Guifuzhenhuang Wan is a very representative formula in traditional Chinese medicine. It is based on the nourishing yin effect of Liuwei Dihuang Wan, adding two warming yang herbs, aconite and cinnamon bark, to achieve the function of warming and tonifying kidney yang. Kidney yang is the root of the body's yang qi. When kidney yang is sufficient, the functions of warming and transformation are normal, and many problems can be resolved. Below are introduced several common application scenarios.

Some people experience frequent urination during the day, waking up multiple times at night, always feeling the urge to urinate but with little urine each time. This is usually due to insufficient kidney yang and weak transformation. The kidney governs fluid metabolism, and when kidney yang is deficient, fluid cannot be properly evaporated and distributed, only directly flowing to the lower 焦. Guifuzhenhuang Wan can warm the kidney and support yang, enhance transformation, and help restore normal urination rhythm.

Another situation is constantly feeling dry mouth, and drinking a lot of water does not relieve it. This may not be the body lacking water, but rather due to insufficient yang qi, which lacks the strength to evaporate fluids to ascend to the mouth. Guifuzhongyuan pill warms and tonifies the kidney yang, promoting the upward transport of body fluids, thus alleviating dry mouth.

Kidney yang deficiency can lead to abnormal fluid metabolism, often causing lower limb edema, which is indented and slow to recover after pressing. This is because yang qi fails to transform into gas, leading to water and dampness descending. This formula warms the yang and transforms qi, helping fluids to transport and excrete normally, thereby reducing edema.

The waist is the mansion of the kidneys; kidney deficiency leads to the lack of nourishment of the waist, making it prone to lower back cold pain and heel pain. The kidneys govern bones and produce marrow; insufficient kidney yang leads to bones lacking warmth, which can also cause weakness in walking and heel pain. Guifuzhongyuan pill tonifies the kidneys, warms the yang, and strengthens tendons and bones, offering significant improvement for such issues.

Additionally, the kidneys govern the intake of qi, assisting the lungs in maintaining deep breathing. If kidney yang is deficient, the function of qi intake weakens, making it easy to experience shortness of breath and wheezing, especially during slight activity when the upper qi fails to match the lower qi. By warming and tonifying the kidney yang, breathing can become deeper and more stable.

Another less common condition to note is polyuria caused by kidney deficiency, especially when it involves dreams of fear or coldness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that the kidneys store will, and insufficient kidney yang leads to restlessness of the heart-spirit. This can be addressed by warming the kidneys and consolidating essence to calm the mind and stabilize will.

In a clinical setting, I once treated a middle-aged male patient in his fifties, whose main issues were frequent nocturia, sore and cold lower back, and shortness of breath after prolonged walking. His tongue was pale and swollen with a white coating, typical of kidney yang deficiency. I recommended he take Guìfù Dìhuáng Wán and pay attention to warming his waist and legs. After two weeks of follow-up, he reported a reduction in nocturia and significant improvement in lower back soreness and shortness of breath.

It is important to note that Guìfù Dìhuáng Wán primarily focuses on warming and tonifying kidney yang, making it suitable for deficiency-cold conditions caused by kidney yang deficiency. If there are symptoms such as heat in the palms and soles, restlessness, insomnia, and a red tongue with little coating, indicating yin deficiency or excess fire, it should not be used. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a physician for syndrome differentiation to ensure safety and effectiveness.