spirit and stabilize the mind as auxiliary components.

[Clinical Additions and Subtractions] For headaches, add Huai Niu Xi and Xia Ku Cao; for insomnia, add Zao Ren and Zhi Mu; for lower back pain, add Du Zhong, Xu Duan, and Ji Sheng; for fatigue, add Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, and Dang Shen; for poor appetite, add Jiao San Xian.

[Reference Materials] “The turtle is the great creature of the underworld, the ultimate embodiment of yin; the dragon is the great creature of the heavens, the ultimate embodiment of yang. By harnessing the yin and yang of these two creatures, we can replenish the yin and yang of the five organs; by harnessing their spiritual energies, we can support the spiritual energy of our own hearts. Moreover, human essence and spirit are both stored in the kidneys; when kidney essence is deficient, spirit and qi weaken, failing to ascend to the heart, leading to confusion and forgetfulness. Yuan Zhi clears heat with its bitter nature and disperses stagnation with its pungent flavor, opening the kidney qi and sending it up to the heart, strengthening spirit and enhancing intelligence; Chang Pu disperses liver qi with its pungent flavor and fragrant properties, opening the orifices and benefiting the nine channels, eliminating dampness and clearing phlegm. Furthermore, Gui can nourish the kidneys, while Long can calm the liver, allowing phlegm and fire to disperse and the heart and liver to calm, thus enabling clarity and strengthening memory.” (Practical Formulas)

[Commentary] This formula can be used for insomnia and forgetfulness in neurasthenia, and also for patients with hypertension who experience dizziness, palpitations, and insomnia.

Ci Zhu Wan

From the “Qian Jin Fang”

[Composition] Shen Qu 120 grams, Ci Shi 60 grams, Zhu Sha 30 grams

[Usage] Grind all ingredients into powder, form into pills the size of a walnut, take 3 pills three times daily. Nowadays, use 6 grams of the powder per dose, taken twice daily with rice soup.

[Indications] Heart-kidney disharmony, hearing loss in the ears and eyes.

[Indications] Blurred vision, blurred perception of objects, tinnitus and deafness, palpitations and insomnia.

[Functions] Harmonize heart and kidney, improve vision and hearing.

[Formula Explanation] The ears are the orifices of the kidneys, while the eyes are the instruments of the heart. When kidney water is deficient, tinnitus and deafness occur; when heart fire rises, blurred vision and blurred perception of objects appear, along with palpitations and insomnia. When kidney water is deficient, the heart’s fire cannot rise to the upper levels, and without control, heart fire rises excessively. In the formula, Ci Shi enters the kidneys to nourish yin and improve hearing as the main component, while Zhu Sha enters the heart to clear the heart and brighten the eyes as an auxiliary component; Shen Qu strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the middle burner as a conductor. Daoist philosophy says: “For harmony between heart and kidney, one must rely on the Yellow Mother as a mediator.” The spleen is above the heart, the kidneys below the heart; earth is yellow and resides between the heart and kidneys. To achieve harmony between heart and kidney, one must first strengthen the spleen and harmonize the middle burner.

[Clinical Additions and Subtractions] For those with deafness and tinnitus due to yang deficiency, take it in conjunction with Ba Wei Wan; for those with yin deficiency, take it in conjunction with Liu Wei Wan; for those with blurred vision due to yin deficiency, take it in conjunction with Qi Ju Di Huang Wan; for those with liver stagnation, take it in conjunction with Xiao Yao Wan.

[Reference Materials] “First, place Ci Shi in a large furnace and calcine it seven times, quenching after each calcination. Grind it finely with vinegar, then fly-dry it, clarify, dry it, and obtain a pure powder; grind Zhu Sha into fine powder and fly-dry it, obtaining a pure powder weighing one tael; mix three taels of raw Shen Qu with the previous two ingredients and blend thoroughly; then mix one tael of Shen Qu with water to form a cake, boil it until fully dissolved, and add the previous ingredients to make pills, about the size of green beans. Take 30–40 pills on an empty stomach with rice soup. As the medicine gradually spreads, its brilliance fades, and after the eye’s cloudiness is cleared, the opacity does not return—thus, it is used to calm the spirit. Zhu Sha embodies the energy of southern fire, containing yin qualities, calming evil and cleansing impurities; it attracts and draws down to the kidneys, naturally purifying the spirit and clearing away the clouds of yin. Using raw Shen Qu helps to release the inherent properties of the stone and enhance its effectiveness. When taken with rice soup, the grain’s energy harmonizes the spleen and stomach, allowing Zhu Sha to enter the heart and Ci Shi to enter the kidneys—so that infants and young women can achieve balance through the central earth.” (Practical Formulas)

[Commentary] This formula can treat cataracts, neurosensory hearing loss, and epilepsy; it must be taken over a long period to gradually achieve therapeutic effects.

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Chapter Twelve: Astringents

Formulas that have astringent and consolidating effects, used to treat the dispersion and leakage of qi, blood, essence, and fluids, are known as astringents. The dispersion and leakage of qi, blood, essence, and fluids clinically manifests primarily in six ways: spontaneous sweating, night sweats, prolonged cough with shortness of breath, chronic diarrhea, failure of the essence gate to retain fluids, urinary incontinence, and metrorrhagia or vaginal bleeding. Although their clinical manifestations differ, they share a common characteristic in their formation process—internal deficiency of righteous qi. Because righteous qi is deficient, the qi, blood, essence, and fluids lose their ability to be contained, leading to involuntary leakage. In terms of treatment, following the principle of “astringency can consolidate leakage,” using these formulas often yields positive results. However, there is a prerequisite: “If external pathogenic factors have not yet been eliminated, do not misuse them.” Zhang Zihé said in “Rumen Shiqin”: “First, discuss the root cause, eliminate the pathogenic factors; do not rely solely on astringency as a universal solution.” This is precisely what he meant.