Ming Mu Di Huang Wan — Brighten the Eyes Rehmannia Pill

On this page

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

Overview

Ming Mu Di Huang Wan — the “Brighten the Eyes Rehmannia Pill” — is a modification of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with Gou Qi Zi, Ju Hua and other Liver-channel and eye-specific herbs added. The Liver “opens into the eyes” in TCM theory, and the eyes are nourished by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence; depletion of these substances produces chronic dry eyes, gritty sensation, blurred vision, floaters and early cataract changes. The formula nourishes the Liver-Kidney axis and specifically directs treatment to the eyes.

I prescribe Ming Mu Di Huang Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Ming Mu Di Huang Wan is prescribed for Liver and Kidney Yin/Blood deficiency affecting the eyes:

• Chronic dry eyes, gritty sensation
• Blurred vision, especially in dim light
• Floaters, mild visual disturbance
• Tired eyes after screen use
• Dry mouth and throat
• Lower-back ache, weak knees
• Tinnitus, dizziness
• Tongue — red, scant coat
• Pulse — thin, possibly slightly rapid

Key herbs

1. Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, Shan Zhu Yu — tonify Kidney Yin (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan core)
2. Fu Ling, Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi — gently drain to prevent stagnation
3. Gou Qi Zi — tonifies Liver Blood and Essence; specifically nourishes the eyes
4. Ju Hua (chrysanthemum) — clears Liver Heat; brightens the eyes
5. Dang Gui, Bai Shao — nourish Liver Blood
6. Bai Ji Li (tribulus) — calms Liver Wind; benefits the eyes
7. Shi Jue Ming (haliotis shell) — settles Liver Yang; brightens the eyes

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin and Blood
2. Nourishes the eyes; restores visual clarity
3. Gently clears Liver Heat affecting the eyes

Conditions treated

1. Chronic dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
2. Computer vision syndrome / screen-fatigue eyes
3. Early-stage cataract (alongside ophthalmological care)
4. Age-related macular degeneration (adjunctive)
5. Floaters with deficient pattern
6. Sjögren’s syndrome eye symptoms (adjunctive)
7. Night blindness with Liver Blood deficiency
8. Chronic conjunctival hyperaemia with Yin deficiency
9. Diabetic retinopathy with Yin-deficient pattern (adjunctive)

Cautions

Sudden vision loss, flashes, sudden many floaters, central scotoma or eye pain are red flags — seek emergency ophthalmology assessment.

Acute eye infections (conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis) need conventional treatment.

Not appropriate for Phlegm-Damp patterns or Spleen-Qi deficiency with loose stools.

For longer-term constitutional use.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.