二至丸为何得名？

二至丸名字暗藏古法采药的极致讲究，两味药材蒸女贞子采自冬至，墨旱莲采自夏至，汇聚冬夏二至的天地精气，阴阳相济、寒热平衡，故而得名。

二至丸的核心组方包含哪些药材？

二至丸组方仅含蒸女贞子和墨旱莲两味药材，两药相须为用，协同增效。

蒸女贞子的主要功效是什么？

蒸女贞子滋补肝肾、明目乌发、安五脏、强腰膝，蒸制后寒性缓和，滋补不腻，能温和滋养肝肾阴精，长期服用不伤脾胃。

墨旱莲的核心功效有哪些？

墨旱莲养阴清热、凉血止血，辅助女贞子滋养肝肾阴，清除阴虚内热，收敛止血，特别适合阴虚血热引发的出血症状。

二至丸主要治疗哪些症状？

二至丸主要针对肝肾阴虚引发的症状，如眩晕耳鸣、视物干涩模糊、咽干鼻燥、潮热盗汗、五心烦热、失眠多梦、腰膝酸软、下肢乏力、须发早白、健忘乏力等。

二至丸有哪些特色止血功效？

二至丸能清除肝肾阴虚产生的虚火，防止血热妄行，临床用于调理女性阴虚引起的月经过多、经期淋漓不尽，还可改善鼻衄、齿衄、皮下瘀斑等轻微出血症状。

二至丸常规用法与用量是什么？

二至丸常规以水蜜丸制剂销售，为OTC甲类中成药，口服一次9克，一日2次，温水送服，无需空腹，饭后服用可减少肠胃刺激，适合长期调理。

二至丸有哪些禁忌人群和服用注意事项？

感冒发热者禁用，服药期间忌食油腻难消化食物；高血压、心脏病、肝病、糖尿病严重患者及儿童、孕妇、哺乳期女性需遵医嘱；连续服药4周无效应停药就医；对成分过敏者禁止使用，药性变异时禁止服用。

Yin-Tonifying Formulas

二至丸 · Èr Zhì Wán

Er Zhi Wan

A classical simple Yin tonic for Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency with premature graying and lumbar weakness.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryYin-Tonifying Formulas

Primary PatternKidney Yin Deficiency

Primary FunctionEnrich Liver and Kidney Yin, darken hair, cool blood

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleNourish Liver-Kidney Yin with two seasonal herbs

Main HerbsPrivet Fruit · Eclipta

Classical SourceClassical TCM formulary

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for mild Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency with premature graying, when a simple continuous Yin tonic is preferred over broader or fire-clearing formulas.

Overview

What Is Er Zhi Wan?

1. Ancient Classics Inheritance

Er Zhi Wan (二至丸), or Two-Ultimate Pill, is a classical Ming-dynasty formula recorded in Wang Sancai’s Yi Bian (Compendium of Medicine). It belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Liver and Kidney Yin.

This elegant two-herb pill addresses Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency, and its name refers to the two solstices at which its ingredients are traditionally gathered. Typical signs include lower back and knee weakness, dizziness, premature graying of the hair, dry mouth and throat, blurred vision, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin pulse.

Combining Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum fruit), harvested around the winter solstice, to nourish Kidney Yin, clear deficient Heat, and blacken the hair, with Han Lian Cao (Eclipta), harvested around the summer solstice, to nourish Yin, cool the Blood, and stop bleeding, Er Zhi Wan replenishes Liver and Kidney Yin in a balanced, non-cloaking way and is often used as a gentle, long-term Yin tonic on its own or as a foundation for larger prescriptions.

2. Internal Medicine

In clinical practice, Er Zhi Wan is widely used for various internal conditions tied to liver and kidney yin deficiency:

Dizziness and Vertigo: It helps nourish the organs to relieve feelings of spinning, dizziness, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Sleep Issues: For insomnia characterized by restlessness, frequent waking, or vivid dreams, it can help calm the mind and improve sleep quality by nourishing yin and blood.
Chronic Condition Support: For individuals managing chronic metabolic or cardiovascular issues (like diabetes or hypertension) who also show signs of yin deficiency (e.g., a sore lower back or ringing ears), this formula can act as a helpful supportive therapy to regulate overall bodily functions.

3. Gynecology

This formula is highly valued in women's health for regulating the reproductive system:

Menstrual Irregularities: It helps nourish the liver and kidneys to improve conditions like scanty periods, irregular cycles, or missed periods.
Abnormal Bleeding: Because of its blood-cooling properties, it is used to manage irregular uterine bleeding or abnormal discharge associated with yin deficiency heat.
Menopause Support: It is excellent for managing menopausal symptoms—such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and lower back aches—helping women transition more smoothly by replenishing declining yin fluids.

4. Men's Health

For men, Er Zhi Wan is often utilized to support reproductive and sexual health:

Vitality and Function: It is used to address issues like frequent spermatorrhea (involuntary emissions) or premature ejaculation caused by a lack of kidney essence consolidation. By nourishing the kidneys, it helps the body better "hold onto" its vital energy.
Reproductive Support: For male infertility linked to poor sperm quality or quantity, this formula can serve as a supportive treatment by improving the internal environment needed for healthy sperm development.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. King Herb - Nu Zhen Zi

Nu Zhen Zi (Glossy Privet Fruit) is the dried, mature fruit of the Ligustrum lucidum plant. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is described as having a sweet and bitter taste with a cool nature, primarily targeting the liver and kidney meridians.

Core Role: As the "King" (chief) herb in Er Zhi Wan, it plays the primary role of deeply nourishing liver and kidney yin.
Active Compounds: It is rich in beneficial compounds like oleanolic acid and oleuropein, which help alleviate symptoms caused by yin deficiency.
Historical Context: Ancient medical texts highly praised this herb. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing noted its ability to nourish the internal organs, boost vitality, and support healthy aging. Later, the Ben Cao Gang Mu highlighted its effectiveness in strengthening the lower back and knees while brightening the eyes.

2. Minister Herb - Mo Han Lian

Mo Han Lian (Eclipta) is the whole plant of the Eclipta prostrata. It has a sweet and sour taste with a cold nature, also entering the liver and kidney meridians.

Core Role: Acting as the "Minister" (deputy) herb, its main strength lies in nourishing yin while cooling the blood and stopping bleeding.
Active Compounds: Containing flavonoids and terpenes, it is especially useful when liver and kidney yin deficiency is accompanied by "blood heat" (which can cause abnormal bleeding or inflammation).
Historical Context: The Xin Xiu Ben Cao recorded its use for stopping heavy bleeding and promoting rapid hair growth. Similarly, the Ben Cao Gang Mu emphasized its ability to darken prematurely graying hair and benefit kidney yin.

3. Assistant and Guide Herbs

While Er Zhi Wan does not have strictly defined "Assistant" or "Guide" herbs, the magic lies in the seamless synergy between its two ingredients.

Nu Zhen Zi focuses heavily on nourishing the yin fluids of the liver and kidneys.
Mo Han Lian builds on this by cooling the blood and stopping bleeding.
Together, they complement each other perfectly. This pairing highlights the brilliance of TCM formulation, where herbs work synergistically to boost overall efficacy while addressing multiple aspects of a condition.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathomechanism (How the Imbalance Occurs)

Er Zhi Wan specifically targets a pattern known as liver and kidney yin deficiency. In TCM theory, the liver stores blood and the kidneys store essence; their yin fluids constantly nourish each other.

Causes: Aging, chronic illness, or overexertion can deplete these vital yin fluids.
Results: When yin is deficient, it fails to balance the body's yang energy, leading to "deficiency heat." This can manifest as dizziness, a sore lower back and knees, hot flashes, night sweats, and a dry mouth. It can also lead to a lack of essence and blood, causing issues like premature graying of hair or declining vision.

2. Efficacy

Based on this underlying imbalance, Er Zhi Wan works to tonify the liver and kidneys, nourish yin, and stop bleeding. By combining these two powerful herbs, the formula replenishes the body's essential fluids. This restores the balance between yin and yang (often referred to as "yin being peaceful and yang being well-kept"), which naturally resolves the uncomfortable symptoms of internal deficiency heat.

3. Indications (What It Treats)

This formula is highly regarded for treating patients diagnosed with liver and kidney yin deficiency.

Common Symptoms: It is frequently used for lower back and knee weakness, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), forgetfulness, dry mouth, insomnia, night sweats, and prematurely gray hair.
Women's Health: It can also be very helpful in managing gynecological issues linked to yin deficiency, such as irregular menstruation or abnormal bleeding.
Clinical Use: In practice, older adults experiencing age-related kidney/liver weakness often see noticeable improvements in joint strength and energy levels after using this formula.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Treating the Liver and Kidneys Together

The core philosophy behind Er Zhi Wan is the simultaneous treatment of both the liver and the kidneys.

Nu Zhen Zi (Glossy Privet Fruit) and Mo Han Lian (Eclipta) both enter the liver and kidney meridians.
This direct, targeted approach addresses the root cause of yin deficiency by nourishing the internal organs and restoring the body's natural yin-yang balance.
This dual-treatment method perfectly highlights the holistic nature of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), recognizing how deeply interconnected the liver and kidneys are for overall health.

2. Combining Yin Nourishment with Blood Cooling

Another brilliant aspect of this formula is how it nourishes yin while simultaneously cooling the blood.

Mo Han Lian has a specific cooling effect that prevents "deficiency heat" from causing the blood to flow recklessly, which can lead to abnormal bleeding.
While Nu Zhen Zi focuses heavily on building up the yin fluids, the addition of the cooling herb ensures the body's internal environment doesn't become overly hyperactive.
This dual-action approach means the formula treats both the root cause (yin deficiency) and the surface symptoms (heat and bleeding) at the same time.

3. Synergistic Effects

The combination of Nu Zhen Zi and Mo Han Lian is a textbook example of herbal synergy.

When used together, the active chemical compounds (such as flavonoids and terpenes) interact to boost the overall nourishing effects on the liver and kidneys.
This thoughtful pairing demonstrates the scientific rationale behind TCM formulas—combining herbs not just for their individual benefits, but for the amplified, harmonious effects they create together.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Er Zhi Wan	Liu Wei Di Huang Wan	Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan	Da Bu Yin Wan
Primary Function	Enrich Liver and Kidney Yin, darken hair, cool blood	Nourish Kidney Yin	Tonify Kidney, nourish essence and blood, darken hair	Enrich Yin, direct fire downward
Formula Category	Yin-Tonifying Formulas	Yin-Tonifying Formulas	Yin-Tonifying Formulas	Yin-Tonifying Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Kidney Yin Deficiency	Kidney Yin Deficiency	Kidney Yin Deficiency	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Main Conditions	Dizziness & Vertigo	Dizziness & Vertigo, Tinnitus, Night Sweats, Fatigue & Low Energy, Yin Deficiency Constitution	Hair Loss	Night Sweats
Main Herbs	Privet Fruit · Eclipta	Prepared Rehmannia Root · Cornus Fruit · Chinese Yam · Alisma Rhizome · Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark · Poria / Hoelen	Fleeceflower Root · Poria / Hoelen · Achyranthes Root · Chinese Angelica Root · Goji Berry / Lycium Fruit · Cuscuta Seed · Psoralea Fruit	Prepared Rehmannia Root · Tortoise Plastron · Phellodendron Bark · Anemarrhena Rhizome
Classical Source	Classical TCM formulary	Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue (Qian Yi, Song dynasty) / later popularised	Ming-Qing classical formulary	Ming-Qing classical formulary

How to tell them apart

Er Zhi Wan, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan and Da Bu Yin Wan all nourish Liver-Kidney Yin. Liu Wei is the base six-herb Yin tonic; Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan focuses on hair; Da Bu Yin Wan strongly clears ministerial fire. Er Zhi Wan is a simple two-herb Yin tonic for Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency with premature graying and lumbar weakness.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Er Zhi Wan

1. Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Qi Deficiency

If a patient also experiences qi deficiency—presenting with symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, and spontaneous sweating—herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) and Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root) are often added to the base Er Zhi Wan formula.
Huang Qi is excellent for boosting qi, lifting energy, and stopping abnormal sweating. Meanwhile, Dang Shen strengthens the digestive system and nourishes the blood. When combined with the yin-nourishing base, they help boost the body's overall energy and immune resistance.

2. Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Yang Deficiency

For patients showing signs of internal coldness—such as an aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, or a cold, aching lower back—warming herbs like Xian Ling Pi (Epimedium) and Ba Ji Tian (Morinda Root) can be included.
These additions specifically warm kidney yang and strengthen the bones and sinews, ensuring that both yin (cooling fluids) and yang (warming energy) are replenished and balanced harmoniously.

3. Severe Blood Heat and Bleeding

If yin deficiency has generated too much "deficiency heat," leading to prominent bleeding symptoms like frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums, practitioners will add cooling herbs like Bai Mao Gen (Lalang Grass Rhizome) and Ce Bai Ye (Biota Leaves).
These herbs significantly enhance the formula's ability to cool the blood, clear heat, and safely stop bleeding without causing stagnation.

4. Severe Premature Graying of Hair

When premature gray hair is the primary concern, herbs famous for hair health, such as He Shou Wu (Fleeceflower Root) and Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame Seed), are commonly added.
Both of these ingredients deeply nourish the liver and kidneys and replenish essence and blood, making them highly effective for darkening the hair and improving its overall vitality.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Research

Immune System Support: Modern scientific studies indicate that the chemical compounds in Er Zhi Wan, such as flavonoids and polysaccharides, can regulate immune cell activity. This helps to boost the body's natural defense mechanisms and improve overall immunity.
Antioxidant Properties: The formula has demonstrated strong antioxidant effects. It helps scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative damage in the body, which is crucial for anti-aging and managing conditions related to oxidative stress.
Systemic Regulation: Research also suggests that the formula can positively influence the cardiovascular and nervous systems, potentially helping to improve heart function and ease nerve tension.

2. Clinical Efficacy Validation

General Symptom Relief: Extensive clinical trials have confirmed that this formula significantly improves quality of life by relieving common yin deficiency symptoms like lower back soreness, dizziness, and night sweats.
Menopause Support: For women experiencing menopausal syndrome, clinical data shows that the formula helps reduce hot flashes, alleviate insomnia, and even gently improve serum estradiol levels, making the menopausal transition much smoother.
Men's Health: In male reproductive health, studies validate its effectiveness in addressing issues like frequent involuntary emissions and premature ejaculation, showing positive improvements in overall sexual function and sperm quality.

3. Formulation Improvements and Innovation

Modern Delivery Methods: Thanks to modern pharmaceutical technology, Er Zhi Wan is no longer limited to traditional large honey pills. It is now widely produced in convenient capsules, tablets, and concentrated granules.
Enhanced Precision: These new formats are highly popular because they offer accurate dosing, better stability, and are much easier for patients to take on a daily basis.
Advanced Technology: Some modern versions even utilize sustained-release or controlled-release technology. This allows the herbal active ingredients to be absorbed slowly and steadily in the body over a longer period, maximizing the therapeutic benefits.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Use with Caution for Spleen–Stomach Deficiency-Cold

Er Zhi Wan contains cold-natured ingredients that may worsen symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or stomach chilliness. Use it only under medical guidance, with dosage or accompanying medicines adjusted as needed. Do not take it during a cold or fever; resume only after recovery and professional reassessment.

2. Dietary Precautions

Avoid greasy and spicy foods, which may burden digestion, affect absorption, or promote internal heat. Maintain a light, easily digestible diet while taking Er Zhi Wan.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Hoi Tin Er Zhi Wan Er Zhi Ke Li Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Er Zhi Wan (Two Solstices Pill) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $29.10

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Six Flavor Rehmannia) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

Nong's Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Concentrated Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Flavor Rehmannia Pill) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $50.18

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan (Seven Treasures Hair and Kidney Tonic) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $27.71

Nong's Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan (Seven Treasures Beautiful Hair Elixir) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $46.97

FAQ

Questions About Er Zhi Wan

Q1: What are the actions of Er Zhi Wan?

Er Zhi Wan has the actions of nourishing Liver and Kidney Yin and benefiting Essence. It is a two-herb pill named for the two solstices at which its ingredients are traditionally gathered, and is used as a gentle, relatively non-cloaking Yin tonic.

Q2: Which modern conditions is Er Zhi Wan suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency, including sore weak lower back and knees, premature greying or dry thinning hair of Yin-deficiency type, dizziness and dry eyes, and mild empty-Heat signs without fierce Fire.

Q3: Is Er Zhi Wan suitable for improving low-back weakness, dry eyes, and premature greying?

For presentations of dull sore lower back and knees, dry eyes or blurred vision, dry hair or premature greying, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency — TCM commonly applies Er Zhi Wan as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of endocrine, hematologic, or other medical causes of hair or vision change.

Q4: Who should not take Er Zhi Wan?

Those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency Cold and loose stools, prominent Dampness, or Yang deficiency without Yin signs are generally not suitable as a standalone formula. Even this gentle pair is cooling and enriching. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: What do the two herbs do together?

Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum fruit) nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, benefits the eyes, and darkens the hair. Mo Han Lian / Han Lian Cao (Eclipta) also nourishes Yin, cools Blood, and is classically used for premature greying and bleeding from Yin-deficiency Heat. Together they enrich Yin without the heavy cloaking of large-dose Shu Di Huang, which is why the pill is often better tolerated than richer Rehmannia formulas.

Q6: How does Er Zhi Wan differ from Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan?

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is a fuller Kidney Yin formula with both enriching and draining herbs. Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan adds Zhi Mu and Huang Bai when empty Fire is vigorous. Er Zhi Wan is simpler and lighter: it is chosen for mild-to-moderate Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency, especially when hair, eyes, and low back are the main complaints and the digestion cannot tolerate a heavy Rehmannia pill.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Er Zhi Wan?

The classical two-ingredient formula consists of equal parts of Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum lucidum fruit) and Mo Han Lian / Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata). They are traditionally powdered and formed into pills; some modern preparations use a 1:1 extract.

Q8: Is Er Zhi Wan suitable for long-term use?

Yes, more so than many heavier Yin tonics. It is commonly used for a sustained course in chronic Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency under professional supervision. If loose stools, Dampness, or lack of improvement appear, the formula should still be reviewed rather than taken indefinitely as a generic “anti-greying” supplement.

Q9: Can this formula help both premature greying and sore low back from the same Yin deficiency?

Yes. Liver and Kidney Yin nourish the hair, eyes, and lumbar sinews. When that Yin is insufficient, hair greys or dries early and the low back aches. Gently enriching Yin can support both complaints of one pattern. It will not reverse greying that has other medical or genetic causes.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Er Zhi Wan?

Sleeping enough to preserve Yin, avoiding late nights and excessive alcohol, eating moistening rather than drying spicy food, and having persistent hair, vision, or back changes properly evaluated all support correct use. Sudden hair loss in patches or night blindness needs medical assessment.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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