Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Chinese: 杞菊地黄丸
Pinyin: Qǐ Jú Dì Huáng Wán
Other names: Lycium Fruit Chrysanthemum and Rehmannia Pill, Rehmannia Six Combination with Lycii berries and Chrysanthemum
Ingredients: 8 herbs
Category: Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Mother formula: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Contraindications: Not for a person with weak digestion or a lack of Yang
Source: Complete Treatise on Measles (1350 AD)
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) as a principal ingredient.
Invented in 1350 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Yin and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin and 2) improves vision.
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 Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Liver Yang Rising, Interior Wind or Liver Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as menopausal syndrome, diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus for instance.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the eight ingredients in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, we review the patterns and conditions that Qi Ju Di Huang Wan helps treat.
The eight ingredients in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Shu Di huang is a king ingredient in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang)
Part used: Prepared dried root tuber
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
In general Shu Di huang's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys."
In the context of Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, it is used because it strongly enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence.
Shan Zhu Yu is a deputy ingredient in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
2. Cornelian Cherries (Shan Zhu Yu)
Part used: Dried ripe sarcocarp
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sour
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Herbs that stabilize and bind
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.
Shan Yao is a deputy ingredient in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
3. Yam (Shan Yao)
Part used: Dried rhizome
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLungSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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.
Ze Xie is an assistant ingredient in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
4. Water Plantain (Ze Xie)
Part used: Dried tuber
Nature: Cold
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: BladderKidney
Category: Herbs that drain Dampness
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.
Mu Dan Pi is an assistant ingredient in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
5. Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi)
Part used: Root barks
Nature: Cool
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLiver
Category: Herbs that cool the Blood
Mu Dan Pi clears and drains Liver Fire and is used here to counterbalance the warm properties of Cornelian cherries (Shan Zhu Yu).
Fu Ling is an assistant ingredient in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
6. Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling)
Part used: Dried sclerotium
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLungSpleen
Category: Herbs that drain Dampness
Fu Ling is a bland herb that leaches out Dampness from the Spleen. Here 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.
7. Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi)
Part used: Dried ripe fruit
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
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."
8. Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua)
Part used: Dried capitulum
Nature: Cool
In general Ju Hua's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and clears Heat. Relieves Wind-Heat from the Liver channel and clears the eyes. Cools Heat of the Liver and Kidney due to Yin Deficiency. Relieves patterns of Liver Yang rising."
Conditions and patterns for which Qi Ju Di Huang Wan may be prescribed
It's important to remember that herbal formulas are meant to treat patterns, not "diseases" as understood in Western Medicine. According to Chinese Medicine patterns, which are disruptions to the body as a system, are the underlying root cause for diseases and conditions.
As such Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is used by TCM practitioners to treat six different patterns which we describe below.
But before we delve into these patterns here is an overview of the Western conditions they're commonly associated with:
Menopausal syndrome Diabetes mellitus Diabetes insipidus Cataract Glaucoma Central retinopathy Optic nerve atrophy Optic neuritis Diabetes Ophthalmalgia Photophobia
Again it wouldn't be correct to say "Qi Ju Di Huang Wan treats menopausal syndrome" for instance. Rather, Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is used to treat patterns that are sometimes the root cause behind menopausal syndrome.
Now let's look at the six patterns commonly treated with Qi Ju Di Huang Wan.
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Yang Rising
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Red
Symptoms: Tinnitus Deafness Insomnia Headaches Dizziness Dry mouth Dry throat Stiff neck Dry stools Irritability Blurred vision Stiff shoulder Feeling work-up Stiff upper back Outbursts of anger Soreness and weakness of the knees Stiffness in the neck shoulder and upper back
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Liver Yang Rising. This pattern leads to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, tinnitus and deafness. Patients with Liver Yang Rising typically exhibit wiry (Xian) pulses as well as Pale, normal or slightly red on the sides with no coating.
Long term Deficiency of Liver Yin, Liver Blood or Kidney Yin can cause Liver Yang rising upwards. This pattern is also called "Arrogant Liver Yang". If left unchecked for many years, it can lead to Liver Wind Agitating Internally.
The symptoms mentioned here are fairly similar to these of Stagnant... read more about Liver Yang Rising
The Interior in Chinese Medicine is one of the so-called "Eight Principles". Learn more about Interior in Chinese Medicine
Interior Wind
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Symptoms: Coma Tics Fever Anger Tremor Insomnia Dry eyes Red eyes Red face Deafness Dizziness Paralysis Headaches Back pain Dry throat Convulsions Poor memory Irritability Constipation Eye deviation Blurred vision Scanty periods Tremor of limbs Mouth deviation Numbness in the limbs Dream disturbed sleep
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Interior Wind. This pattern leads to symptoms such as convulsions, tremor of limbs, dizziness and paralysis. Patients with Interior Wind typically exhibit fine (Xi), rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses.
Interior Wind is mostly referred to be the Liver Wind. There are 4 types of Interior Liver Wind due to the original causes:
1. Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
2. Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Yin Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Wiry (Xian), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Complete absence of coating
Tongue color: Red points on the sides
Symptoms: Cramps Insomnia Dry eyes Dry hair Dry skin Dizziness Headaches Amenorrhea Depression Menopausal Malar flush Nervousness Night sweats Heavy periods Blurred vision Scanty periods Muscle weakness Afternoon fever Floaters in eyes Tingling of limbs 'Floaters' in eyes Hot palms and soles Dull-pale complexion Numbness in the limbs Dream disturbed sleep Feeling of aimlessness Diminished night vision Withered and brittle nails Thirst with desire to drink in small sips Dull-pale complexion without lustre but with red cheekbones
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Liver Yin Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in the limbs, tingling of limbs and insomnia. Patients with Liver Yin Deficiency typically exhibit rapid (Shu), empty (Xu), wiry (Xian) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as Normal or red color on the sides with no coating or rootless coating .
This is a type of Empty-Heat pattern arising out of Liver Blood Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency. It shares similar symptoms as Liver Blood Deficiency, such as blurred and impaired vision, numbness or tingling of limbs, scanty menstruation or amenorrhoea, dull-pale complexion, muscle pain and... read more about Liver Yin Deficiency
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Wiry (Xian), Fine (Xi), Floating (Fu)
Tongue color: Red
Symptoms: Coma Tremor Vertigo Tinnitus Dry eyes Insomnia Headaches Back pain Dizziness Facial tic Dry throat Poor memory Convulsions Hypertension Night sweats Blurred vision Severe dizziness Scanty urination Tingling of limbs Numbness in the limbs Dream disturbed sleep Spasms in the extremities Numbness in the extremities Twitching in the extremities Feeling of heat rushing to the head
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising. This pattern leads to symptoms such as tremor, facial tic, severe dizziness and tinnitus. Patients with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising typically exhibit rapid (Shu), empty (Xu), wiry (Xian), fine (Xi) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as Red, pale normal color with no coating.
Liver Yang Rising can create Interior Wind if the condition is left unchecked for a long time. This pattern is normally seen among the elderly.
Liver Yang Rising has different symptoms based on what caused it in the first place. If caused by Liver Yin Deficiency the symptoms includes tremors,... read more about Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Complete absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
Tongue shape: Cracked
Symptoms: Anxiety Vertigo Itching Sweating Tinnitus Insomnia Dry hair Dry skin Back pain Tiredness Lassitude Dizziness Bone ache Sore back Dry mouth Depression Sore knees Weak knees Dry throat Dry tongue Dry stools Limbs pain Infertility Malar flush Poor memory Constipation Night sweats Little sperm Irritability Restlnessness Five palm heat Scanty periods Blurred vision Lower back pain Evening anxiety Weak lower back Feeling of heat Poor constitution Diminished hearing Nocturnal emissions Hot palms and soles Scanty dark urination Premature ejaculation Menopausal hot flushes Excessive sexual desire White vaginal discharge Dry mouth and throat at night Feeling of heat in the evening Low-grade fever in the afternoon Thirst with desire to drink in small sips
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Kidney Yin Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as sweating, back pain, diminished hearing and dry mouth and throat at night. Patients with Kidney Yin Deficiency typically exhibit rapid (Shu), empty (Xu) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as Red tongue without coating, cracked in severe cases.
This pattern often accompanies Kidney Essence Deficiency, as Kidney Yin includes Essence. When both element are depleted in the Kidneys, not enough Marrow is generated to fill the Brain, thus the symptoms of dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo and poor memory. The dizziness is mild and the tinnitus is... read more about Kidney Yin Deficiency