1. Prescription Source & History

1. Origin Legend

The origin of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is rich in legendary stories. It is said that in ancient times, there was a young man with weak health and frequent weakness in the waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus. His body was very weak. After hearing about it, an old traditional Chinese medicine doctor carefully prepared a prescription based on his many years of medical experience. This prescription consisted of six Chinese medicinal materials. After taking it for some time, the young man's body gradually recovered and his energy became abundant. Later, this prescription spread among the people and helped many people with similar symptoms. This is the prototype of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction.

2. Historical Evolution

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction was first recorded in 'Key to Therapeutics of Children's Diseases' written by the medical scientist Qian Yi in the Song Dynasty. On the basis of summarizing the experience of predecessors and combining his own clinical practice, Qian Yi innovated and improved the traditional kidney-tonifying formula and created the classic formula of Liu Wei Di Huang Pills. Initially, Liu Wei Di Huang Pills were mainly used to treat kidney yin deficiency syndrome in children, such as delayed development and unclosed fontanelles. Over time, its application scope gradually expanded and became a general formula for treating kidney yin deficiency syndrome, occupying an important position in traditional Chinese medicine clinical practice.

3. Admiration of Past Doctors

Since the emergence of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, it has been highly praised by medical experts of all dynasties. Zhu Danxi, a medical expert in the Jin and Yuan periods, further elaborated on it, emphasizing the role of nourishing yin and reducing fire, making the application of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction more extensive in the field of nourishing yin. Xue Ji, a medical expert in the Ming Dynasty, used Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction to treat various deficiency syndromes and put forward the theory of 'nourishing its origin of transformation', enriching the clinical application ideas of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction. Ye Tianshi, Wu Jutong and other medical experts in the Qing Dynasty also skillfully used Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction in the field of febrile disease theory,配伍 it with drugs for clearing heat and expelling pathogenic factors, and used it to treat liver and kidney yin deficiency syndrome in the late stage of febrile diseases, opening up a new way for the application of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction.

2. Introduction of Ingredients

1. Rehmannia Root - Monarch

Prepared Rehmannia Root is the sovereign drug in Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction. It is the tuberous root of the plant Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. var. hueichingensis (Chao) Hsiao & K. M. Hsü of the family Scrophulariaceae, processed by steaming. It tastes sweet, is slightly warm in nature, and has a sticky texture. It has the effects of nourishing yin and blood, replenishing essence and marrow. Prepared Rehmannia Root enters the kidney meridian, can greatly nourish the yin of the liver and kidney, replenish essence and marrow, and is an important drug for nourishing yin and blood. In the formula, the dosage of Prepared Rehmannia Root is the largest. With its power of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney, it lays the foundation for nourishing yin in the whole formula, just like a monarch sitting in the center and commanding the overall situation.

2. Dogwood Fruit - Minister

Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit is the dried ripe pulp of the plant Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. of the family Cornaceae. It tastes sour and astringent, is slightly warm in nature, and belongs to the liver and kidney meridians. Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit has the effects of tonifying the liver and kidney, astringing and consolidating. It can both nourish the yin of the liver and kidney and astringe essence qi to prevent the leakage of kidney essence. In Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit assists Prepared Rehmannia Root to enhance the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney, and at the same time restricts the side effect of Prepared Rehmannia Root being greasy and obstructing the stomach, playing a dual role of assisting and restricting, just like a minister assisting the monarch to govern the country together.

3. Moutan Bark - Assistant

Moutan Bark is the dried root bark of the plant Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. of the family Ranunculaceae. It tastes bitter and pungent, is slightly cold in nature, and belongs to the heart, liver and kidney meridians. Moutan Bark has the effects of clearing heat and cooling blood, promoting blood circulation and removing stasis. In the formula for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney, Moutan Bark can clear the ministerial fire in the kidney, prevent the upward flaring of deficiency fire, and at the same time promote blood circulation and remove stasis, making the yin-nourishing drugs tonify without stagnation. It plays the role of clearing heat and reducing fire, and regulating the properties of the drugs in the formula, just like an assistant envoy, assisting the monarch and minister to better exert the medicinal effects.

4. Chinese Yam - Assistant Herb

Common Yam Rhizome is the dried rhizome of the plant Dioscorea opposita Thunb. of the family Dioscoreaceae. It tastes sweet, is neutral in nature, and belongs to the spleen, lung and kidney meridians. Common Yam Rhizome has the effects of invigorating the spleen and stomach, promoting the production of fluid and nourishing the lung, tonifying the kidney and astringing essence. In Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, on the one hand, Common Yam Rhizome invigorates the spleen and benefits the stomach, making the spleen and stomach function normally, helping the acquired foundation to generate sufficient resources to nourish the congenital kidney; on the other hand, it tonifies the kidney and astringes essence, synergistically enhancing the effect of tonifying the kidney with Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit. It plays the role of invigorating the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and regulating the various drugs in the formula, just like an assistant envoy, assisting the power of the monarch and minister, making the formula more comprehensive.

5. Poria - Assistant Herb

Poria is the dried sclerotium of the fungus Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf of the family Polyporaceae. It tastes sweet and light, is neutral in nature, and belongs to the heart, lung, spleen and kidney meridians. Poria has the effects of promoting diuresis and excreting dampness, strengthening the spleen, and calming the mind. In Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, Poria mainly plays the roles of promoting diuresis and excreting dampness and strengthening the spleen. By promoting the excretion of water and dampness, it prevents the yin-nourishing drugs from being too greasy and generating damp pathogens, and at the same time strengthens the spleen and aids transportation, making the spleen and stomach function normally to promote the absorption and transportation of drugs. Poria plays the role of excreting dampness and strengthening the spleen, and regulating the properties of the drugs in the formula, just like an assistant envoy, assisting the formula to better exert the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney.

6. Alisma - Guiding Herb

Alisma orientale is the dried rhizome of the plant Alisma orientale in the Alismataceae family. It tastes sweet, bland, and is cold in nature, belonging to the kidney and bladder meridians. Alisma orientale has the effects of promoting urination and clearing damp-heat. In Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, it can clear and promote the excretion of kidney turbidity, enabling the turbid pathogens in the kidney to be excreted through urine, preventing the retention of turbid yin in the kidney and affecting the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney. At the same time, it can also restrict the greasy nature of Rehmannia glutinosa preparata, making the whole formula tonify without stagnation. It plays the role of guiding the herbs downward and regulating the properties of the herbs in the formula, just like the envoy herb, leading all the herbs to reach the affected area and exert the best therapeutic effect.

III. Pathogenesis, Efficacy and Treatment Principle

1. Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis targeted by Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is mainly deficiency of kidney yin. The kidney is the innate foundation of the body, and kidney yin is the fundamental of the body's yin fluid. If due to insufficient congenital endowment, lack of postnatal nourishment, prolonged illness and weakness, excessive sexual activity, etc., resulting in kidney yin deficiency and imbalance of kidney yin and yang, a series of symptoms of kidney yin deficiency will occur. Kidney yin deficiency can lead to endogenous virtual fire. When the virtual fire flares upward, there will be symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, hectic fever and night sweats; when kidney yin is insufficient and cannot nourish the liver wood, it can cause liver yin deficiency, presenting symptoms such as dry eyes and blurred vision; when kidney yin deficiency fails to nourish the heart upward, it can lead to disharmony between the heart and kidney, with symptoms such as insomnia,多梦, palpitations and forgetfulness.

2. Efficacy

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney. In the formula, Rehmannia glutinosa preparata is used heavily to nourish yin and tonify the kidney, replenish essence and marrow, and is the monarch herb; Cornus officinalis and Dioscorea opposita assist Rehmannia glutinosa preparata to enhance the power of tonifying the kidney, and at the same time astringe and secure, preventing the leakage of kidney essence, and are the minister herbs; Moutan bark clears heat and cools the blood, purges fire and relieves steaming, Dioscorea opposita invigorates the spleen and benefits the stomach, Poria cocos promotes diuresis and percolates dampness, Alisma orientale clears and promotes the excretion of kidney turbidity. These three herbs together are the assistant herbs, to clear and purge the ministerial fire in the kidney, strengthen the spleen and promote digestion, percolate dampness and discharge turbidity, making the whole formula tonify without stagnation; Alisma orientale can also guide the herbs downward and is the envoy herb. All the herbs are used together to achieve the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney, making the kidney yin sufficient, the virtual fire subside, and the zang-fu functions return to normal.

3. Principal Treatment

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is mainly used to treat the syndrome of kidney yin deficiency. Common symptoms include soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, deafness, night sweats, spermatorrhea, polydipsia, hectic fever and steaming bone, feverish palms and soles, loose teeth, pain in the heels, frequent urination, red tongue with little coating, thready and rapid pulse, etc. In addition, in modern clinical practice, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is also widely used in various diseases caused by kidney yin deficiency, such as diabetes, hypertension, menopausal syndrome, chronic nephritis, neurasthenia, sexual dysfunction, etc. As long as the syndrome differentiation belongs to kidney yin deficiency, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can be used for treatment.

IV. Analysis of Formula Principles

1. Overall Idea of Nourishing Yin and Tonifying Kidney

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction takes nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney as the core idea. Kidney yin is the fundamental of the body's yin fluid. When kidney yin is sufficient, the five zang-fu organs can be nourished and the balance of yin and yang can be maintained. In the formula, Rehmannia glutinosa preparata greatly nourishes the yin of the liver and kidney, replenishes essence and marrow, and is the basis for nourishing yin. Cornus officinalis and Dioscorea opposita assist Rehmannia glutinosa preparata to enhance the power of tonifying the kidney, and at the same time astringe and secure, preventing the leakage of kidney essence, further consolidating kidney yin. Poria cocos, Alisma orientale, and Moutan bark assist in nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney from different angles. Poria cocos promotes diuresis and percolates dampness, preventing the greasy nourishing herbs from generating dampness, strengthening the spleen and promoting digestion to facilitate drug absorption; Alisma orientale clears and promotes the excretion of kidney turbidity, enabling the turbid pathogens in the kidney to be excreted through urine, preventing kidney yin from being disturbed by turbid pathogens; Moutan bark clears heat and cools the blood, purges fire and relieves steaming, clearing and purging the ministerial fire in the kidney, preventing the upward flaring of virtual fire, and making the nourishing yin herbs play a better role. Through the compatibility of monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy herbs, an organic whole for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney is formed, comprehensively regulating the pathogenesis of kidney yin deficiency.

2. Medication Characteristics of Reinforcing and Reducing

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction embodies the characteristic of combining supplementation and purgation in the use of herbs. On the one hand, in the formula, Rehmannia glutinosa preparata, Cornus officinalis, Dioscorea opposita and other herbs for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney are used heavily, mainly for supplementation, greatly nourishing the yin of the liver and kidney, replenishing essence and marrow, making the kidney yin sufficient. On the other hand, herbs such as Moutan bark, Poria cocos, and Alisma orientale for clearing heat and promoting diuresis, purging fire and cooling the blood are used in combination, with purgation as the supplement. Moutan bark clears and purges the ministerial fire in the kidney, Poria cocos promotes diuresis and percolates dampness, Alisma orientale clears and promotes the excretion of kidney turbidity. Through the action of these herbs, it prevents the nourishing yin herbs from being too greasy and generating damp pathogens and assisting the ministerial fire, making the supplementation have purgation, tonifying without stagnation, and achieving the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney without side effects. This characteristic of combining supplementation and purgation in the use of herbs reflects the subtlety of the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine formulas, enabling the formula to not only nourish yin and tonify the kidney, but also regulate the yin-yang balance of the body and promote the recovery of the disease.

3. Treating Liver, Kidney and Spleen Simultaneously

Although Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is named as a kidney-tonifying formula, it actually embodies the idea of treating the liver, kidney and spleen simultaneously. The kidney is the innate foundation of the body, the liver is the son of the kidney, and kidney yin deficiency can lead to liver yin deficiency. The liver and kidney are homologous and influence each other. In the formula, Rehmannia glutinosa preparata, Cornus officinalis, and Dioscorea opposita tonify the kidney and nourish yin, and at the same time also nourish liver yin, reflecting the treatment method of nourishing water to nourish wood, mainly tonifying the kidney and supplementing liver yin. Poria cocos and Dioscorea opposita invigorate the spleen and benefit the stomach, making the spleen and stomach function normally, and the acquired foundation generates sufficient essence to nourish the innate kidney. At the same time, it also prevents the nourishing yin herbs from being greasy and obstructing the stomach, reflecting the treatment method of strengthening the earth to control water, mainly tonifying the spleen and taking into account the functions of the spleen and stomach. By treating the liver, kidney and spleen simultaneously, the zang-fu functions of the whole body are comprehensively regulated, making the kidney yin sufficient, the liver and spleen harmonious, and thus achieving the purpose of treating the syndrome of kidney yin deficiency.

V. Comparison with Other Similar Prescriptions

1. Comparison with Zuogui Pills

Zuogui Pills It is a prescription for nourishing kidney yin created by Zhang Jiebin, a medical expert in the Ming Dynasty, based on Liu Wei Di Huang Pills. Compared with Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, Zuogui Pills have a stronger effect on nourishing kidney yin. Zuogui Pills emphasize the use of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus, Corni Fructus, Cyathulae Radix, Colla Cornus Cervi, Colla Plastri Testudinis, Cuscuta Semen and other herbs for nourishing kidney yin and replenishing essence and marrow, without the clearing and purging herbs such as Poria, Alismatis Rhizoma and Moutan Cortex, so its nourishing property is more pure. Therefore, Zuogui Pills are more suitable for diseases with severe deficiency of true yin and depletion of essence, such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness and vertigo, spermatorrhea and emission, spontaneous sweating and night sweating, dry mouth and throat, red tongue with little coating, thready pulse, etc. In contrast, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has a slightly weaker effect on nourishing yin, but its compatibility is relatively mild, with both tonifying and purging, and is suitable for patients with a relatively mild degree of kidney yin deficiency, accompanied by symptoms such as upward flaring of deficiency fire or internal obstruction of damp turbidity.

2. Comparison with Dabu Yin Pills

Dabuyin Pills It is a prescription for nourishing yin and reducing fire created by Zhu Danxi, a medical expert in the Jin and Yuan periods. Different from Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction , Dabuyin Pills mainly function to nourish yin and reduce fire. In the formula, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata and Plastrum Testudinis are emphasized to nourish yin and suppress yang, Phellodendri Cortex and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma are used to clear heat and reduce fire, and Suidae Medulla and Mel are made into pills to nourish yin and moisten dryness to assist the medicinal power. Dabuyin Pills are applicable to the syndrome of yin deficiency with excessive fire, and the common symptoms include steaming bone fever, night sweating and spermatorrhea, coughing and hemoptysis, restlessness and irritability, pain and heat in the feet and knees, red tongue with little coating, and rapid and forceful pulse at the cubital pulse. While Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction mainly focuses on nourishing kidney yin, with a weaker effect on reducing fire, and is suitable for patients mainly with kidney yin deficiency and without obvious symptoms of deficiency fire.

3. Comparison with Zhibai Dihuang Pills

Zhibai Dihuang Pills are made by adding Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Phellodendri Cortex to Liu Wei Di Huang Pills . Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Phellodendri Cortex have the effects of clearing heat and purging fire, nourishing yin and moistening dryness, and enhancing the power of clearing heat and reducing fire of Liu Wei Di Huang Pills. Zhibai Dihuang Pills are applicable to the syndrome of kidney yin deficiency combined with yin deficiency and excessive fire. In addition to the symptoms of kidney yin deficiency such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, there are also manifestations of yin deficiency and excessive fire such as tidal fever and night sweating, dry mouth and sore throat, short and red urine, and dry stools. In comparison, the effect of clearing heat and reducing fire of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is not as obvious as that of Zhibai Dihuang Pills, and it focuses more on the treatment of simple kidney yin deficiency syndrome.

VI. Clinical Application and Indications

1. Internal Medicine Diseases

- Diabetes: For diabetic patients with symptoms of kidney yin deficiency, such as excessive thirst and polydipsia, polyphagia and easy hunger, frequent urination with large volume, emaciation, weakness in the waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, etc., Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can be selected for treatment. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can nourish yin and tonify the kidney, regulate the balance of yin and yang in the body, improve the symptoms of diabetic patients, and lower blood sugar levels.

- Hypertension: Patients with hypertension of kidney yin deficiency type often show symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, weakness in the waist and knees, and restlessness with fever of the five centers (palms, soles and chest). Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction nourishes yin and tonifies the kidney, suppresses liver yang and calms the endogenous wind, and can effectively relieve the symptoms of hypertensive patients and lower blood pressure. Clinical studies have shown that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has a certain antihypertensive effect on patients with mild hypertension and can improve the discomfort symptoms such as dizziness and tinnitus of patients.

- Menopausal syndrome: During menopause, due to the decline of ovarian function and the decrease of estrogen level, women are prone to symptoms of kidney yin deficiency, such as hot flashes and night sweats, restlessness and insomnia, dizziness and tinnitus, weakness in the waist and knees, etc. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can nourish yin and tonify the kidney, regulate endocrine function, relieve the symptoms of menopausal syndrome, and improve the quality of life of patients.

2. Men's Diseases

- Spermatorrhea: Kidney yin deficiency and dereliction of duty in sealing and storing can lead to spermatorrhea. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction nourishes yin and tonifies the kidney, arrests seminal emission, and has a good therapeutic effect on spermatorrhea caused by insufficient kidney yin. Patients often have symptoms such as weakness in the waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, and restlessness with fever of the five centers. After taking Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, the symptoms of spermatorrhea can gradually alleviate.

- Premature ejaculation: Premature ejaculation patients who are differentiated as kidney yin deficiency can be treated with Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction. Insufficient kidney yin fails to nourish the essence of the kidney, resulting in the instability of the sperm gate and premature ejaculation. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction nourishes yin and tonifies the kidney, replenishes essence and marrow, can enhance sexual function, prolong sexual intercourse time, and improve the symptoms of premature ejaculation.

3. Women's Diseases

- Irregular menstruation: Kidney yin deficiency can lead to disharmony between Chong and Ren meridians, resulting in irregular menstruation. Common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycle, scanty menstrual volume, red and thick quality, dizziness and tinnitus, weakness in the waist and knees, etc. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction nourishes yin and tonifies the kidney, regulates Chong and Ren meridians, can restore the normal menstrual cycle, and improve the symptoms of irregular menstruation.

- Infertility: Infertility patients with kidney yin deficiency type often have difficulty in conception due to insufficient kidney yin, which affects the development and discharge of eggs. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction nourishes yin and tonifies the kidney, nourishes blood and regulates menstruation, improves the state of kidney yin deficiency, and helps to increase the probability of conception. In clinical practice, for some infertility patients caused by insufficient kidney yin, there are not few cases of successful conception after conditioning with Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction.

4. Pediatric Diseases

- Delayed development in children: Insufficient kidney yin in children can affect growth and development, showing symptoms such as short stature, delayed intellectual development, and delayed closure of fontanelles. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction nourishes yin and tonifies the kidney, replenishes essence and marrow, can promote the growth and development of children and improve their intellectual level. Clinical studies have found that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has a certain therapeutic effect on delayed development in children with kidney yin deficiency type, and can improve the growth indicators and intellectual development of children.

- Enuresis in children: Insufficient kidney qi in children and the failure of the bladder to restrain can lead to enuresis. In children with enuresis due to deficiency of kidney yin, in addition to enuresis, there are also symptoms such as weakness in the waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, and feverish sensation over the five centers (palms, soles and chest). Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction nourishes kidney yin, tonifies the kidney, and secures the bladder, and can effectively treat enuresis in children. By taking Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, it can strengthen the kidney qi of children, improve bladder function, and reduce the frequency of enuresis.

VII. Additions and Subtractions

1. Those with Yin Deficiency and Fire Hyperactivity

If the patient shows symptoms of hyperactivity of fire due to yin deficiency, such as hectic fever and night sweating, dry mouth and sore throat, short and red urine, and dry stools, Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhimu) and Phellodendron Bark (Huangbai) can be added to Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction to enhance the power of clearing heat and reducing fire, and the formula becomes Anemarrhena and Phellodendron Bolus (Zhibai Dihuang Pills). Anemarrhena Rhizome and Phellodendron Bark clear heat and purge fire, nourish yin and moisten dryness, and when combined with the yin-nourishing herbs in Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, can better treat the syndrome of hyperactivity of fire due to yin deficiency.

2. Those with Severe Waist and Knee Aches

For those with obvious soreness in the waist and knees, Taxillus sutchuenensis, Eucommia ulmoides, Dipsacus asperoides and other herbs that tonify the kidney and strengthen the waist can be added. Taxillus sutchuenensis, Eucommia ulmoides, Dipsacus asperoides have the effects of tonifying the liver and kidney, strengthening the muscles and bones, can enhance the kidney-tonifying effect of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, and relieve the symptoms of soreness in the waist and knees.

3. Those with Severe Dizziness and Tinnitus

For patients with severe dizziness and tinnitus, Gastrodia elata, Uncaria rhynchophylla, Concha Haliotidis and other herbs that suppress the hyperactive liver-yang can be added. Gastrodia elata, Uncaria rhynchophylla, Concha Haliotidis can suppress the hyperactive liver-yang, improve the symptoms of dizziness and tinnitus, and relieve the discomfort in the head of the patient.

4. Those with spermatorrhea

When the symptoms of spermatorrhea and involuntary emission are severe, Rosa laevigata, Euryale ferox, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. stigma and other herbs that secure essence and stop involuntary emission can be added. Rosa laevigata, Euryale ferox, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. stigma have the effects of securing essence and reducing urination, and when combined with the kidney-tonifying herbs in Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, can enhance the effect of securing the kidney essence and reduce the occurrence of spermatorrhea and involuntary emission.

5. Those with diabetes

If the patient has symptoms of wasting-thirst, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim, Ophiopogon japonicus, Schisandra chinensis and other herbs that promote the production of body fluid to quench thirst can be added. Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim, Ophiopogon japonicus, Schisandra chinensis can promote the production of body fluid to quench thirst, combined with the effect of nourishing kidney yin of Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, can effectively relieve the symptoms of wasting-thirst, and improve the manifestations of excessive thirst and easy hunger of the patient.

VIII. Dosage (Traditional and Modern Concentrated Granules)

1. Traditional Method

The traditional Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is generally taken by decocting in water. The specific dosage is: Rehmannia glutinosa (cooked) 24g, Cornus officinalis 12g, Dioscorea opposita 12g, Alisma orientale 9g, Moutan cortex 9g, Poria cocos 9g. Wash the above six herbs, soak for 30 minutes, add appropriate amount of water, first bring to a boil over high heat, then change to low heat and decoct for about 30 minutes, take the juice; then add water and decoct again, mix the two decoctions and take them in two doses, one dose per day.

2. Modern Concentrated Granules

With the development of modern pharmaceutical technology, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction also has a modern concentrated granule dosage form. The modern concentrated granule is a granule preparation made by extracting and concentrating the six herbs, and is convenient to take. Its dosage is generally: according to the product instructions of different manufacturers, take it according to the specified dose. Usually, the dosage taken once is equivalent to the dosage ratio of each herb in the traditional formula, twice a day, taken by冲服 with warm water. The modern concentrated granule dosage form retains the medicinal effects of the traditional formula, and is convenient to carry and take, suitable for the modern fast-paced lifestyle.

IX. Precautions and Taboos

1. Use with caution for weak spleen and stomach

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is relatively greasy. After taking it, those with weak spleen and stomach may experience symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Therefore, patients with weak spleen and stomach and poor transportation and transformation functions should use it with caution, or under the guidance of a doctor, appropriately combine drugs that strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach, such as Atractylodes macrocephala and Tangerine Peel, to reduce the impact of greasiness on the spleen and stomach.

2. Contraindicated for yang deficiency

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is a prescription for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney, applicable to the syndrome of deficiency of kidney yin. Those with yang deficiency constitution, such as fear of cold, cold limbs, pale complexion, and fatigue, taking Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction may aggravate the yang deficiency symptoms and lead to the deterioration of the condition. Therefore, those with yang deficiency should avoid using Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction and should choose prescriptions for warming and tonifying kidney yang for treatment.

Not to take during cold

During a cold, the vital qi of the human body resists pathogenic factors on the surface. At this time, it is not appropriate to take tonic prescriptions. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is a prescription for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney. Taking it during a cold may trap the pathogenic factors inside, preventing the pathogenic qi from being expelled externally, resulting in the aggravation of cold symptoms and the prolongation of the disease course. Therefore, taking Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction should be suspended during a cold, and after the cold is cured, it should be decided whether to continue taking it according to the condition.

Avoid spicy and greasy foods

During the period of taking Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction, spicy and greasy foods should be avoided. Spicy foods are likely to promote the generation of fire and heat, and greasy foods are not easy to digest, which will increase the burden on the spleen and stomach. These foods may affect the absorption and efficacy of the medicine, and are also not conducive to the recovery of the condition. Patients should keep a light diet and eat more vegetables and fruits, which is helpful to improve the therapeutic effect of the medicine.

Research progress of Liu Wei Di Huang Pills

1. Impact on immune system

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction is often used together with Shenqi Pills. Among them, Fructus Corni can nourish kidney yin, is applicable to the syndrome of deficiency of kidney yin such as red tongue, loss of appetite, headache, etc., and helps to improve digestive function. Modern research shows that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has the effect of regulating the immune system. It can enhance the immune function of the body and improve the resistance of the body. Experimental studies have found that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can promote the proliferation of lymphocytes, enhance the phagocytic function of macrophages, regulate the level of immunoglobulins, and improve the immune balance of the body. Clinical studies have also confirmed that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has a certain therapeutic effect on some diseases with low immune function, such as recurrent respiratory infections and chronic nephritis, and can reduce the frequency of disease attacks and improve the quality of life of patients.

2. Impact on endocrine system

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction also has a certain regulatory effect on the endocrine system. It can regulate the functions of the endocrine systems such as the hypothalamus - pituitary - gonadal axis and the hypothalamus - pituitary - adrenal axis. Research has found that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can increase the serum testosterone level, improve gonadal function, and has a certain therapeutic effect on male sexual dysfunction. At the same time, it can also regulate the secretion of adrenal cortical hormones and enhance the stress ability of the body. For diseases such as irregular menstruation and menopausal syndrome caused by female endocrine disorders, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction also has a certain conditioning effect.

3. Impact on nervous system

In terms of the nervous system, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has a certain neuroprotective effect. It can improve learning and memory ability and has a certain preventive and therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Experimental studies have shown that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can inhibit the apoptosis of nerve cells, reduce the damage of neurotransmitters, and improve the antioxidant ability of the brain tissue, thus protecting the function of the nervous system. Clinical studies have also found that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has a good relieving effect on some symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and insomnia caused by deficiency of kidney yin, and can improve the nervous system symptoms of patients.

4. Impact on cardiovascular system

Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction also has a positive impact on the cardiovascular system. It can lower blood pressure and improve heart function. Research has found that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can dilate blood vessels, reduce peripheral resistance, and thus lower blood pressure. At the same time, it can also improve myocardial ischemia and enhance myocardial contractility, and has a certain adjuvant therapeutic effect on cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and arrhythmia. Clinical studies have shown that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has a certain antihypertensive effect on patients with mild hypertension, and can improve the heart function of patients and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

5. Anti-tumor effect

In recent years, studies have found that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has certain anti-tumor effects. It can regulate the immune function of the body, inhibit the growth and proliferation of tumor cells, and induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Experimental studies have shown that certain components in Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction can inhibit the DNA synthesis of tumor cells and affect the metabolism of tumor cells, thereby exerting anti-tumor effects. Clinical studies have also found that Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has the effect of reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy on some tumor patients during radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can reduce the adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improve the quality of life of patients.

As a classic prescription in traditional Chinese medicine, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction has been passed down for thousands of years and plays an important role in clinical applications. With the continuous deepening of modern research, its pharmacological effects and clinical application scope are also constantly expanding. It is believed that in the future, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction will bring well-being to the health of more patients.