Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Star六味地黄丸 (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia)
Source: Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue — Qian Yi (Song, 1119)
Last updated July 22, 2026
Description
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) is the foundational formula for nourishing Kidney Yin in TCM. Using an elegant 'three tonics, three drains' structure, it simultaneously nourishes Kidney, Liver, and Spleen Yin while preventing stagnation. Originally formulated for pediatric Kidney deficiency, it has become one of the most widely used formulas in Chinese medicine for adults with Kidney Yin deficiency patterns.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shu Di Huang | 24g | 32% | Jun (Chief) | Nourishes Kidney Yin, fills Essence and marrow. Primary herb targeting the root of Kidney Yin deficiency. |
| Shan Zhu Yu | 12g | 16% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, astringes Essence via sour-astringent quality. |
| Shan Yao | 12g | 16% | Chen (Deputy) | Tonifies Spleen Yin, stabilizes Kidney. Supports postnatal Essence generation. |
| Ze Xie | 9g | 12% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains Kidney turbidity, prevents stagnation from Shu Di Huang's cloying nature. |
| Mu Dan Pi | 9g | 12% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears deficiency Heat, cools Liver fire, moderates Shan Zhu Yu's astringency. |
| Fu Ling | 9g | 12% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains Spleen dampness, supports Shan Yao's tonifying action. |
Total weight: 75g
Preparation
Traditional: grind to fine powder, bind with honey into 6mm pills. Also available as concentrated pills or decoction (decoct 30–40 min, gentle simmer).
Dosage
Honey pills: 6–9g 2–3x/day on empty stomach with warm water. Concentrated pills: 8 pills 3x/day. Decoction: 1 dose/day in 2 servings.
Conditions Addressed
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Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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