When Kidney Yin runs short
Sensations of heat, night sweats, a dry mouth or throat, weakness in the lower back and knees… In TCM, when several of these signs appear together, they may be associated with a deficiency of Kidney Yin.
It is to this ground that Liu Wei Di Huang Wan traditionally answers. Developed under the Song dynasty by the physician Qian Yi (钱乙), this formula — first used in paediatrics — has become a reference for nourishing mainly Kidney Yin while also supporting that of the Liver, and for accompanying the signs linked to Yin deficiency.
Nourish what is lacking, clear what is in excess
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan does not merely nourish the Yin. It combines support and regulation: strengthening what is lacking, while helping to ease Heat and to keep an over-nourishing formula from creating heaviness. It is this complementarity that allows it to act on the different signs of Yin deficiency.
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin: This is the central action of the formula. It supports the Yin when it becomes insufficient and helps preserve the balance of the ground.
- Eases sensations of heat: When the Yin is no longer enough to contain the Yang, a sensation of heat may appear, particularly at the end of the day or at night. The formula traditionally accompanies the Heat linked to Yin deficiency.
- Accompanies night sweats and dryness: A lack of Yin may come with night sweats and a dry mouth or throat. By nourishing the Yin, the formula helps preserve the Fluids and accompany these signs.
- Supports comfort in the lower back and knees: In TCM the Kidney is closely tied to the lower back and the bones. A deficiency of Kidney Yin may therefore come with a sensation of weakness or discomfort in the lower back and the knees.
