Six-Ingredient Rehmannia
六味地黃丸 · liù wèi dì huáng wán
Probably the most-prescribed TCM formula in the world. The classical Kidney yin tonic.
What it's for
Three nourishing herbs work with three draining herbs to rebuild what TCM calls Kidney yin, the cooling, fluid, foundational reserves of the body. Practitioners reach for it for the pattern of dry mouth, hot palms and soles, dizziness, ringing ears, lower back ache, and night sweats. It shows up most often in people who have been depleting themselves for a long stretch, whether from overwork, illness, or just years of running hot.
Signs this formula is a fit
At least 2 of the 3 main signs below should sound like you. Heat in odd places plus low-back weakness is the core signal.
Main signs
Low back aches and knees feel weak
soreness in the lower back, legs feel rubbery
Heat in odd places at night
hot palms, hot soles, flushed cheeks, dry throat
Night sweats and waking up damp
sweating in your sleep, dry mouth, low libido
Extra signs
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Ringing or muffled hearing
- Red tongue with little coating
- Fast, thin pulse
Signs it isn't
- You feel cold and sluggish, not hot and depleted
- You bloat easily and have loose stools
- You're sick with a cold, flu, or infection right now
What's in it
Safety
- For yin depletion: hot, dry, depleted. Not for feeling cold, loose stools, or a thick wet tongue coat.
- Prepared rehmannia is rich and can be hard on weak digestion. If you bloat easily, ask a practitioner about changes.
How to take it
What to get
Six Flavor Teapills
Plum Flower200 ct
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Dose
Take 8 pills, 3 times a day. Other brands and forms use different doses, so follow the label on what you buy.
How long
Follow any time limit on the product label. If it gives none, ask a qualified TCM practitioner when to reassess. Do not keep taking it unchanged if nothing improves.