For individuals with Kidney Yang Deficiency (shèn yáng xū), TCM treatment should focus on warming and tonifying Kidney Yang, as well as strengthening the foundation and nurturing the essence. Below are commonly used Chinese herbs and recommendations for Kidney Yang deficiency, which should be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner:
1. Commonly Used Single Herbs for Tonifying Kidney Yang
1. Lu Rong (Deer Antler Velvet)
Function: Tonifies Kidney Yang, benefits essence and blood, strengthens tendons and bones.
Indications: Cold intolerance, lower back and knee pain, impotence, premature ejaculation, and infertility due to Kidney Yang deficiency.
Caution: Contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency with excess heat; should be used in small doses or as a tincture.
2. Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche)
Function: Warms the kidneys and assists Yang, moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements.
Indications: Yang deficiency with constipation, lower back and knee weakness, reduced sexual function.
3. Ba JI Tian (Morinda Root)
Function: Tonifies Kidney Yang, strengthens tendons and bones, dispels wind and dampness.
Indications: Insufficient Kidney Yang with joint pain and weakness in the lower limbs.
4. Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium)
Function: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens Yang, fortifies tendons and bones.
Indications: Impotence, nocturnal emissions, weakness in the lower back and knees; can be combined with other warming Yang herbs.
5. Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark)
Function: Tonifies the liver and kidneys, strengthens the lower back and knees.
Indications: Lower back pain and weakness in the knees due to Kidney Yang deficiency.
2. Classic Formulas for Tonifying Kidney Yang
1. Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet)
Ingredients: Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) etc.
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with edema, difficulty urinating, and cold intolerance.
2. You Gui Wan (Right Return Pill)
Ingredients: Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Horn Glue), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) etc.
Indications: Insufficient Kidney Yang, decline of Ming Men fire, symptoms include impotence, enuresis, and cold pain in the lower back and knees.
3. Gui Fu Di Huang Wan (Cinnamon and Aconite Rehmannia Pill)
Ingredients: Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Fu Zi (Aconite), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) etc.
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with cold pain in the lower back and knees, and edema in the lower limbs.
3. Daily Care Recommendations
1. Dietary Recommendations
Ingredients: Lamb, leeks, walnuts, black beans, shrimp, ginger.
Medicinal dishes: Angelica and ginger lamb soup, deer antler stewed chicken soup.
2. Lifestyle Habits
Avoid excessive fatigue and staying up late; keep warm in winter (especially the lower back and abdomen).
Moderate exercise (such as Ba Duan Jin, Tai Chi), and avoid prolonged sitting.
3. Contraindications
Avoid raw and cold foods (such as cold drinks, watermelon), and cold-natured foods (such as mung beans, bitter melon).
Use cold and cooling herbs (such as Huang Lian, Shi Gao) with caution.
4. Precautions
1. Accurate Diagnosis: Must differentiate from Kidney Yin deficiency (with symptoms like tidal fever, night sweats, red tongue with little coating) to avoid misusing warming Yang herbs that may exacerbate Yin deficiency and excess heat.
2. Medication Safety: Herbs like Fu Zi and Rou Gui must be processed before use; long-term use may cause dryness and heat, requiring regular follow-up and adjustment of the formula.
3. Special Populations: Patients with hypertension or heart disease should use Fu Zi with caution; pregnant women should follow medical advice.
Kidney Yang deficiency requires comprehensive management; it is recommended to consult a TCM practitioner to develop a personalized plan based on constitution, symptoms, and tongue-pulse diagnosis. Do not self-medicate for extended periods.