Overview of yin-tonifying drugs: primary and secondary structure and classification

Yin-tonifying medicine is a type of medicine used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat yin deficiency syndrome. Its main functions are to nourish yin fluid, produce body fluid and moisturize dryness. It is suitable for symptoms of yin deficiency such as dry mouth and throat, hot flashes and night sweats. According to the source and efficacy of medicinal materials, they can be divided intoMainly nourishing lung yin(such as Adenophora, Ophiopogon japonicus),Mainly nourishing liver yin(Such as wolfberry, Ligustrum lucidum),Mainly nourishing kidney yin(Such as rehmannia glutinosa, dogwood) three categories. Among them, kidney-yin-tonifying drugs are the most widely used, because kidney-yin is the basis of human yin fluid; lung-yin and liver-yin drugs target specific internal organs. Modern Chinese patent medicines such as Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Qiju Dihuang Pills are classic Yin-tonifying prescriptions.

Detailed explanation of medicines for nourishing lung yin

Lung yin deficiency is common with dry cough with little phlegm and hoarseness. Representative drugs includeAdenophora(Northern Adenophora has strong lung-moistening power),Ophiopogon japonicus(Also nourishes stomach yin) andPolygonatum odoratum(nourishes yin but not greasy). "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that Ophiopogon japonicus "takes it for a long time to lighten one's body and prevent aging". Modern research shows that its polysaccharide content can enhance immunity. This kind of medicine is mostly sweet, cold and moist, and is suitable for use when dryness in autumn damages the lungs, such as Adenophora and Ophiopogon japonicus decoction. It should be noted that it should not be used by those with cold and cough.

Characteristics and compatibility of liver-yin-tonifying drugs

Insufficient liver yin can easily cause dry eyes and hypochondriac pain.wolfberryIt is a good food therapy product and contains betaine to protect the liver;Ligustrum lucidum(listed as top grade in "Shen Nong's Materia Medica") combined with Eclipta to form Erzhi Pill, which is specially designed to treat liver and kidney yin deficiency. Modern Chinese patent medicineQiju Dihuang Pills(Containing wolfberry and chrysanthemum) are widely used for visual fatigue. This type of medicine mostly enters the liver meridian, so it should be combined with a small amount of liver-soothing and qi-regulating medicine such as Bupleurum to help absorption and avoid making it greasy and hindering the stomach.

Core drugs and patent medicines for tonifying kidney yin

Kidney yin deficiency causes soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation.Rehmannia glutinosaIt is "the first medicine to replenish kidney yin". After nine steaming and nine sun exposure, the medicinal properties are warm and moistening;dogwoodTaking into account both replenishment and convergence, Zhang Xichun said it is "powerful in converging vitality". Classic recipeLiuwei Dihuang Pills(including Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, etc.) is cut from Zhongjing Shenqi Pills and is currently produced by many pharmaceutical companies:

Summary and precautions for application of yin-tonifying medicines

Yin-tonifying medicine needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation: lung yin deficiency focuses on moisturizing dryness, liver yin deficiency requires improving eyesight, and kidney yin deficiency focuses on replenishing the marrow. During the period of taking it, avoid spicy, hot and spicy foods, and those with spleen deficiency and loose stools should take it with spleen-strengthening medicine. Modern research has confirmed that some yin-tonifying drugs such as wolfberry polysaccharide and Ophiopogon japonicus saponins have antioxidant effects, but they cannot replace drug treatment. It is recommended to choose medicine or decoction according to your physical condition under the guidance of a doctor.

Quote source:
1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition (National Pharmacopoeia Commission)
2. "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Li Shizhen, Ming Dynasty)
3. "Medical Chinese Medicine and Western Records" (Zhang Xichun)
4. Liuwei Dihuang Pills instruction manual (Beijing Tongrentang, Baiyunshan and other manufacturers)