Zuo Ci Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
左慈丸 · Zuǒ Cí Wán
A classical modification of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan for Kidney Yin deficiency with tinnitus, dizziness and visual decline.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yin-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Kidney Yin Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Enrich Kidney Yin, calm Liver, improve vision and hearing
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Nourish Kidney Yin and calm ascending Liver Yang
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical modification of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan for Kidney Yin deficiency with tinnitus, dizziness and visual decline.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Kidney Yin deficiency with tinnitus and dizziness, rather than eye-focused Yin tonics, Yin-deficiency fire, or stronger Liver Yang rising patterns.
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
山茱萸Shan Zhu Yu12g
Cornus Fruit- astringes the liver and kidney and secures essence
山藥Shan Yao12g
Chinese Yam- boosts qi
- nourishes yin and astringes the essence
枸杞子Gou Qi Zi12g
Goji Berry / Lycium Fruit- nourishes liver-kidney yin and benefits the eyes
佐/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
菊花Ju Hua9g
Chrysanthemum Flower- clears the liver and eyes
茯苓Fu Ling9g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen
- leaches dampness and quiets the heart
牡丹皮Mu Dan Pi9g
Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark- clears heat
- cools blood and gently invigorates blood
澤瀉Ze Xie9g
Alisma Rhizome- leaches dampness and drains ministerial fire via the urine
磁石Ci Shi6g
Magnetite- anchors yang and benefits the ears
Classical Composition
- Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata (Shu Di Huang) 24g
- Fructus Corni (Shan Zhu Yu) 12g
- Rhizoma Dioscoreae (Shan Yao) 12g
- Fructus Lycii (Gou Qi Zi) 12g
- Flos Chrysanthemi (Ju Hua) 9g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 9g
- Cortex Moutan (Mu Dan Pi) 9g
- Rhizoma Alismatis (Ze Xie) 9g
- Magnetitum (Ci Shi) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Enriches kidney yin
- calms the liver
- and treats tinnitus and dizziness from yin deficiency with yang rising.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for kidney yin deficiency with liver yang rising.
- Signs and symptoms include tinnitus, deafness, and dizziness.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is red with little coating, and the pulse is fine and wiry.
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.
- Kidney yin deficiency with liver yang rising produces tinnitus, deafness and dizziness that Liu Wei Di Huang Wan alone does not settle.
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 Kidney Yin and calm ascending Liver Yang.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Zuo Ci Wan, Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan and Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin address Kidney Yin deficiency with sensory or Yang-rising signs. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan nourishes Yin and brightens the eyes; Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan clears Yin-deficiency fire; Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin calms Liver Yang. Zuo Ci Wan is a Liu Wei modification for Kidney Yin deficiency with tinnitus, dizziness and visual decline.
Clinical Differentiation
- Zuo Ci Wan is used for kidney yin deficiency with liver yang rising as tinnitus, deafness and dizziness.
- Magnetite and Wu Wei Zi are added to a Qi Ju Di Huang base.
- It is distinguished from Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (eyes more than ears) and from Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (yang rising with more heat and wind).
Safety notes: This formula is enriching and settling. It is not appropriate for spleen-damp or for excess liver-fire without yin deficiency.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Zuo Ci Wan?
Zuo Ci Wan has the actions of nourishing Kidney Yin, anchoring Yang, and benefiting the ears. It is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan plus Ci Shi and Wu Wei Zi (and often Chai Hu in the Er Long Zuo Ci Wan variant), used when Yin deficiency allows Yang to rush upward as tinnitus or deafness.
Which modern conditions is Zuo Ci Wan suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Kidney Yin deficiency with unrooted Yang, including tinnitus or hearing decline of deficiency type, dizziness with a thin pulse and red scant-coated tongue, and some age-related hearing complaints of this pattern after ENT evaluation.
Is Zuo Ci Wan suitable for improving tinnitus and sore low back from Yin deficiency?
For presentations of ringing in the ears or muffled hearing, sore weak lower back and knees, possible night sweats or dry mouth, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Kidney Yin deficiency — TCM commonly applies Zuo Ci Wan as an adjunct. Sudden one-sided deafness or tinnitus with vertigo needs urgent ENT care.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Er Long Zuo Ci Wan (Magnetite and Cinnabar Pill to Aid the Ears) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Zuo Ci Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney Yin Deficiency, Tinnitus & Hearing Loss
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Yin Deficiency with Fire, Night Sweats & Hot Flashes
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Liver Yang Rising, Headache, Dizziness & Hypertension
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney & Liver Yin Deficiency with Eye Problems
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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.