When deep reserves run low

Fatigue with deep roots, a weakening lower back and knees, a dry mouth and throat, mild heat in the evening, less restorative sleep, a feeling of wearing out faster with the years… In TCM, these signs may be associated with Kidney Yin deficiency that reaches the Essence (Jing), the body’s deepest reserve. The Kidney stores the Essence and nourishes the Yin of the whole body: when it runs low, it is the root that is lacking.

Zuo Gui Wan is the work of Zhang Jingyue (张景岳, 1563-1640) and appeared in 1624, under the Ming, in the Jing Yue Quan Shu (《景岳全书》), among his “New Formulas in Eight Battle Arrays”. Its name reads “Pill for Returning to the Left”: since the Nan Jing, tradition has associated the left with the Kidney that holds Water and Yin, and the right with Fire and Yang. Its sister formula, You Gui Wan, the “Pill for Returning to the Right”, is turned towards the Yang.

Nourishing without lightening anything

Zuo Gui Wan is a deliberate reworking of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. Zhang Jingyue removed the three herbs that lighten it, water plantain, poria and tree peony, and replaced them with substances that replenish the Essence. His reasoning: when deep reserves are heavily depleted, the worry is no longer that the formula might be too rich, but that it might not be enough.

Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin: Prepared rehmannia, the master herb, nourishes the Yin and the Blood; cornus and goji berries assist it with the Liver and Kidney. Zhang Jingyue considered goji the ideal companion for rehmannia.

Strengthens the Jing: Cuscuta, sweet and neutral, supports the Kidney and the Essence without overheating; cornus, sour and astringent, helps retain what the formula replenishes.

Looks after your energy balance: Chinese yam supports the Spleen so that these rich ingredients are well assimilated, and cyathula guides the whole downwards, where the Kidney lies.