Formula Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang

Huan Shao Dan

还少丹

Also known as:

Rejuvenation Special Pill , Return to Youth Pill , Pill for Restoring Yang , Lycium Formula , Youth return formula

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi
Ba Ji Tian
Ba Ji Tian
Rou Cong Rong
Rou Cong Rong
Xiao Hui Xiang
Xiao Hui Xiang
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi
Chu Shi Zi
Chu Shi Zi
Chuan Niu Xi
Chuan Niu Xi
Du Zhong
Du Zhong
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Da Zao
Da Zao
Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu
Yuan Zhi
Yuan Zhi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys
  2. Nourishes Yin and Blood
  3. Augments Qi
  4. Tonifies Yang
  5. Promotes Longevity

Patterns Treated

Kidney Essence Deficiency, Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency, Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold

Historical Origin

Hong's Collection of Experiential Formulas (1170 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huan Shao Dan

Main Actions

Tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys
Nourishes Yin and Blood
Augments Qi
Tonifies Yang
Promotes Longevity

Key TCM Concepts

Huan Shao Dan is a 15-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) and Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1170 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Yin and Yang. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys and 2) nourishes Yin and Blood.

 

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 Huan Shao Dan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency, Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency or Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as spermatorrhea, impotence or aldosteronism for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Kidney Essence Deficiency
  • Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
  • Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold

Common Applications

Spermatorrhea Impotence Aldosteronism Hypothyroidism Prostatitis Forgetfulness Dysmenorrhea Enuresis Menopause syndrome Aphasia Metrorrhagia Decreased libido Premature aging Diabetes mellitus Chronic nephritis Renal tuberculosis Anorexia Vaginal discharge Amenorrhea Edema Infertility Obesity

Ingredients in Huan Shao Dan

Detailed information about each herb in Huan Shao Dan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Shu Di huang's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it nourishes and replenishes Essence and marrow, as well as nourishes the Blood and moisten the Yin.
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Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi

Goji berries

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Gou Qi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Yin of the Liver and Yin of the Kidneys. Brightens the eyes. Moistens the Lungs."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it nourishes and replenishes Essence and marrow, as well as nourishes the Blood and moisten the Yin.
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Ba Ji Tian
Ba Ji Tian

Morinda roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Ba Ji Tian's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidney Yang. Expels Wind-Damp-Cold painful obstruction (Bi Pain)."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it warms the Kidneys and support Yang energy. It also enhances the Essence and Blood.
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Rou Cong Rong
Rou Cong Rong

Desert-living cistanches

Temperature Warm
Taste Salty, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried stem
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Rou Cong Rong's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies Kidney Yang, Restores Essence and Blood. Induces laxation."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it warms the Kidneys and support Yang energy. It also enhances the Essence and Blood.
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Xiao Hui Xiang
Xiao Hui Xiang

Fennel seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Xiao Hui Xiang's main actions are as follows: "Expels Cold and relieves pain. Regulates Qi of the Stomach."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it warms the Kidneys and support Yang energy. It also enhances the Essence and Blood.
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Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu

Cornelian cherries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe sarcocarp
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Shan Zhu Yu's main actions are as follows: "Preserves and tonifies the Kidney, Liver and Essence. Stops sweating and benefits the Yang and Qi. Assists menstruation and stops bleeding."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it strengthens the Liver and Kidneys as well as fortifies the tendons and bones.
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Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra berries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Wu Wei Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidneys and preserves the Essence. Astringes the Lung Qi and stops coughing. Retains Bodily Fluids and encourages their production. Tonifies the Heart and calms the spirit (Shen)."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it strengthens the Liver and Kidneys as well as fortifies the tendons and bones.
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Chu Shi Zi
Chu Shi Zi

Paper Mulberry fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Fruits
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Chu Shi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes the Kidney and Liver Yin, Augments the Kidney Qi, Clears the Liver and Brightens the eyes, Promote urination "

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it strengthens the Liver and Kidneys as well as fortifies the tendons and bones.
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Chuan Niu Xi
Chuan Niu Xi

Cyathula roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Chuan Niu Xi's main actions are as follows: "Removes Blood Stagnation and unblocks menstruation. Improve joint pain. Promotes urination and treats dysuria."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it strengthens the Liver and Kidneys as well as fortifies the tendons and bones.
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Du Zhong
Du Zhong

Eucommia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Du Zhong's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys. Calms ascendant Liver Yang (hypertension/high blood pressure). Calms a restless fetus."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it strengthens the Liver and Kidneys as well as fortifies the tendons and bones.
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Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Shan Yao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Tonifies the Lung Qi and nourishes the Lung Yin. Nourishes the Kidneys and consolidates Jing."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it tonifies the Qi and strengthens the Spleen to enhance the transformation of nutrients.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it tonifies the Qi and strengthens the Spleen to enhance the transformation of nutrients.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it tonifies the Qi and strengthens the Spleen to enhance the transformation of nutrients.
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Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu

Sweetflag rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Shi Chang Pu's main actions are as follows: "Opens the Orifices, awakens the Mind (Shen) and expels Wind-Damp Phlegm. Harmonizes the Earth element and dispels Damp. Applied internally or externally for Wind-Cold-Damp painful obstruction."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it
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Yuan Zhi
Yuan Zhi

Chinese senega roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used The dried root
Role in Huan Shao Dan
In general Yuan Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Calms the spirit. Expels Phlegm from the Heart orifices. Expels Phlegm from the Lungs. Diminishes abscesses."

In the context of Huan Shao Dan, it is used because it connect thes Heart and Kidneys as well as harmonizes water and Fire of the body.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huan Shao Dan

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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