Many people feel they have yang deficiency and think that simply tonifying yang will solve the problem, so they quickly take yang-tonifying medicines like Gui Fu Di Huang Wan or Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan. But did you know? If yang deficiency has lasted for a long time, directly tonifying like this isn't advisable. Not only might it not be effective, but it can also easily cause heat flares and mouth sores!

Why is that? We need to start with the function of yang qi. Yang qi is like a little sun inside the body—it can both warm the qi and blood, allowing them to flow smoothly, and also dry out dampness within the body. But if yang qi is deficient, the flow of qi and blood slows down, and dampness cannot be expelled. Over time, this leads to the production of phlegm-dampness in the body, and can even form blood stasis.

Individuals with blood stasis in the body often experience pain in various places, bruise easily with slight bumps, and exhibit a dull, purple tongue with ecchymosis. Those with phlegm-dampness in the body may feel heaviness in the limbs, lack of energy, constant dizziness, a sensation of phlegm stuck in the throat, loose stools, and a white, greasy tongue coating.

Phlegm-dampness and blood stasis act like roadblocks, obstructing the flow of Qi and blood. In such cases, directly supplementing Yang Qi is like stepping hard on the gas pedal when encountering a traffic jam—it not only fails to replenish Yang Qi but also causes it to get stuck halfway, generating heat. This explains why taking Yang-supplementing herbs often leads to internal heat.

So, how should one adjust? The key is to clear the obstructions first. If phlegm-dampness is predominant—manifested by a white, greasy tongue coating, excessive phlegm in the throat, abdominal bloating, etc.—consider taking Erchen Pills to resolve the phlegm-dampness. If blood stasis is present—such as stabbing pains in the body, a dark purple tongue with ecchymosis or petechiae—consider using Xuefu Zhuyu Pills to unblock the stasis. Once the tongue coating clears and the pain subsides, then use Yang-supplementing formulas like Guifu Dihuang Pills. This approach yields better results and reduces the risk of internal heat.

This article is for informational purposes only. Individual conditions vary—some may have both phlegm-dampness and blood stasis, while others may also have Qi deficiency. In such cases, tailored combinations of herbs are necessary. If uncertain, do not self-prescribe. For safety and effectiveness, it is advisable to seek treatment under the guidance of a professional practitioner based on syndrome differentiation.