Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

What It Is

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is a classical Chinese herbal formula that originated from traditional medicine texts dating back to the Song Dynasty. It is a modified version of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), a foundational tonic for nourishing the yin (the body’s cooling, moistening, and restorative aspect).

The modification includes two additional herbs — Gou Qi Zi (Lycium fruit, or goji berry) and Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower) — which focus the formula’s action on the eyes and the liver system.

It is commonly used in TCM to nourish liver and kidney yin, improve eye function, and support overall vitality, especially as people age or experience yin deficiency symptoms.

How It Works

In Traditional Chinese Medicine terms, Qi Ju Di Huang Wan works by replenishing yin in the liver and kidneys — organ systems believed to govern vision, growth, aging, and the body’s essential fluids.

Here’s how its key ingredients function synergistically:

• Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia root, prepared): Deeply nourishes kidney and liver yin, replenishing essence and blood.
• Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus fruit): Stabilizes the essence and prevents fluid loss.
• Shan Yao (Chinese yam): Strengthens the spleen and supports kidney function.
• Fu Ling (Poria mushroom): Promotes water metabolism and prevents damp accumulation.
• Ze Xie (Alisma): Clears excess heat from the kidneys.
• Mu Dan Pi (Tree peony bark): Cools blood and removes stagnant heat.
• Gou Qi Zi (Goji berries): Nourish liver blood and improve eyesight.
• Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum): Clears wind and heat from the eyes and liver, improving visual clarity.

Physiologically, this combination supports endocrine balance, eye health, and antioxidant protection, while promoting fluid regulation and cellular repair.

Why It’s Important

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan plays an important role in maintaining healthy aging and vision. It’s often prescribed when there are signs of liver and kidney yin deficiency, which in TCM may manifest as:

• Blurred vision or dry, tired eyes
• Dizziness or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Lower back weakness
• Night sweats
• Thirst with a dry mouth or throat
• Restlessness in the evening

It is considered particularly valuable for people who strain their eyes regularly (e.g., from long hours of reading or screen use), and for older adults who experience declining vision or vitality.

From a modern health perspective, many of its herbs — especially goji berries and chrysanthemum — are recognized for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, which may help protect eye tissues and liver cells from oxidative damage.

Considerations

While Qi Ju Di Huang Wan is generally regarded as safe and gentle, certain considerations should be kept in mind:

1. Constitutional Fit: It is most suitable for those with yin deficiency patterns — meaning people who feel warm, dry, or restless. It is not appropriate for those with coldness, digestive weakness, or phlegm-damp accumulation (e.g., bloating, loose stools, fatigue).
2. Possible Reactions: Overuse may cause digestive discomfort, loose stools, or loss of appetite, especially in people with weaker digestion.
3. Medical Interactions: People on prescription medications — especially diuretics, hypoglycemics, or antihypertensives — should consult a healthcare provider, as some herbs may enhance or interfere with drug effects.
4. Pregnancy & Special Conditions: Should be used cautiously during pregnancy or in individuals with severe liver disease without professional supervision.
5. Quality & Authenticity: As with all Chinese patent medicines, it’s essential to purchase from reputable sources, as formulations can vary widely in potency and purity.