FU GUI BA WEI WAN (BP011) Rehmannia Eight Formula Complex

Indication

This formula was originally recorded in the ‘Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet’ (jin gui yao lue fang lun) by Zhang Zhong-jing (circa 150 – 219 CE). This work is the earliest surviving record that details the diagnosis and treatment of miscellaneous diseases of internal medicine, as well as some surgical diseases and gynecological disorders, according to the Eight Principles. The alternative name for this formula means: ‘Kidney Qi (tonic) Pill from the (Synopsis of Prescriptions of the) Golden Cabinet’.

Like so many of Zhang Zhongjing’s formulas, this one was so ingeniously designed that its clinical uses have been expanded over the centuries to include many more disorders than originally intended. Its actions cover four broad areas, all of which are related to Kidney deficiency. The first is Kidney Qi deficiency: because the formula warm-tonifies the Kidney Yang and nourishes the Kidney Yin, it facilitates the production of Kidney Qi (which is generated by the action of the Kidney Yang on the Kidney Yin). Secondly, this formula addresses deficiency of the Kidney Yang with insufficiency of its warming and activating functions. The third covers disturbances of fluid metabolism: deficiency of the Kidney Yang and the Kidney Essence lead to insufficiency of the original Qi (yuan qi), which normally ascends through the Triple Jiao to drive the metabolism of fluids (as well as the digestion of food).

Finally, this formula is effective in conditions due to disturbance of the ministerial Fire (the Fire of the Kidney, an aspect of the Kidney Yang): one of the functions of the original Qi is to keep the ministerial Fire subdued and confined to the lower Jiao. When the original Qi becomes deficient, the Kidney Fire looses its root and rises upwards and may give rise to Heat in the upper body (accompanied by signs of Cold in the lower body). This syndrome is often referred to as ‘false Heat with true Cold’.

The synergistic actions of the herbs are as follows:

Rehmannia glutinosa, root (shu di huang), Dioscorea oppositifolia, root (shan yao), Cornus officinalis, fruit (shan zhu yu): nourish the Kidney Yin, enrich the Kidney Essence.

Paeonia suffruticosa, stem bark (mu dan pi), Alisma plantago aquatica, rhizome (ze xie): reduce Fire, clear deficiency Heat.

Poria cocos, fruit. body (fu ling), Alisma plantago aquatica, rhizome (ze xie): drain Damp and promote fluid metabolism to induce diuresis.

Codonopsis pilosula, root (dang shen), Dioscorea oppositifolia, root (shan yao), Poria cocos, fruit. body (fu ling): tonify the Spleen Qi (to indirectly tonify the Kidney Qi and Essence).

Cinnamomum cassia, stem.

ChinaMed approximately equivalent formula Rehmannia Eight Vitality (CM166).

Signs & Symptoms:

Bronchitis, chronic

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes mellitus

Hyperaldosteronism

Spermatorrhea

Nephritis

Cataracts, early stage

Pain and weakness in lower back

Erectile dysfunction

Sexual hypofunction, male

Sexual hypofunction, female

Menopausal syndrome

Nocturia

Asthma, chronic (maintenance)

Combinations –

Asthma, maintenance treatment:

YU PING FENG SAN

Polyuria or nocturia – severe:

BA JI YIN YANG WAN

BU ZHONG YI QI WAN

ENERGY TONIC Formula

Spleen Yang deficiency

TCM Syndromes: Kidney Yang deficiency.

TCM Actions: Warm-tonifies the Kidney Yang.