Today let’s talk about tonifying the kidneys. There are indeed many kidney-tonifying medicines in pharmacies, but they are often targeted at either kidney yin or kidney yang. However, many people today do not have a pure kidney-yin deficiency or kidney-yang deficiency; rather, both yin and yang are deficient. For example, some people feel cold in winter, hot in summer, sensitive to wind in spring, bothered by dryness in autumn, constantly have dry mouth and tongue yet drink little water, have stools that are sometimes loose and sometimes constipated, and have energy that fluctuates between periods of vigor and fatigue — this is actually a condition of external vigor but internal dryness.

So what should be done then? We need to harmonize both yin and yang. In TCM there is a formula specifically for treating this dual deficiency of yin and yang called Congrong Tang. This formula is not simple; it contains 11 herbs including Cistanche (Rou Congrong), Morinda officinalis (Bajitian), and processed Rehmannia (Shu Di), among others, and each herb has its own unique function.

This formula is like a small squad, attacking in three directions to comprehensively tonify our kidneys. The first route is the kidney-tonifying combination: Cistanche and Morinda officinalis act like two strongmen, specifically supporting our kidney yang, and they are gentle in nature, not causing internal heat. Rehmannia (prepared) and Dendrobium act like two attentive nutritionists, replenishing our kidney essence. Cornus officinalis and Cuscuta act like two balancing masters, harmonizing yin and yang while also stabilizing the kidneys and securing essence.

The second route is the astringent-and-stabilizing combination: Schisandra, Halloysitum (or red halloysite—red clay? keep original as 赤石脂), and Rubus chingii act like three goalkeepers, firmly guarding the yin and yang that were just replenished to prevent simultaneous supplementation and leakage.

The final route is the diuretic-and-damp-removing combination: Poria and Alisma act like two cleaners, specifically responsible for clearing internal damp-heat and turbid yin. They help the body expel wastes in the form of urine, making our body feel fresher.

In this way, the entire prescription acts like a comprehensive regimen for the body—nourishing without causing stagnation—allowing the body's yin and yang to restore balance. Once yin and yang are balanced, the body's ailments naturally disappear.

So, if you also have a condition of both Yin and Yang deficiency, you might try this Cistanche decoction. Of course, medication should be guided by your doctor — don’t self-prescribe. Everyone’s constitution is different; what suits you personally is best.