What Chinese patent medicines can tonify both yin and yang for kidney deficiency?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Generally, commonly used Chinese patent medicines for tonifying both yin and yang in cases of kidney deficiency include Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, Gui Lu Er Xian Gao, Qi Bao Mei Ran Wan, and Suo Yang Gu Jing Wan. Additionally, during the use of these Chinese patent medicines, it is important to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, keep a regular daily routine, and avoid excessive fatigue. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking the medication, medical attention should be sought promptly to adjust the treatment plan.

Generally, Chinese patent medicines suitable for tonifying both yin and yang in cases of kidney deficiency mainly include Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, Gui Lu Er Xian Gao, Qi Bao Mei Ran Wan, and Suo Yang Gu Jing Wan. The details are as follows:

1. Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Jinkui Kidney Qi Pills)

Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan consists of Rehmannia, Chinese yam, Cornus officinalis, and other ingredients. It primarily warms and tonifies kidney yang while also nourishing yin. Aconite and cinnamon in the formula warm the yang and dispel cold, while Rehmannia and Cornus nourish yin and benefit the kidneys. Based on the principle of "seeking yang within yin," it helps alleviate symptoms caused by deficiency of both yin and yang, such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, aversion to cold with cold limbs, and either difficult urination or excessive urination. It is suitable for individuals with insufficient kidney yang accompanied by yin deficiency.

2. Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan (Five-Seed Prescription for Descendants)

This formula primarily contains Lycium berries, Cuscuta seeds, and Raspberry fruit. It benefits the kidneys and replenishes essence, balancing both yin and yang. Lycium and Cuscuta nourish both kidney yin and yang, while Raspberry astringes kidney essence. It is used for conditions caused by dual deficiency of kidney yin and yang, such as impotence, infertility, seminal emission, premature ejaculation, and low back pain. It is especially effective for those with deficiency of kidney essence accompanied by insufficiency of both yin and yang.

3. Gui Lu Er Xian Gao (Tortoise and Deer Twin Immortals膏)

Made from tortoise shell, deer horn, ginseng, and Lycium berries, this formula uses tortoise shell to nourish yin and deer horn to warm yang. Their combination achieves balanced tonification of both yin and yang. Ginseng supports qi, while Lycium berries nourish the kidneys and enrich essence. It improves symptoms caused by deficiency of both yin and yang, including soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, aversion to cold, and cold limbs. It is particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals or those with general debility exhibiting patterns of dual yin-yang deficiency.

4. Qi Bao Mei Ran Wan (Seven Treasures Pill for Beautifying the Beard)

This formula contains Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu), Poria, Achyranthes root (Niuxi), and other ingredients. It tonifies the liver and kidneys, enriches essence and blood, and harmonizes yin and yang. Polygonum multiflorum nourishes the liver and kidneys and enriches essence-blood; Poria strengthens the spleen and boosts qi; Achyranthes root tonifies the liver and kidneys and strengthens tendons and bones. It is indicated for premature graying of hair and beard, loose teeth, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus due to liver and kidney deficiency with associated yin-yang imbalance.

5. Suo Yang Gu Jing Wan (Suo Yang Pills for Consolidating Essence)

Composed of Cynomorium (Suo Yang), Cistanche, Morinda, and other herbs, this formula both warms kidney yang and nourishes yin while consolidating essence. Cynomorium and Cistanche warm yang and tonify the kidneys, while Rehmannia glutinosa and Cornus officinalis nourish yin and benefit the kidneys. It is suitable for symptoms caused by kidney yang deficiency accompanied by yin deficiency, such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, seminal emission, premature ejaculation, and cold limbs with aversion to cold.

In addition, during treatment with Chinese patent medicines, it is important to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, keep a regular daily routine, and avoid excessive fatigue. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking the medicine, medical advice should be sought promptly to adjust the treatment plan.

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What should be done for deficiency of both yin and yang?

In general, deficiency of both yin and yang may be caused by factors such as aging, excessive fatigue, kidney deficiency and overstrain, combined deficiency of the lungs, spleen, and kidneys, or heart and kidney damage. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medication, and other approaches under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain emotional stability, avoid excessive anxiety or depression, and follow a balanced diet.

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What causes kidney deficiency?

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of kidney deficiency include excessive fatigue, unhealthy lifestyle habits, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic nephritis, and diabetic nephropathy. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should maintain a regular作息 schedule and avoid excessive fatigue; follow a healthy diet, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.

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Which four types of people should not consume Poria (Poria cocos)?

Generally speaking, there is no such saying as "four types of people who cannot consume Poria (Poria cocos)," but individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, excessive urination, kidney deficiency with frequent urination, those allergic to Poria, and patients with diabetes should avoid consuming Poria to prevent health problems or worsening of symptoms. Before consuming Poria in daily life, it is important to first understand one's own health condition and determine whether belonging to any of the aforementioned contraindicated groups.

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Which three types of people should not consume Poria (Fu Ling)?

There is no saying that specifies "three types of people who cannot consume Poria (Fu Ling)." Individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, Qi deficiency with sinking symptoms, kidney deficiency with frequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or those allergic to Poria should avoid its consumption. Poria is neutral in nature and has a bland, sweet taste, offering the therapeutic effect of promoting diuresis and resolving dampness. Consumption by these groups may exacerbate existing discomforts. In daily life, before choosing to consume Poria, one should assess whether it is suitable based on one's own physical condition.