六味地黄丸

• Calculation of the total raw herb weight of the original formula (based on the classical dosage):

o Shu Di Huang (prepared rehmannia root) 24 g + Shan Zhu Yu (cornus fruit) 12 g + Shan Yao (Chinese yam) 12 g + Ze Xie (alisma rhizome) 9 g + Mu Dan Pi (moutan bark) 9 g + Fu Ling (poria) 9 g = 75 g.

• Conversion to 5:1 granules:

o 75 g raw herb ÷ 5 = 15.0 g granules.

• Recommended dose and method of administration:

o One dose daily, taken in two portions dissolved in warm water with a pinch of salt, or with white liquor.

o Recommended to be taken before meals.

o 7.5 g per dose.

5. Cautions and clinical notes

1. [Contraindications]: This formula is rich and cloying by nature; use with caution in those with Spleen deficiency with diarrhea, poor appetite, or loose stools. Not suitable for those with Kidney yang deficiency (aversion to cold with cold limbs, clear and profuse urination).
2. Dietary restrictions: Avoid spicy and greasy foods while taking this formula.
3. Modern applications: This formula is widely used for chronic nephritis, hypertension, diabetes, menopausal syndrome, neurasthenia, and other conditions attributable to Kidney yin insufficiency.
4. Derived formulas:

o Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron and Rehmannia Pill): Liu Wei Di Huang Wan plus Zhi Mu (anemarrhena rhizome) and Huang Bai (phellodendron bark). Strengthens the action of nourishing yin and draining fire; used for patterns of yin deficiency with effulgent fire.

o Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycium, Chrysanthemum and Rehmannia Pill): Liu Wei Di Huang Wan plus Gou Qi Zi (goji berry) and Ju Hua (chrysanthemum flower). Strengthens the action of nourishing the Kidney, nurturing the Liver, and brightening the eyes; used for blurred vision due to Liver-Kidney yin deficiency.

o Mai Wei Di Huang Wan (Ophiopogon, Schisandra and Rehmannia Pill): Liu Wei Di Huang Wan plus Mai Dong (ophiopogon root) and Wu Wei Zi (schisandra fruit). Strengthens the action of nourishing the Kidney and constraining the Lung; used for cough and dyspnea due to Lung-Kidney yin deficiency.