Formula Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán

麦味地黄丸

Also known as:

Eight Immortals Longevity Pill , Mai Wei Di Huang Wan , Eight-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction , Eight Immortals Pill , Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Yao
Shan Yao
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi
Ze Xie
Ze Xie
Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
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From $24.00

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Treats Yin Deficiency of the Lungs and Kidneys

Patterns Treated

Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Achieving Longevity by Guarding the Source (1615 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán

Main Actions

Treats Yin Deficiency of the Lungs and Kidneys

Key TCM Concepts

This formula is essentially Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) with the addition of Mai Men Dong and Wu Wei Zi, which specifically strengthen its ability to nourish Lung Yin and astringe Lung Qi — making it particularly suited for patients with both Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency presenting with symptoms like chronic dry cough, shortness of breath, and general weakness.

Invented in 1615 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. 

TCM Patterns Addressed

Common Applications

Chronic asthma Chronic bronchitis COPD Pulmonary tuberculosis Bronchiectasis Chronic Coughing

Ingredients in Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán

Detailed information about each herb in Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán 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 Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
In general Shu Di huang's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys."

In the context of Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan, it is used because it strongly enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence.
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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 Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
Shan Zhu Yu nourishes the Liver and restrains the leakage of Essence. It performs the latter function by inhibiting the improper dispersion and drainage through the Liver, thereby enabling the Essence to build up in the Kidneys. For this to occur, a substance with the strong, Essence building properties of the key herb (Prepared rehmannia) is also required.
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Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
Shan Yao stabilizes the Essence by tonifying the Spleen. Indeed, to reinforce Essence and improve its function, the Spleen (the source of postnatal Essence) must function properly.
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
In general Mai Dong's main actions are as follows: "Replenishes Yin Essence and promotes secretions. Lubricates and nourishes the Stomach. Soothes the Lung. Nourishes the Heart."
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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 Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
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)."
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Ze Xie
Ze Xie

Water plantain

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys
Parts Used Dried tuber
Role in Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
Ze Xie clears and drains the overabundance of Kidney Fire. It is used here to prevent the rich, cloying properties of the key herb (Prepared rehmannia) from congesting the mechanisms of the Kidneys, which would induce even more Heat from Deficiency.
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Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi

Mudan peony bark

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Root barks
Role in Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
Mu Dan Pi clears and drains Liver Fire and is used here to counterbalance the warm properties of Cornelian cherries (Shan Zhu Yu).
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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 Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
Fu Ling is a bland herb that leaches out Dampness from the Spleen. It notably helps Yam (Shan Yao) strengthen the transportive functions of the Spleen. This prevents the formula from clogging up the digestive process and reinforces the Spleen's function of nourishing the body. Poria-cocos mushrooms also works together with the Water plantain (Ze Xie) to improve the metabolism of Fluids and promote urination, thereby preventing a buildup of stagnant Fluids.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán

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

Contraindications

Use caution for those with Spleen Deficiency type diarrhea and indigestion Contraindicated for those with Yang Deficiency with a white greasy tongue coat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.