Liu Wei Di Huang Wan — Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan — Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill — is one of the most famous and widely used formulas in the entire history of Chinese herbal medicine. Originally formulated by the Song Dynasty physician Qian Yi (1032–1113 CE), it serves as the foundational formula for nourishing Kidney Yin at all ages and the base from which an entire family of derivative formulas is built — including Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, Qi Ju Di Huang Wan and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan. It is structured around the principle of “three tonifications and three drainages” — three Yin-nourishing herbs paired with three herbs that gently drain pathological byproducts to prevent the formula from becoming excessively cloying.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Kidney and Liver Yin deficiency, characterised by: soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, night sweats, heat sensations in the palms, soles and chest, dry mouth and throat particularly at night, a red tongue with little or no coating, and a thin, rapid pulse.

Key herbs

1. Shu Di Huang (prepared Rehmannia root) — the principal herb; powerfully nourishes Kidney Yin and Essence
2. Ze Xie (Alisma plantago-aquatica rhizome) — drains Kidney Dampness and Heat; prevents Shu Di Huang from becoming too cloying
3. Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis fruit) — nourishes and astringes the Liver and Kidney; prevents leakage of Essence
4. Mu Dan Pi (Paeonia suffruticosa root bark) — clears Liver Heat and invigorates Blood
5. Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita rhizome) — tonifies Spleen, Lung and Kidney Qi
6. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — tonifies Spleen and drains Dampness

Conditions treated

1. Tinnitus and hearing decline from Kidney Yin deficiency
2. Menopausal symptoms — the base formula for Kidney Yin deficiency menopause; modified into Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan when Empty Heat is more prominent
3. Night sweats, hot flushes and afternoon heat sensations
4. Insomnia from Yin deficiency leaving the Shen unanchored
5. Low AMH level and premature ovarian failure from Kidney Yin and Essence depletion
6. Lower back pain and knee weakness from Kidney Yin deficiency

Contraindicated in patients with significant Spleen deficiency and Dampness, Cold patterns or Yang deficiency as the primary presentation.

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.