What are the side effects of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan?
Jun 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan has the effect of nourishing yin and replenishing the kidney. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as kidney yin deficiency, dizziness, tinnitus, weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, tidal fever due to bone steaming, night sweats, and seminal emission. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, increased phlegm, excessive internal heat (fire), exacerbation of yang deficiency symptoms, and liver or kidney function impairment. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan should be used under the guidance of a physician to avoid self-adjustment of dosage or long-term excessive use.
Generally, Liuwei Dihuang Pills have the effect of nourishing yin and supplementing the kidneys. They are commonly used for symptoms such as kidney yin deficiency, dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, tidal fever due to bone steaming, night sweats, and seminal emission. Possible side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, abnormal blood sugar fluctuations, excessive internal heat (fire), worsening of yang deficiency symptoms, and liver or kidney function impairment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Some ingredients in Liuwei Dihuang Pills, such as prepared rehmannia, are relatively rich in viscosity and difficult to digest. For individuals with weak spleen and stomach function, taking this medicine may increase the burden on the spleen and stomach and affect their transformation and transportation functions, thereby causing gastrointestinal discomfort. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal distension, and diarrhea.
2. Abnormal Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Some ingredients in Liuwei Dihuang Pills may affect glucose metabolism. For example, prepared rehmannia contains a certain amount of sugar, which may impact blood sugar levels. Additionally, the drug's regulatory effects on overall body metabolism may indirectly affect blood sugar stability. Patients with unstable blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, may experience abnormal blood sugar fluctuations.
3. Excessive Internal Heat (Fire)
If the individual does not have a kidney yin deficiency constitution or takes excessive doses of the medication, it may disrupt the body's yin-yang balance, leading to relative hyperactivity of yang and symptoms of excessive internal heat. These symptoms may include dry mouth, tongue dryness, mouth ulcers, swollen and painful gums, and may affect daily life and eating habits.
4. Worsening of Yang Deficiency Symptoms
Liuwei Dihuang Pills are a yin-nourishing medication. If taken by individuals with a yang deficiency constitution, it may further weaken the yang energy, thereby worsening yang deficiency symptoms. Patients with yang deficiency already have insufficient yang energy and require warming and supplementing of yang. Taking yin-nourishing medications can further damage the yang energy, potentially causing symptoms such as fatigue, pale complexion, and other manifestations.
5. Liver and Kidney Function Impairment
This medication must be metabolized and excreted by the liver and kidneys. Long-term or excessive use of Liuwei Dihuang Pills may lead to accumulation of its components in the body, placing a burden on the liver and kidneys and even causing damage to their functions. This may manifest as abnormal liver function indicators, such as elevated transaminase levels, and abnormal kidney function indicators. In severe cases, it may impair the normal functions of the liver and kidneys.
Liuwei Dihuang Pills should be used under the guidance of a physician to avoid self-adjusting the dosage or long-term excessive use. During treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Pills, closely monitor bodily changes, and if abnormalities occur, discontinue the medication promptly and seek medical attention.
