Classic formula · Tonify yin
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
杞菊地黄丸 Lycium, Chrysanthemum and Rehmannia Pill
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with goji and chrysanthemum for the eyes. For Liver and Kidney yin deficiency that shows in the eyes first: dry, tired, blurry eyes, floaters, light sensitivity, and tearing in wind, with the usual dry mouth and sore back underneath.
The Liver opens into the eyes and the Kidney fills the Liver. When both run dry the eyes are the first window to fog up. Goji and chrysanthemum wipe the window while the base formula fills the well.
Also sold as: Lycium Rehmannia Teapills · Goji Chrysanthemum Rehmannia Pill
Who Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is for
This formula is chosen for 3 patterns. Match your own picture before you match the name.
Signs it is classically given for
- Dry, gritty, tired eyes
- Blurry vision, floaters, light sensitivity
- Eyes that water in wind
- Dizziness and headache behind the eyes
- Dry mouth, sore low back, ringing ears
- Screen fatigue in a dry, thin person
- Tongue
- Red with little coat.
- Pulse
- Thin, possibly wiry.
What is in Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Amounts are the classic decoction range in grams. Patent pills use the same herbs in the same proportion, so read the box for these names.
| Herb | Amount | Role | Job in the formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shu Di Huang Prepared Rehmannia Root Use caution | 24 g | Chief | Prepared rehmannia refills Kidney yin. |
| Shan Zhu Yu Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit | 12 g | Deputy | Cornelian cherry nourishes the Liver and holds essence. |
| Shan Yao Chinese Yam Rhizome | 12 g | Deputy | Chinese yam steadies the Spleen and Kidney. |
| Ze Xie Rhizome of Oriental Waterplantain | 9 g | Assistant | Water plantain drains damp so the tonic moves. |
| Mu Dan Pi Tree Peony Bark Use caution | 9 g | Assistant | Tree peony bark clears mild rising heat. |
| Fu Ling Poria | 9 g | Assistant | Poria supports digestion of the tonic. |
| Gou Qi Zi Chinese Wolfberry Fruit Use caution | 9 g | Deputy | Goji nourishes Liver and Kidney yin and brightens the eyes. |
| Ju Hua Chrysanthemum Flower Use caution | 9 g | Assistant | Chrysanthemum clears the Liver and the eyes and calms the wind that makes them water. |
How Qi Ju Di Huang Wan works
The six base herbs fill the Kidney. Goji feeds the Liver blood that the eyes draw on. Chrysanthemum clears the heat and wind that make dry eyes sting and water. Together they treat the eyes from the root rather than only wetting the surface.
Actions in classic terms
- Enriches Liver and Kidney yin
- Brightens the eyes
Common changes to Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
A practitioner rarely gives the bare formula. These are the classic additions for a specific picture.
- Eyes that are also red and sore add Xia Ku Cao, Jue Ming Zi Cooling herbs for Liver heat in the eyes.
- Night blindness or very weak vision add Nu Zhen Zi, Tu Si Zi Deeper Liver and Kidney tonics for vision.
Cautions with Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
- Rich. If stools loosen or appetite drops, take it with food or reduce the dose.
- Red, hot, acutely inflamed eyes are an infection or wind-heat, not a dry deficiency. This formula is for the long, dry, tired kind.
- Pause during an acute cold or flu.
- Pregnancy: use only under a qualified practitioner.
Forms and typical dose
Sold as teapills, concentrated tablets, granules.
- Teapills
- 8 pills, three times a day with warm water, the usual label dose
- Course
- Two to three months. Eyes are slow to change; screens are fast to drain.
Follow the label of the brand you buy. Pill sizes differ between makers.
Buying Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
The box reads Qi Ju Di Huang Wan with the characters 杞菊地黄丸. Eight herbs: the six of Liu Wei plus Lycium (goji) and Chrysanthemum.
Brand comparisons for formulas live on Supplements Apothecary, the buying side of this library.
Formulas often confused with Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
- Liu Wei Di Huang Wan 六味地黄丸 The same base without the two eye herbs. Use when the eyes are not the main complaint.
- Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan 知柏地黄丸 The same base with cooling herbs for night sweats and hot palms instead of eye herbs.
- Er Zhi Wan 二至丸 Two gentle herbs for grey hair, dizziness, and dry eyes that can be added to any of these.
Conditions where Qi Ju Di Huang Wan comes up
Sources
- Bensky, Scheid, Ellis and Barolet, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies, 2nd edition Listed as a modification of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Important Note
Formula pages describe classic use so you can read a label, ask a better question, and find the right monographs. They are education, not a prescription. A formula that fits the wrong pattern can make things worse, so match the picture first.