Once a classic slogan on TV made Liuwei Dihuang Pills famous, and Liuwei Dihuang Pills gradually entered the public’s view. Clearly a type of medicine, but nowadays Liuwei Dihuang Pills seem to have been gradually regarded by many as a supplement. Whenever one feels unwell, they take some Liuwei Dihuang Pills for a boost, but remember, all medicines, regardless, should not be taken indiscriminately.
What can Liuwei Dihuang Pills really do?
The function of Liuwei Dihuang Pills is to nourish Yin and tonify the Kidney, used for addressing Kidney Yin deficiency, limb weakness, steaming bones, nightsweats, lumbago, and other issues. In fact, many people are quite clear about the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Pills, but often overlook the most important point – that Liuwei Dihuang Pills are a medicine for nourishing Yin and tonifying the Kidney; many only see the “tonify Kidney” part.
Liuwei Dihuang Pills mainly target those with Kidney Yin deficiency. Many with Kidney Yang deficiency, taking Liuwei Dihuang Pills will only worsen their conditions, resulting in no benefit. Kidney Yin deficiency and Kidney Yang deficiency share many similar symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, lumbago, and limpness. Hence, many confuse them, but there are ways to distinguish between them.
Firstly, Kidney Yin deficiency leads to heat. The obvious characteristic is dry mouth, thirst, sweating easily, and waking up sweaty, and in patients with Yin deficiency, there may be signs of hyperactivity due to excessive heat in the body. Conversely, Yang deficiency patients won’t experience these issues.
Kidney Yang deficiency is the complete opposite of Kidney Yin deficiency, characterized as a cold condition with common symptoms like aversion to cold, cold limbs, shortness of breath, contrasting with the hyperactivity resulting from Yin deficiency.
Overall, medication should always address the specific conditions, not be taken indiscriminately. Liuwei Dihuang Pills, as a traditional Chinese medicine, generally have low side effects, but not without any. Due to targeting heat caused by Yin deficiency, Liuwei Dihuang Pills lean towards coldness. Prolonged and indiscriminate usage may lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal discomforts.
Many directly use Liuwei Dihuang Pills as a supplementary medicine casually, which is a significant mistake. We must supplement according to our actual physical conditions. Ordinary misuse of Liuwei Dihuang Pills may not show immediate issues, but four groups must not misuse them, as it may cause harm.
Four groups not suitable for casual ingestion of Liuwei Dihuang Pills:
1. Yang deficiency individuals.
As mentioned earlier, Yang deficiency and Yin deficiency are opposing issues. Although they share some common symptoms like lumbar weakness and fatigue, there are clear differences in symptoms. Yang deficiency patients should opt for kidney-warming medicines or consume warm foods like beef, rather than Liuwei Dihuang Pills.
2. Spleen and stomach deficiency-cold individuals.
Liuwei Dihuang Pills target heat conditions, hence having a cooling nature. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold often experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and digestive issues, indicating a cold condition. Consuming Liuwei Dihuang Pills could worsen their condition, so they must seek medical advice.
3. Cold individuals suffering from a cold.
Cold patients should generally avoid Liuwei Dihuang Pills, as cold exposure often leads to cold conditions, while Liuwei Dihuang Pills focus on treating heat conditions. Patients with Kidney Yin deficiency should discontinue if they catch a cold and resume after recovering. Specific treatments are necessary depending on the condition.
4. Individuals with existing illnesses or weaknesses.
Elderly, children, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, coronary heart disease, etc., usually must refrain from taking Liuwei Dihuang Pills without proper guidance from a doctor.
In daily life, some diabetic patients may find Liuwei Dihuang Pills prescribed by doctors. Many diabetic patients mistake Liuwei Dihuang Pills for blood sugar-lowering drugs, but is this correct?
Definitely not. Liuwei Dihuang Pills do not have a clear function in lowering blood sugar. They are mainly aimed at alleviating symptoms of excessive thirst and dry mouth caused by Kidney Yin deficiency. Therefore, doctors prescribe them to diabetic patients to alleviate symptoms, not for blood sugar control. It’s important not to confuse the two. It’s advised that diabetic patients consult their doctor before taking Liuwei Dihuang Pills.
As the ancients said, every medicine has its pros and cons. Even the best things should not be taken indiscriminately, and especially not medicines. Just like how ginseng is a precious medicinal material, but if taken during a damp-heat type cold, it can exacerbate the condition; this precious medicine won’t cure a cold. The key is proper medication; one should always follow medical advice, as indiscriminate use of drugs is truly risking life for profit.
References:
“Both Men and Women Can Take Liuwei Dihuang Pills” Beijing Morning Post 2016-12-19
#Summer Health Care Guide#
