Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
滋腎明目湯 · Zī Shèn Míng Mù Tāng
A kidney-yin formula for dim vision from kidney deficiency.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yin-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Kidney Yin Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Nourish kidney yin, brighten the eyes
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Nourish kidney yin and brighten the eyes
- Classical Source
- Later ophthalmology formula
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A kidney-yin formula for dim vision from kidney deficiency.
Therapeutic Principle
Selected for dim vision from kidney yin deficiency rather than acute liver-heat red eyes.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
山藥Shan Yao9g
Chinese Yam- fortifies the spleen and kidney
山茱萸Shan Zhu Yu9g
Cornus Fruit- astringes and nourishes the liver and kidney
澤瀉Ze Xie6g
Alisma Rhizome- drains dampness and clears deficiency heat
牡丹皮Mu Dan Pi6g
Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark- clears deficiency heat
茯苓Fu Ling6g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen
Classical Composition
- Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shu Di Huang)
- Lycii Fructus (Gou Qi Zi)
- Chrysanthemi Flos (Ju Hua)
- Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shan Yao)
- Corni Fructus (Shan Zhu Yu)
- Alismatis Rhizoma (Ze Xie)
- Moutan Cortex (Mu Dan Pi)
- Poria (Fu Ling). A kidney-yin
- eye-brightening base related to Qi Ju Di Huang Wan.
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Nourishes kidney yin and improves vision.
Indications
- Kidney yin deficiency with dim vision.
- Dim or dry eyes, dizziness, tinnitus, lumbar soreness, red tongue with little coating.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Kidney yin deficiency fails to nourish the eyes, so vision dims.
Clinical presentation
- Dim vision, dry eyes, dizziness, tinnitus, lumbar soreness, red tongue with little coating, thin pulse.
Treatment strategy
- Nourish kidney yin, brighten the eyes.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang, Qi Ju Di Huang Wan and Xi Gan Ming Mu San address the eyes differently. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is the standard kidney-yin eye formula. Xi Gan Ming Mu San clears liver heat. Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang nourishes kidney yin for dim vision.
Clinical Differentiation
- Used for dim vision from kidney yin deficiency.
- Key points: dry or dim eyes with lumbar soreness, little coating.
- Distinct from liver-heat eye formulas that clear rather than nourish.
Safety notes: Not appropriate for acute red, painful eyes from excess liver heat.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang? Are Qi Ju Di Huang Wan and Ming Mu Di Huang Wan the same?
Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang (滋肾明目汤) is a classic formula from Wanbing Huichun, centered on nourishing the Kidney, nourishing blood, clearing heat and brightening the eyes for overwork Kidney deficiency with blood deficiency eye pain. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan nourishes the Kidney, nourishes the Liver and brightens the eyes, leaning to Liver-Kidney yin deficiency with dim vision. Ming Mu Di Huang Wan nourishes the Kidney, nourishes the Liver and clears vacuity heat to brighten the eyes, with similar but different pairing. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang. Use caution in damp-heat, excess heat and Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold.
What is the composition and traditional use of Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang?
Classic composition: Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Shu Di Huang, Sheng Di Huang, Bai Shao doubled; Jie Geng, Ren Shen, Shan Zhi, Huang Lian, Bai Zhi, Man Jing Zi, Ju Hua, Gan Cao halved. Decocted with fine tea and Deng Xin Cao. It acts to nourish the Kidney, nourish blood, clear heat and brighten the eyes. It is used for overwork Kidney deficiency with blood deficiency eye pain: blurred vision, dry or painful eyes, etc. Shu Di, Sheng Di, Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish blood and yin; Ren Shen tonifies qi; Zhi Zi and Huang Lian clear heat; Ju Hua, Man Jing Zi and Bai Zhi clear the head and brighten the eyes; Jie Geng carries the herbs upward.
How do you choose raw versus prepared? Can Qi Ju Di Huang Wan replace it?
Shu Di and Sheng Di are used together; Huang Lian and Zhi Zi clear heat. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan leans to pure Kidney nourishing without heavy blood-moving and heat-clearing; it cannot replace the formula by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated compounding; do not self-modify.
Related Articles
Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang: Nourishing the Kidney and Brightening the Eyes
Xi Gan Ming Mu San: Clearing the Liver and Brightening the Eyes
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney & Liver Yin Deficiency
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney & Liver Yin Deficiency with Eye Problems
Browse all classical formulas →
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.