When tiredness comes from deep within

Tiredness that settles in deeply, lower back and knees that tire quickly, drive that fades as soon as effort goes on, easy sweating, a dry mouth in the evening… In TCM, these signs may be associated with Kidney Yin deficiency accompanied by Qi deficiency: the Kidney, guardian of the body’s deep reserves, no longer nourishes enough, and Qi is lacking to support and retain.

Under the name Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, tradition refers to a very old formula, the Shen Qi Wan of Zhang Zhongjing (张仲景), recorded around the year 200, at the end of the Eastern Han, in the Jin Gui Yao Lue (《金匮要略》). It combines a base of six nourishing herbs with two hot herbs. Under the Song, Qian Yi (钱乙) removed the two hot herbs to create Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. Our adapted version keeps this base of six herbs and pairs it with two herbs that support and retain Qi: honey-fried astragalus and schisandra.

Nourishing the base, supporting and retaining

The six base herbs work in pairs, according to tradition: three that nourish, prepared rehmannia for the Kidney, cornelian cherry for the Liver, Chinese yam for the Spleen, and three that lighten, so that the formula nourishes without weighing heavy. Honey-fried astragalus, the most generously dosed herb in our version, brings support for Qi, and schisandra helps retain what the whole rebuilds.

Nourishes Yin and Qi: Prepared rehmannia and cornelian cherry nourish Yin and Essence; honey-fried astragalus, sweet and warm, supports Qi.

Tonifies Kidney Qi: Chinese yam supports both the Spleen and the Kidney, and schisandra, sour, helps the Kidney retain Qi and Fluids.

Supports you through periods of fatigue: By rebuilding the base and supporting Qi, the formula accompanies the gradual return of steadier energy; poria and water plantain make sure it stays light.