When you are drawing on your reserves

Deep-seated fatigue that rest does not shift, a lower back and knees that tire quickly, cold feet, a sense of living on your reserves, especially with the years or after a long period of overwork… In TCM, these signs may be associated with Kidney Essence Deficiency. According to tradition, Essence (Jing) is the body’s deepest reserve: the Kidney stores it, and everyone’s constitution and drive rest upon it.

Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan appeared under the Ming dynasty, in 1550, in the She Sheng Zhong Miao Fang (《摄生众妙方》) by Zhang Shiche (张时彻). Tradition ranks it among the formulas that replenish the Kidney and Essence. Its construction recalls that of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: ingredients that nourish, and one that lightens, so the whole does not become heavy.

Replenishing the Essence, then keeping it

Goji berries and dodder seeds form the heart of the formula: goji leans towards Yin, which it nourishes along with the Blood; dodder leans towards Yang, which it warms without drying. Together, they replenish the Essence from both sides. Chinese raspberry and schisandra, sour and astringent, make sure that what is replenished is kept. Slightly cool plantain seeds do the opposite: they lighten the whole, following the principle that a replenishing formula always keeps some movement (补中寓泻).

Strengthens the Jing: Goji and dodder, the two pillars of the formula, nourish the Essence that the Kidney stores.

Tonifies Kidney Qi: Warm without drying, dodder supports Kidney Qi, and slightly warm Chinese raspberry accompanies it by helping the Kidney keep what it receives.

Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin: Goji nourishes the Yin and Blood of the Liver and Kidney, while schisandra helps retain what the formula replenishes.