Are there friends who wake up in the morning still feeling unrefreshed, with bodies as heavy as if filled with lead? Experiencing soreness and bloating in the lower back after standing for a while, constant buzzing in the ears, and gradually blurring vision? What's even more awkward is frequent urination with poor control, feeling the urge to use the restroom at the slightest movement? Don't tough it out by saying "just tired" anymore—these are actually signs of unconsolidated kidney qi and deficiency of essence and blood! How many of these symptoms do you experience? Share your thoughts in the comments section first!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are considered the "foundation of the innate constitution," acting like the body's "storage jar," responsible for locking in kidney essence and regulating the opening and closing of the bladder. Moreover, essence and blood share a common source, relying on them to nourish the lower back and knees, ears, and eyes. If the "lid" of the storage jar loosens (indicating kidney qi deficiency), kidney essence cannot be retained, the bladder loses its control, leading to frequent urination. When essence and blood are insufficient, failing to nourish the lower back and knees, ears, and eyes, it naturally results in lower back soreness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and low energy.

Today, I’m sharing a classic kidney-tonifying and essence-replenishing formula—Xiao Tusizi Wan (Small Dodder Seed Pill), which originates from the "Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang." It is highly effective for kidney qi deficiency, addressing issues such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, mental fatigue, dry lips, loose teeth, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and blurred vision. The formula consists of just four herbs: Shilianrou (lotus seed core), Tusizi (dodder seed), Baifuling (poria), and Shanyao (Chinese yam). Simply decoct them in water for oral administration.

The core ingredient is Tusizi (dodder seed), which neither dries nor clogs, allowing it to balance yin and yang and gently replenish kidney qi. Shilianrou (lotus seed core) is made from old lotus seeds that have endured frost and settled in mud. It astringes and consolidates essence, while also clearing the heart and strengthening the spleen—truly a multitasking herb. Here’s the key point: the kidneys rely on the spleen for nourishment, while the spleen depends on the warmth of the kidneys. Treatment should not focus solely on tonifying the kidneys! That’s why Shanyao (Chinese yam) is added. It acts as a bridge, delivering nutrients from the spleen and stomach to the kidneys, while also helping to consolidate and astringe essential substances. Fuling (poria), on the other hand, “tonifies and drains simultaneously.” It promotes urination, resolves dampness, and strengthens the spleen, preventing the tonic herbs from being overly cloying and obstructing the stomach and intestines.

This formula works by tonifying the spleen and kidneys, consolidating essence, and replenishing both congenital and acquired vitality. Do you experience any of these discomforts? Wondering if this formula is suitable for you? Feel free to describe your specific symptoms, and I can help provide a preliminary assessment!