The difference between Zhibai Dihuang Pills and Liuwei Dihuang Pills
Disease description:
Due to my kidney deficiency issue, I went back to the pharmacy to pick up medication and came across Zhibai Dihuang Pills and Liuwei Dihuang Pills. I would like to ask the doctor, what are the differences between Zhibai Dihuang Pills and Liuwei Dihuang Pills?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Zhibai Dihuang Pills and Liuwei Dihuang Pills are both commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulas for nourishing yin and replenishing the kidneys, but they differ in composition and indications.
Liuwei Dihuang Pills are a basic formula for nourishing kidney yin, consisting of six herbs: cooked rehmannia, cornus fruit, chinese yam, water plantain, poria, and tree peony bark. Its primary function is to nourish yin and reduce internal heat, and it is indicated for symptoms caused by kidney yin deficiency, such as dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, seminal emission, night sweats, frequent nighttime urination, and others. Liuwei Dihuang Pills are suitable for mild cases of kidney yin deficiency and have a relatively mild effect.
Zhibai Dihuang Pills are based on Liuwei Dihuang Pills with the addition of two further herbs: anemarrhena rhizome and phellodendron bark. Anemarrhena rhizome clears heat and moistens the lungs, while phellodendron bark clears heat, dries dampness, reduces fire, and detoxifies. Therefore, Zhibai Dihuang Pills enhance the effects of clearing heat and promoting diuresis while nourishing kidney yin, making them especially suitable for symptoms of yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys with ascending deficiency fire, such as tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, irritability and heat in the palms, soles, and chest, and frequent or urgent urination.
