In clinical practice, we see too many patients with deficiency of both yin and yang. Some take only Liuwei Dihuang Pills to nourish yin, but end up feeling colder, with abdominal distension and loose stools. Others take only Jinkui Shenqi Pills to strengthen yang, but end up with dry mouth, internal heat, and night sweats. The core issue isDeficiency of both yin and yang requires "dual supplementation" rather than single supplementationExcessive nourishing of Yin harms Yang, while overly strengthening Yang depletes Yin. Only by selecting gentle dual-nourishing herbs that nourish Yin without causing greasiness and strengthen Yang without generating heat can Yin and Yang be restored to balance.

Deficiency of both yin and yang is often caused by prolonged illness and physical weakness, chronic staying up late, excessive indulgence, or one-sided supplementation. The core symptoms areboth afraid of cold and heatThis is the most typical diagnostic signal. Today, we will thoroughly explain four commonly used clinical methods.Yin and Yang Dual-Tonic Chinese Patent MedicineIt is divided into basic version, yang-biased version, combination version, and potent version, catering to varying degrees of yin and yang deficiency. Suitable for men, women, and all ages, it ensures effective supplementation without pitfalls!

First identify: Are you truly deficient in both yin and yang? Recognize the core signals at a glance

Deficiency of both Yin and Yang refers to the simultaneous deficiency of kidney Yin and kidney Yang. The kidney is the organ of water and fire, where Yin fluids and Yang Qi are interdependent. Prolonged deficiency of one will inevitably affect the other, leading to a condition where "Yin deficiency affects Yang, and Yang deficiency affects Yin." The core judgment lies inboth afraid of cold and heatCombined with systemic symptoms, easily differentiate and avoid confusion with simple Yin deficiency or Yang deficiency:

✅Core hallmark symptomsFear of cold and cold hands and feet (yang deficiency), accompanied by five heart irritability, night sweats, and dry mouth (yin deficiency), with both cold and hot symptoms present simultaneously;

✅General Basic SymptomsSoreness and weakness in the waist and knees, general fatigue, listlessness, dizziness and tinnitus, insomnia with excessive dreaming, forgetfulness, male nocturnal emissions and premature ejaculation, decreased libido, female scanty menstruation, uterine coldness and infertility

✅Typical Tongue and Pulse Manifestationstongue bodypale and swollen with tooth marks (yang deficiency) and red with little moisture and cracks on the surface (yin deficiency)thin white tongue coating or scanty coating; pulsedeep, thready and weakInsufficiency of Yin Blood + Deficiency of Yang Qi

✅Difference from a single deficiency syndromePure Yin deficiency only fears heat, not cold, with a red tongue and little coating, no tooth marks; Pure Yang deficiency only fears cold, not heat, with a pale, swollen tongue with tooth marks and no cracks; Yin and Yang deficiency isCold and heat interweave, tongue signs coexist。

Nourishing Principle: Supplement both Yin and Yang, emphasizing "balance," avoiding harsh and excessive supplementation

For tonifying both yin and yang deficiency, the core is "nourishing yin and strengthening yang, mutual support of yin and yang," following three principles:

1. Nourishing Yin without causing greasiness: avoid using solely greasy herbs like cooked rehmannia root and donkey-hide gelatin to prevent stomach discomfort, abdominal distension, and exacerbation of Yang deficiency
2. Strengthening Yang without causing dryness and heat: Avoid using solely potent warming Yang herbs like aconite and cinnamon to prevent depletion of Yin fluids and triggering deficiency fire;
3. Simultaneous Supplementation of Spleen and Kidney: The kidney is the foundation of innate constitution, the spleen is the foundation of acquired constitution. To supplement both yin and yang, it is necessary to also strengthen the spleen. When the spleen and stomach are healthy, the production of qi and blood has a source, and the supplemented medicine can be absorbed.

The following 4 types of Chinese patent medicines all adhere to the principle of gentle dual supplementation without harsh ingredients suitable for different populations and varying degrees of yin and yang deficiency

I. Basic Formula: Gui Lu Er Xian Gao / Wan - Pure Supplement for Essence and Vitality, Dual Supplement of Yin and Yang, Suitable for All Ages and Genders

This is for supplementing both yin and yangClassic Basic FormulaIt primarily focuses on "tonifying essence and replenishing marrow, balancing yin and yang," without issues of excessive yin nourishment or overly intense yang reinforcement. The medicinal properties are mild, making it the preferred choice for mild to moderate cases of dual deficiency of yin and yang, as well as for children, the elderly, and those with weak constitutions. It is also the most commonly used dual-tonifying formula in clinical practice.

Core Applicable

Mild to moderate deficiency of both yin and yang, main focussoreness and weakness of waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, listlessnessNo obvious severe aversion to cold or heat, suitable for those recovering from prolonged illness, postpartum weakness, and middle-aged and elderly individuals with declining organ function. Children with insufficient kidney essence (delayed development, poor concentration) may use a reduced dosage.

Core symptoms

Soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, general fatigue, dizziness and tinnitus, forgetfulness, sallow and dull complexion, decreased libido in men and scanty menstruation in women, without obvious cold hands and feet or severe heat in the five centers, pale and swollen tongue with slight tooth marks, red tongue with little moisture.

Fang Jie

Only byTortoise Shell, Deer Antler, Ginseng, Goji BerryFour herbs compose this formula, with an exquisite combination, purely tonifying without purging:

• Turtle Shell: Nourishes Yin and subdues Yang, tonifies the Kidney and replenishes essence, a key herb for nourishing Kidney Yin, cool in nature without being greasy.
• Deer Antler: Warms and tonifies kidney yang, benefits essence and nourishes blood, essential herb for tonifying kidney yang, warm in nature without being drying or heating
• Ginseng + Goji Berries: Ginseng strengthens the spleen and boosts qi, greatly replenishes vital energy, while goji berries nourish yin and tonify the kidneys, nourish the liver and improve eyesight. Together, they address both spleen strengthening and yin nourishment, allowing the essence-tonifying herbs to be better absorbed.
• Tortoise shell paired with deer antler, one yin and one yang, one cool and one warm, supplementing both yin and yang; ginseng paired with goji berries, strengthening the spleen and replenishing essence, generating both qi and blood, the entire formula does not lean toward yin or yang, specifically replenishes the essence, and when essence is sufficient, yin and yang naturally become abundant, making it the "foundational formula" for supplementing both yin and yang.

Scientific Usage

Ointment: 10-20g each time, twice a day, taken with warm water; Pill: 1 pill each time, twice a day, taken after meals. Reduce dosage for children (1/3-1/2 dose), suitable for long-term gentle supplementation.

II. Yang-Biased Formula: Jinkui Shenqi Wan (Bawei Dihuang Wan) - Nourishes Yin and Assists Yang, the preferred choice for Yin-Yang deficiency with a heavier Yang deficiency

Jinkui Shenqi Pill is a representative formula for "nourishing yin and assisting yang" it is not a pure yang tonic but is based on the yin nourishing effects of Liuwei Dihuang Pill with the addition of a small amount of cinnamon and aconiteWarming Yang to Transform Qibelongs to "seeking yang within yin", suitable forYang deficiency is more prominent, while Yin deficiency is less severeThe deficiency of both yin and yang is also one of the most commonly used dual-tonifying formulas for modern people.

Core Applicable

Yin-Yang Deficiency with Predominant Yang Deficiency, Main Focusfear of cold, cold hands and feet, frequent urination at nightaccompanied by mild dry mouth and heat in the five centers, suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals with kidney yang deficiency as the primary condition, accompanied by kidney yin deficiency, as well as those with dual deficiency of yin and yang, such as men with impotence and premature ejaculation, and women with uterine cold and dysmenorrhea.

Core symptoms

Fear of cold and cold limbs (cold beyond the wrists and ankles), frequent nocturia (1-2 times per night), clear and abundant urine, cold pain in the lower back and knees that worsens after prolonged sitting, accompanied by mild dry mouth and night sweats, low libido and weak erection in men, uterine cold and scanty pale menstrual flow in women, pale and swollen tongue with obvious tooth marks, red tongue with little moisture.

Fang Xie

In Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Rehmannia glutinosa, Dioscorea opposita, Cornus officinalis, Alisma orientale, Poria cocos, Paeonia suffruticosa)nourish yin and tonify kidneyOn the basis of, adda small amount of cinnamon and aconite：

• Liuwei Dihuang Pills: Nourish Yin and Tonify the Kidney, replenish Kidney Yin to provide a foundation for the generation of Yang Qi; Alisma and Poria promote diuresis and eliminate dampness, preventing Rehmannia from causing greasiness and impairing stomach function.
• Cinnamon + Aconite (small dose): Warms and tonifies kidney yang, transforms qi and moves water. It is not a strong and drastic yang tonic, but rather "warms yang and assists yang." It stimulates yang qi on the basis of kidney yin, achieving "seeking yang within yin." It tonifies yang without causing dryness or heat, and does not deplete kidney yin.
• The formula primarily nourishes yin and secondarily warms yang, suitable for yin-yang deficiency with a predominance of yang deficiency. It addresses both the yang deficiency issues of cold intolerance and frequent nighttime urination, while also addressing the mild yin deficiency symptom of dry mouth.

Scientific Usage

Take 1 pill each time, twice a day, with warm water before meals. For those with obvious dry mouth or excessive internal heat, it can be combined with 6g of Ophiopogon japonicus boiled in water as a tea to neutralize its warm nature.

III. Combination Formula: Liuwei Dihuang Wan + Fuzi Lizhong Wan — Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency + Kidney Yin Deficiency, with Emphasis on Strengthening the Spleen and Dual Nourishment

This is clinicalPractical Compatibility FormulasforSpleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency + Kidney Yin DeficiencyThe deficiency of both yin and yang is also a common type among modern people prolonged indulgence in cold, staying up late, and irregular diet not only damage spleen yang and kidney yang fear of cold, loose stools, cold abdomen but also deplete kidney yin dry mouth, insomnia, night sweats single patent medicine is difficult to address both this combination strengthens the spleen warms yang and nourishes yin achieving three goals at once

Core Applicable

Spleen and kidney yang deficiency combined with kidney yin deficiency, leading to dual deficiency of yin and yang, main focusfear of cold, cold abdomen with loose stools, cold hands and feetaccompanied bydry mouth and night sweats, insomnia and dreaminess, alternating dry and loose stoolsSuitable for individuals who are sedentary, prefer cold environments, consume raw and cold foods, and stay up late. It is applicable for women with uterine cold accompanied by yin deficiency and night sweats, as well as men with spleen and kidney yang deficiency accompanied by yin deficiency and premature ejaculation.

Core symptoms

Fear of cold and cold abdomen, abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating raw and cold food, loose stools or alternating dry and loose stools, cold hands and feet, accompanied by dry mouth and throat, night sweats, insomnia and dreaminess, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, pale and swollen tongue with deep tooth marks, red tongue with little fluid and cracks.

Matching Ideas

• Liuwei Dihuang Wan: Nourishes Yin and Tonifies the Kidney, addresses symptoms such as dry mouth, night sweats, and insomnia caused by Kidney Yin deficiency;
• Fuzi Lizhong Wan: Warms yang, strengthens the spleen, disperses cold, and resolves dampness; addresses cold intolerance, abdominal coldness, and loose stools caused by spleen and kidney yang deficiency.
• The combination of the two strengthens the spleen, warms yang, and nourishes yin, addressing both the spleen and kidneys. It is suitable for individuals with dual deficiency of yin and yang in both the spleen and kidneys. While tonifying the kidneys, it also strengthens the spleen and stomach, allowing for better absorption of the medicinal effects and preventing "tonification without transformation."

Scientific Usage

Take one pill each time, twice a day. Liuwei Dihuang Pills should be taken before meals (to nourish yin), while Fuzi Lizhong Pills should be taken after meals (to warm the spleen and reduce stomach irritation). After symptoms are relieved, you may switch to Guilu Erxian Paste for long-term consolidation.

IV. Potent Formula: Zuogui Pill + Yougui Pill (Low-Dose Combination) — A Powerful Formula for Dual Nourishment of Yin and Yang, Specifically for Severe Deficiency of Both Yin and Yang

Zuogui Pill is a potent formula for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney, while Yougui Pill is a potent formula for warming and tonifying kidney yang. When combined in small doses, theySevere deficiency of both yin and yangExclusive formula, suitable for those with dual deficiency of yin and yang due to prolonged illness, physical weakness, long-term indulgence, and severe decline in organ function. Not for use by those with mild conditions to avoid excessive supplementation.

Core Applicable

Severe deficiency of both yin and yang, main focusBoth the symptoms of fearing cold and fearing heat are very obviousSevere soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, listlessness, male impotence and premature ejaculation, female infertility, accompanied by severe insomnia and dreaminess, night sweats, and frequent nighttime urination. Suitable for individuals with chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, advanced hypertension), long-term excessive indulgence, and severe deficiency of internal organs in middle-aged and elderly people.

Core symptoms

Fear of cold and cold limbs extending beyond the elbows and knees, frequent nighttime urination (more than 3 times per night), clear and abundant urine, cold pain in the lower back and knees as if broken, accompanied by heat in the palms, soles, and chest, severe night sweats, dry mouth and throat, insomnia with excessive dreaming, forgetfulness, difficulty with erection in men, uterine cold and infertility in women, pale and swollen tongue with deep tooth marks, red tongue with little moisture and no coating.

Matching Ideas

• Zuogui Wan: Nourishes Yin and tonifies the Kidney, replenishes Essence and benefits the Marrow, with stronger Yin-nourishing power than Liuwei Dihuang Wan, specifically for severe Kidney Yin deficiency;
• Yougui Wan: Warms and tonifies kidney yang, replenishes essence and stops seminal emission, with stronger warming and yang-tonifying effects than Jinkui Shenqi Wan, specifically for severe kidney yang deficiency;
• bothSmall dose combination(Take half of the conventional dosage each time), it tonifies both yin and yang, providing strong reinforcement while avoiding the issue of excessive supplementation from a single large dose. Individuals with severe deficiency of both yin and yang should use it under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Once symptoms are alleviated, switch to the basic version immediately for consolidation.

Scientific Usage

Half a pill each time, twice a day, to be taken after meals. If abdominal distension or excessive internal heat occurs during the medication period, add 3g of dried tangerine peel boiled in water as a tea substitute to regulate qi, harmonize the stomach, and neutralize the medicinal properties.

Core Summary: 4 Types of Yin and Yang Dual-Tonic Chinese Patent Medicines, Precisely Matched Table

The Universal Principle of Nourishing Both Yin and Yang: Supplement as Support, Nourish the Body as Foundation, Avoid Repetition

The formation of yin and yang deficiency is not achieved overnight, and tonification should also be gradual. Chinese patent medicines are only auxiliary; only by eliminating bad habits that deplete yin and yang and combining daily maintenance can yin and yang truly return to balance and avoid recurrence.

1. Daily Routine Nourishes Yang and Nourishes YinSleep before 23:00, as the night is a critical period for nourishing kidney yin and kidney yang; staying up late depletes both kidney yin and damages kidney yang. Take a short nap of 15-20 minutes at noon to nourish the heart and spleen, replenishing qi and blood.
2. Dietary moderation and supplementationAvoid raw, cold, spicy, and overly sweet foods. Consume more neutral ingredients (such as Chinese yam, lotus seeds, fox nuts, walnuts, and goji berries), which nourish yin and warm yang. They can be boiledYam Goji Berry Walnut PorridgeChinese yam 20g + goji berries 10g + walnuts 2 + millet, daily gentle nourishment, suitable for all ages and genders.
3. Movement harmonizes yin and yangAvoid strenuous exercise (which consumes qi and damages yin), choose gentle exercises such as brisk walking, Tai Chi, or Baduanjin for 20 minutes daily to promote qi and blood circulation and harmonize yin and yang; avoid prolonged sitting, stand up and move for 5 minutes after every hour of sitting.
4. Moderate the consumption of kidney essenceExcessive indulgence is the primary culprit in depleting kidney yin and yang, necessitating moderation in sexual activity; simultaneously, avoid overusing the brain and eyes to prevent the depletion of liver and kidney essence.
5. Emotion harmonizes the internal organsLong-term anxiety and anger can lead to liver qi stagnation, which impairs the spleen earth and depletes kidney essence. Maintain a cheerful mood and massage ** Zusanli (strengthens the spleen).和Taixi Acupoint (Tonify Kidney) 2 minutes each per day, strengthen spleen and tonify kidney, assist in tonifying both yin and yang.

Important Reminder Prioritize Syndrome Differentiation Avoid Blind Combinations

1. Deficiency of both yin and yang if accompanied byDamp-heat, Excess Fire, Blood Stasisyellow and greasy tongue coating, bitter taste and halitosis, ecchymosis on the tongue, it is necessary to first clear damp-heat, purge excess fire, and resolve blood stasis, then tonify, to avoid "locking the door and keeping the bandit inside."
2. Children with deficiency of both yin and yang (mostly due to kidney essence deficiency) are only recommended to take Gui Lu Er Xian Gao / Wan, and it should be taken under the guidance of a TCM practitioner with reduced dosage. Do not use strong or yang-biased formulas.
3. Pregnant women, lactating women, individuals with hypertension, and those with diabetes should consult a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner before taking any supplements and must not self-medicate.
4. All proprietary Chinese medicines are for reference only. The specific dosage, duration, and combination should be adjusted based on individual constitution and condition through syndrome differentiation. Those with severe deficiency of both yin and yang must follow medical advice.

Doctor Chen finally said

The core of deficiency of both yin and yang is "imbalance of yin and yang." The key to supplementation is not "the more, the better," but rather "supplementing correctly and gently." The foundational dual supplementation of Gui Lu Er Xian Gao, the approach of seeking yang within yin in Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, the combined formula for simultaneous spleen and kidney supplementation, and the potent formula for precise dual supplementation are tailored to different individuals and varying degrees of deficiency. Choosing the right medicine is essential to restore the balance of yin and yang.

In the end, the kidney is the foundation of innate constitution, and the spleen is the foundation of acquired constitution. The fundamental way to nourish both yin and yang has never relied on medicine, but on daily routines, diet, and exercise. By reducing depletion and increasing nourishment, yin and yang naturally become abundant, and the body can achieve long-term stability and health

Do you suffer from both sensitivity to cold and heat? Is it soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, frequent urination at night, or dry mouth, night sweats, insomnia, and vivid dreams? Share your core symptoms + tongue appearance in the comments section, and we'll help you assess the severity of Yin and Yang deficiency, guiding you to choose the right medication accurately!