Er Zhi Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
二至丸 · Èr Zhì Wán
A classical simple Yin tonic for Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency with premature graying and lumbar weakness.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yin-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Kidney Yin Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Enrich Liver and Kidney Yin, darken hair, cool blood
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Nourish Liver-Kidney Yin with two seasonal herbs
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical simple Yin tonic for Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency with premature graying and lumbar weakness.
Therapeutic Principle
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.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
Classical Composition
- Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (Nu Zhen Zi) 12g
- Ecliptae Herba (Han Lian Cao) 12g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Enriches liver and kidney yin and darkens the hair.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for milder liver-kidney yin depletion.
- Signs and symptoms include premature greying, lumbar weakness, and dry mouth.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is red with little coating, and the pulse is fine.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by kidney yin depletion that fails to nourish the liver and moisten the upper orifices.
- Water fails to restrain fire, so deficiency heat rises, with lumbar weakness, tinnitus, dry eyes or steaming bone sensations.
- Liver-kidney yin depletion that is milder than Liu Wei patterns produces premature greying, lumbar weakness and dry mouth.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to enrich kidney yin, nourish the liver, and restrain deficiency fire.
- In this formula the emphasis is to nourish Liver-Kidney Yin with two seasonal herbs.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
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.
Clinical Differentiation
- Er Zhi Wan is used for milder liver-kidney yin depletion with premature greying and lumbar weakness.
- It is a two-ingredient, long-term enriching formula distinguished from Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (fuller yin-enriching structure) and from Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan (more essence-and-blood filling).
Safety notes: This formula is enriching. It is not appropriate for spleen-damp with a greasy coating and loose stools.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Er Zhi Wan (Two Solstices Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Er Zhi Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Liver & Kidney Yin Deficiency, Premature Graying & Weakness
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney & Liver Yin Deficiency
Da Bu Yin Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Yin Deficiency with Fire, Night Sweats & Steaming Bone
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan: Classic TCM Formula for Premature Graying, Hair Loss & Liver Kidney Deficiency
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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.