MING MU DI HUANG WAN(BP075) RehmanniaFormulaBrighten Complex

Indication

This formula is a variant of the formula by the same name from ‘A Precious Work on Ophthalmology’ (shen shi yao han) by Fu Yin-ke (a.k.a. Fu Ren-yu), 1644. This is a comprehensive text on eye diseases in seven volumes that describes diagnosis and treatments for 108 different ophthalmological disorders. The formula’s name refers to the base formula ([liu wei] di huang wan), which is discussed above, and the fact that it is designed to improve the eyesight (ming mu) – literally ‘brighten the eyes’.

This is a broad acting formula that covers a number of bases. Because of the strong association of the eyes and the sense of vision with the Liver – ‘the eye is the signalling sense organ (miao qiao) of the Liver’ – specifically with the Liver Blood, one of the formula’s main therapeutic actions is to nourish the Liver Blood and thus also nourish the eyes.

This is done both directly as well as indirectly, by nourishing the Yin of both the Kidney and Liver. By nourishing the Kidney, the Liver is also benefited due to the Five Phases promotion relationship that exists between these organs. In addition tonification of the Kidney assists in keeping the eyes moist due to the Kidney’s governance of fluid metabolism.

Moreover, because this formula also acts to reduce deficiency Fire and subdue Yang hyperactivity, it is effective in treating inflammation and pain or pressure in the eye, as well as ocular dryness and irritation that may arise due to these pathodynamics.

Thus four of the major disease mechanisms of ocular diseases are addressed by this formula. It should be noted that this is essentially a tonifying formula and is therefore specific for deficiency conditions, such as those that may occur with advancing age.

The synergistic actions of the ingredients are as follows:

Rehmannia root (shu di huang), Dioscorea root (huai shan yao), Cornus fruit (shan zhu yu), Lycium fruit (gou qi zi): enrich the Kidney Essence and nourish the Kidney Yin.

Rehmannia root (shu di huang), Lycium fruit (gou qi zi), Angelica root (dang-gui), Paeonia root (bai shao): nourish the Liver Blood.

Dioscrea root (huai shan yao), Poria cocos (fu ling): tonify the Spleen Qi.

Cornus fruit (shan zhu yu), Dioscorea root (huai shan yao), Astragalus seed (sha yuan zi): astringe the Kidney Essence (to allow it to build up without loss).

Lycium fruit (gou qi zi), Chrysanthemum flower (ju hua), Tribulus fruit (bai ji li): calm the Liver and subdue the hyperactive Yang, improve vision and soothe inflammation.

Poria cocos (fu ling), Alisma plantago rhizome (ze xie): drain Damp and induce diuresis (to help restore the Kidney’s governance of the Fluids).

Paeonia stem bark (mu dan pi), Alisma rhizome (ze xie): reduce deficiency Fire (due to Yin deficiency).

Astragalus seed (sha yuan zi): nourishes the Liver and Kidney, enriches the Kidney Essence and improves vision.

Paeonia stem bark (mu dan pi), Chrysanthemum flower (ju hua): clear ascending Liver Fire that affects the eyes.

Indications:

Glaucoma (chronic or open angle)

Cataract (early stage)

Optic neuritis

Retinitis

Optic nerve atrophy

Retinal degeneration

Macular degeneration

Dry eyes due to Sjögren’s syndrome

Hypertension

Signs & Symptoms:

Poor vision (blurring, diminished visual acuity)

Dry eyes

Itchy eyes

Red eyes

Night blindness

Photophobia

Sense of pressure in or behind the eyes

Signs of Liver & Kidney Yin deficiency (dizziness, tinnitus, poor memory, dry mouth and throat, night sweating, low back pain, etc.)

Dry tongue with little or no coat, may also be: thin, red

Pulse is thready, rapid and may also be wiry

Combinations –

Cataracts, early stage:

ZUO GUI WAN

QI BAO MEI RAN DAN (Jia Wei)

Hypertension:

XUE FU ZHU YU TANG

PRESSURE DOWN Formula

Macular degeneration:

JIA WEI XIAO YAO SAN

QI BAO MEI RAN DAN (Jia Wei)

Sjцgren’s syndrome, dry eyes:

ZHI YIN GAN LU YIN

TCM Syndromes: Kidney and Liver Yin deficiency, Liver Blood deficiency, Liver Yang hyperactivity.

TCM Actions: Nourishes the Liver and Kidney Yin, nourishes the Blood and Essence, calms the Liver and subdues the hyperactive Yang, sends Essence and Blood to the eyes to improve eyesight.