For the condition of Kidney Yang Deficiency (symptoms include cold limbs, lower back and knee soreness, frequent urination at night, impotence, pale tongue with a thick white coating, and a deep, slow pulse), the following12 traditional Chinese medicines can be selected based on specific symptoms, and should be used under the guidance of a TCM practitioner:
Classic Yang-Warming Kidney Tonics
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet)
Ingredients: Fu Zi (Aconite), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Fu Ling (Poria), etc.
Function: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang, transforms Qi and promotes urination
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with edema (lower limb swelling), frequent urination at night, cold pain in the lower back
Note: Contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and excess heat; caution for hypertensive patients due to the presence of Fu Zi.
You Gui Wan (Right Return Pill)
Ingredients: Fu Zi, Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed), etc.
Function: Nourishes essence, warms Yang, strengthens tendons and bones
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with insufficient essence and blood (impotence, infertility, cold intolerance, drowsiness)
Note: Contains Lu Jiao Jiao, use with caution in patients with gout.
Gui Fu Di Huang Wan (Cinnamon and Aconite Rehmannia Pill)
Ingredients: Rou Gui, Fu Zi, Shu Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu, etc.
Function: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang, guides fire back to the source
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with upper heat and lower cold (mouth sores but cold lower limbs)
Note: Discontinue if experiencing cold or fever; do not use long-term or in excess.
Yin-Yang Dual Tonic
Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao (Tortoise and Deer Two Immortals Gel)
Ingredients: Gui Ban Jiao (Tortoise Shell Glue), Lu Jiao Jiao, Ren Shen (Ginseng), Gou Qi Zi
Function: Nourishes Yin and strengthens Yang, benefits marrow and fills essence
Indications: Both Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency with a focus on Yang deficiency (premature aging, osteoporosis)
Note: Diabetics should use sugar-free versions; those with digestive issues should add Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel) in water for consumption.
Bu Shen Yi Nao Pian (Kidney Tonic Brain Tablets)
Ingredients: Lu Rong (Deer Velvet), Hong Shen (Red Ginseng), Shu Di Huang, Gou Qi Zi, Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed)
Function: Warms Yang, benefits essence, calms the mind, and strengthens the brain
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with cognitive decline (forgetfulness, dizziness, tinnitus)
Note: Not suitable for those with insomnia and vivid dreams due to excess heart fire.
Yang-Warming and Astringent
Si Shen Wan (Four Spirits Pill)
Ingredients: Bu Guo Zhi (Psoralea Fruit), Rou Dou Kou (Nutmeg), Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra)
Function: Warms the Kidney, disperses cold, astringes the intestines, and stops diarrhea
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with early morning diarrhea (abdominal pain and diarrhea upon waking)
Note: Contraindicated in acute enteritis diarrhea.
Suo Yang Gu Jing Wan (Lock Yang and Secure Essence Pill)
Ingredients: Suo Yang (Cynomorium), Ba Jiao Tian (Morinda Root), Qian Shi (Euryale Seed), Lu Jiao Shuang (Deer Antler Velvet), etc.
Function: Warms the Kidney and secures essence
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with spermatorrhea, nocturnal emissions, and urinary incontinence
Note: Avoid use in cases of damp-heat leading to spermatorrhea (with scrotal dampness).
Yang-Warming and Promoting Urination
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill for Life Preservation)
Ingredients: Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan + Niuxi (Achyranthes), Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed)
Function: Warms the Kidney and promotes urination
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with edema and urinary difficulty (prostate enlargement causing urinary retention)
Note: Patients with renal insufficiency should monitor creatinine levels.
Zhen Wu Tang Granules (True Warrior Decoction Granules)
Ingredients: Fu Zi, Fu Ling, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), etc.
Function: Warms Yang, promotes urination, strengthens the spleen, and dispels dampness
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with water retention (palpitations, edema, heaviness in limbs)
Note: Fu Zi requires prolonged cooking; it is recommended to use standardized products.
Special Dosage Forms
Hai Long Jiao Oral Liquid (Sea Dragon Gel Oral Liquid)
Ingredients: Hai Long (Sea Dragon), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui (Angelica), Gou Qi Zi, etc.
Function: Warms the Kidney, strengthens Yang, nourishes blood, and benefits essence
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with blood deficiency (pale complexion, low libido)
Note: Contraindicated for those allergic to seafood.
Yi He Chun Capsules (Spring of Harmony Capsules)
Ingredients: Lu Rong, Donkey Kidney, Dog Kidney, Ren Shen, etc.
Function: Tonifies the Kidney, strengthens Yang, and alleviates impotence
Indications: Severe Kidney Yang deficiency (impotence, cold lower back as if sitting in water)
Note: Contains animal-derived ingredients; use with caution in those with spleen and stomach deficiency.
Yang-Warming and Meridian-Opening
Fu Gui Gu Tong Jiao Nang (Aconite and Cinnamon Bone Pain Capsules)
Ingredients: Fu Zi, Rou Gui, Bai Shao (White Peony), Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium)
Function: Warms Yang, disperses cold, opens meridians, and alleviates pain
Indications: Kidney Yang deficiency with cold damp obstruction causing pain (lumbar disc herniation with worsening cold pain)
Note: Contains aconitine; do not exceed recommended dosage.
Medication Principles and Warnings
Core Differentiation: Must differentiate from Kidney Yin deficiency (with tidal fever, night sweats, red tongue with little coating); misuse of Yang-warming medicines may exacerbate false heat;
Treatment Duration: Generally taken continuously for 1-3 months, after symptom relief, switch to intermittent maintenance (2-3 times a week);
Compatibility Contraindications:
Avoid using with cold medicines (e.g., Huang Lian (Coptis), Shi Gao (Gypsum));
Use with caution with antihypertensive and hypoglycemic medications (may affect efficacy);
Special Populations:
Pregnant women should avoid Fu Zi and Rou Gui type warming and drying medicines;
Women in menopause should exclude Yin deficiency and Yang excess (e.g., heat and sweating) before use.
Lifestyle Coordination Suggestions
Diet:
Recommended: lamb, leeks, walnuts; avoid: crabs, cold drinks, bitter melon;
Recommended medicinal dish: Du Zhong (Eucommia) 15g + Ba Jiao Tian 10g + 1 pair of pig kidneys stewed soup (once a week).
Daily Routine:
In winter, go to bed early and rise late (to align with Yang energy’s closure), and sunbathe your back for 20 minutes daily (best between 9-11 am).
Exercise:
Practice “Zhan Zhuang” (standing meditation) or “Ba Duan Jin: Two Hands Grasping Feet to Secure the Kidney and Waist,” avoiding vigorous sweating that depletes Yang.
Note: Kidney Yang deficiency requires long-term nurturing; traditional Chinese medicines take effect slowly (usually 2-4 weeks to show results), and do not increase dosage for quick results! If symptoms of “excess heat” such as dry mouth or constipation occur after taking the medicine, stop immediately and consult a TCM practitioner for adjustment.