Liuwei Dihuang Wan originates from classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, commonly used to adjust various diseases caused by liver and kidney yin deficiency, and has shown positive effects in the treatment of chronic diseases and complex conditions in modern medical practice. This prescription was initially derived from the “Jinkui Shenqi Wan” in the work “Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases” by the “Medicine Sage” Zhang Zhongjing, and later improved by the Chief Physician Qian Yi of the Northern Song Dynasty to specifically nourish kidney yin. The ingredients include Rehmannia glutinosa, Chinese wolfberry, Chinese yam, Asian water plantain, tree peony bark, and poria, six traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients.
In this prescription, Rehmannia glutinosa plays a core role, responsible for nourishing yin, replenishing the kidney, and strengthening essence; Chinese wolfberry nourishes the liver and kidney and solidifies essence, while Chinese yam supplements the spleen and boosts qi, both assisting Rehmannia glutinosa to jointly promote the balance of the liver, spleen, and kidney, focusing on nourishing kidney yin, fundamentally treating relevant conditions. Asian water plantain, tree peony bark, and poria serve as adjuvants, responsible for eliminating dampness from the body, preventing excessive greasiness from the nourishing herbs, ensuring the balance and harmony of the medicinal effects.
The symptoms of kidney yin deficiency differ from kidney yang deficiency. The former is manifested as tidal heat, night sweats, heat in the palms and soles of the feet, and dry throat, while the latter is characterized by sore and weak lower back and knees, easy fatigue, aversion to cold. Liuwei Dihuang Wan is mainly suitable for cases of kidney yin deficiency and is not suitable for those with kidney yang deficiency.
In practical application, Liuwei Dihuang Wan demonstrates a wide range of therapeutic potential, such as improving symptoms of diabetes, reducing proteinuria in patients with nephritis, lowering the risk of liver cancer, relieving menopausal discomfort, treating nocturnal emission, oral ulcers, dental abscess, and chronic rhinitis. However, correct usage of this medicine should follow medical advice, consider individual constitution and specific conditions, avoid long-term continuous use without interruption to prevent affecting spleen and stomach function. Particularly, those with weak spleen and stomach should take it after meals, and adjust the dosage regimen according to bodily reactions.
In conclusion, as a treasure of traditional Chinese medicine, Liuwei Dihuang Wan can exert significant nourishing and therapeutic effects in appropriate situations, but its application should be based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine differentiation and treatment to ensure safety and efficacy.