Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Er Zhi Wan

二至丸

Also known as:

Two Solstice Pill

Formula Composition

Nu Zhen Zi
Nu Zhen Zi
Mo han lian
Mo han lian
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Kings
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes Liver Yin
  2. Nourishes Kidney Yin

Patterns Treated

Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney-Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood, Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang, Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin

Historical Origin

Essential Formulas to Support Longevity (1534 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Er Zhi Wan

Main Actions

Nourishes Liver Yin
Nourishes Kidney Yin

Key TCM Concepts

Er Zhi Wan is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) and Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1534 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes Liver Yin and 2) nourishes Kidney Yin.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Er Zhi Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney-Deficiency or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as prolonged periods, abnormal uterine bleeding or intermenstrual bleeding for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney-Deficiency
  • Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood
  • Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
  • Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin

Common Applications

Prolonged periods Abnormal uterine bleeding Intermenstrual bleeding Menopausal syndrome Insomnia Hemorrhage

Ingredients in Er Zhi Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Er Zhi Wan and their roles

Kings
Nu Zhen Zi
Nu Zhen Zi

Glossy privet fruits

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried fruit
Role in Er Zhi Wan
Nu Zhen Zi is sweet, bitter, and cool. It enriches the Kidneys and nourishes the Liver. Together with Mo han lian it nourishes the Yin aspects of the Liver and Kidneys, without being cloying.
View herb details
Mo han lian
Mo han lian

Eclipta herbs

Temperature Cold
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried aerial part
Role in Er Zhi Wan
Mo han lian is sweet, sour, and cold. It supplies the Essence, nourishes the Yin and cools the Blood to stop bleeding. Together with Nu Zhen Zi it nourishes the Yin aspects of the Liver and the Kidneys, without being cloying.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Er Zhi Wan

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for people with weak digestive systems, because the two herbs in this formula are cooling.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Er Zhi Wan may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.