Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan
Star知柏地黄丸 (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron, and Rehmannia Pill)
Source: Yi Fang Kao — Wu Kun (Ming, 1584)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with Zhi Mu and Huang Bai added to clear deficiency fire. Used when Kidney Yin deficiency generates prominent heat signs: steaming bones, intense night sweats, afternoon fever, and scanty dark urine. The added herbs powerfully clear heat from Kidney and drain ministerial fire.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shu Di Huang | 24g | 27.59% | Jun (Chief) | Nourishes Kidney Yin and Essence. |
| Shan Zhu Yu | 12g | 13.79% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, astringes Essence. |
| Shan Yao | 12g | 13.79% | Chen (Deputy) | Tonifies Spleen Yin and stabilizes Kidney. |
| Zhi Mu | 6g | 6.9% | Chen (Deputy) | Clears deficiency fire from Kidney and Lung, nourishes Yin. |
| Huang Bai | 6g | 6.9% | Chen (Deputy) | Drains ministerial fire, clears Kidney deficiency heat. |
| Ze Xie | 9g | 10.34% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains dampness and turbidity, prevents stagnation. |
| Mu Dan Pi | 9g | 10.34% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears deficiency heat and Blood Heat. |
| Fu Ling | 9g | 10.34% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains Spleen dampness, supports Shan Yao. |
Total weight: 93g
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net neutral (-0.17)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 24%, cool 10%, neutral 24%, warm 41%.
Pairs warm and cool. 41% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 35% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Small but decisive: Zhi Mu 6g (cold, 7% of the grams), Huang Bai 6g (cold, 7% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 5%
- sweet 55%
- sour 14%
- bitter 16%
- bland 10%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Kidney 100%
- Liver 52%
- Lung 31%
- Spleen 24%
- Heart 21%
- Large intestine 7%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Honey or water pills. As decoction: simmer all herbs 30 min, take in 2 doses/day.
Dosage
9g honey pills twice daily with warm water. Reduce if digestive upset.
Conditions Addressed
Relationships
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Formula family
A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
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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