This is a variant of Fu Gui Ba Wei Wan ‐ a.k.a. Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan ‐ (Rehmannia Eight Formula) from the 'Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet' (jin gui yao lue fang lun) by Zhang Zhong-jing (circa 150 - 219 CE). It was devised by the great paediatrician Quan Yi and first recorded in his three volume work, 'Key to Therapeutics of Children's Diseases' (xiao er yao zheng zhi jue), 1119.
By leaving out the two Interior Warming herbs (Aconite ‐ fu zi, and Cinnamon ‐ rou gui) the new formula was designed to treat children with deficiency of the innate Kidney-Essence, who manifested the classic signs of delayed development, referred to as the 'five delays': standing, walking, tooth development and speech; as well as delayed fontanel closure, and low vitality.
Its use has since been expanded considerably, as evidenced by the broad range of its indications. The formula is highly regarded by herbal doctors in China, where one may frequently observe the routine use of its ingredients in the treatment of patients with Kidney Yin deficiency.
In adults Kidney Yin deficiency may arise due to the after-effects of a febrile illness (which depletes the Body Fluids and thus also the Kidney Yin); excessive sexual activity (which depletes the Kidney essence and thus also the Kidney Yin); having many children with too short an interval between births (depletion of the Blood and Kidney essence); repeated miscarriages or abortions, especially if they occurred close together; prolonged periods of excessive work or physical activity together with insufficient rest or sleep; overuse of Yang tonifying herbs; overuse of alcohol or other 'recreational' drugs (including coffee); prolonged emotional stimulation (causing Liver or Heart Fire, which depletes the Body Fluids and Yin); the effects of ageing; as well as hereditary lack of innate Kidney essence.
This may manifest clinically in a wide range of chronic conditions affecting various bodily systems, most notably the endocrine, urogenital, cardiovascular systems.
TCM ACTIONS
Nourishes the Kidney (and Liver) Yin, enriches the Kidney Essence, reduces deficiency Fire.
TCM SYNDROMES
Kidney (and Liver) Yin deficiency.
INDICATIONS
Debility due to chronic illness, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic nephritis, optic neuropathy, central retinitis, hyperthyroidism, peri-menopausal syndrome, vaginal dryness, chronic recurrent cystitis, childhood maldevelopment or failure to thrive.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
(Key clinical features in bold)
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Pain and weakness of the lower back and possibly also knees
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Dry mouth
- Night sweats
- Tinnitus or loss of hearing
- Dizziness
- Sensation of heat in the palms and soles
- Overactive libido
- Nocturnal seminal emission (M) or frequent sexual dreams (F)
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Red tongue with scant coat
- Thready and rapid pulse that may also be deep
