Description
Ingredients
Sheng Di Huang Radix Rehmanniae recens
Shan Yao Rhizoma Dioscoreae oppositae
Shan Zhu Yu Fructus Corni
Gou Qi Zi Fructus Lycii
Huai Niu Xi Radix Achyranthis bidentatae
Tu Si Zi Semen Cuscutae
Mai Men Dong Radix Ophiopogonis
Huang Jing Rhizoma Polygonati sibirici
Zhi Gan Cao Radix Glycyrrhizae preparata
Ze Xie Rhizoma Alismatis
Tian Men Dong Radix Asparagi
Di Gu Pi Cortex Lycii
Pattern
Kidney-Yin deficiency.
Action
Nourish Kidney-Yin and Essence, strengthen the will-power (Zhi).
Tongue: This could range from a nearly normal-coloured body (tending to red) with rootless coating to a red body without any coating at all, depending on the degree of Yin deficiency and Empty-Heat. The less the coating, the deeper the Yin deficiency, and the redder the tongue body, the stronger the Empty-Heat.
Pulse: Floating-Empty, or weak on both rear positions and relatively overflowing on both front ones, or fine and rapid if there is pronounced Empty-Heat.
Classical Antecedent
Zuo Gui Wan (Restoring the Left [Kidney] Pill).
Differences from Classical Antecedent
Stronger moistening action. Rootless coating (mildest Yin Xu).
Acupuncture Points
KI-3 Taixi, KI-6 Zhaohai, ST-36 Zusanli, SP-6 Sanyinjiao, Ren-4 Guanyuan, LU-7 Lieque and KI-6 Zhaohai in combination, All with reinforcing method. Generally, no moxa.
Explanation
‘Root’ refers to the Kidney Essence (Jing), the fundamental source of vitality. Nourishing it strengthens the foundation of life and health.
Nourish the Root is a variation of Zuo Gui Wan (Restoring the Left [Kidney] Pill) prescription to nourish Kidney-Yin. This was chosen as the main formula to nourish Kidney-Yin as, on the basis of clinical experience, it is better suited to Western patients than the more famous Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) because it tends also to nourish Blood (with Gou Qi Zi) and it strengthens the back and Kidney-Yang as well with Huai Niu Xi.
It is suitable where a pattern is Kidney-Yin deficiency. If there is very pronounced Empty-Heat, however, consider using the formula Ease the Journey – Yin® instead. Although the latter is primarily intended for addressing a background of Kidney-Yin deficiency, its use is not restricted to women: it can be used for patients of either sex and any age provided the presenting pattern is one of deficiency of Kidney-Yin evidenced by a tongue without coating; if there is Empty Heat, the tongue would be red.
Nourish the Root can be used for complex conditions characterized by a deficiency of both Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang. Such conditions occur frequently, especially in women. However, it should be stressed that this formula should be used only when the deficiency of Kidney-Yin predominates over that of Kidney-Yang and the tongue therefore tends towards being red.
Mental-Emotional Pattern
The formula nourishes Liver-Yin and Kidney-Yin. Niu Xi has this function in the prescription. There is a correlation between the physical aspect of strengthening sinews and bones with herbs which act on the Liver and Kidneys, and the strengthening of the Ethereal Soul (Hun) and Will-Power (Zhi) related to these organs.
When to take
Take in the evening (or a higher dose in the evening), ideally with a little, slightly-salted, hot water.
Disclaimer
This product is a dietary (food) supplement, to be taken as directed by a qualified practitioner. It is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease. Not to replace a varied diet. Not to be taken if nursing or if pregnant. Not to be consumed continuously for longer than 3 months.
