When entering middle age, if you frequently experience symptoms such as a dry mouth and throat, dry eyes, overall fatigue with intolerance to cold, and soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, don’t simply dismiss them as inevitable signs of aging. It’s very likely caused by liver and kidney deficiency and insufficiency of essence and blood.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has long held the concept that "essence and blood share a common source." Essence is the most fundamental substance of the human body, derived partly from the "congenital essence" inherited from parents and partly from the "acquired essence" nourished by diet, daily routines, and other factors. This vital essence can transform into blood, circulate throughout the body, and nourish the internal organs. Once the liver and kidneys are deficient, overall bodily functions will be affected.

Therefore, deficiency of essence and blood is far more serious than simply being "a bit physically weak" and can trigger a series of chain reactions in the body. Symptoms such as easy fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness and forgetfulness, pale complexion and lips, soreness and weakness in the waist and knees with aversion to cold, low mood, menstrual irregularities or even amenorrhea in women, and decreased libido in men are all typical signs of essence and blood depletion. While each symptom may seem mild on its own, their combined effect can significantly deteriorate overall health.

To replenish essence and blood, although medicinal supplementation cannot replace lifestyle adjustments such as daily routines and diet, selecting the right herbs can achieve twice the result with half the effort.

Angelica sinensis and Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared) are known as the "twin champions for replenishing essence and blood": Angelica sinensis can nourish blood, promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain. It not only generates new blood but also improves stagnant blood circulation, making it highly suitable for individuals with both blood and qi deficiency, particularly favored by women with insufficient blood and qi. Prepared Rehmannia glutinosa is an excellent herb for tonifying the kidneys, replenishing essence, nourishing blood, and enriching yin. Many symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and soreness in the waist and legs caused by liver and kidney deficiency are often alleviated by relying on it to "strengthen the foundation."

When used together, these two herbs complement each other—one dynamic and one static. They not only nourish blood but also replenish essence and are widely regarded as classic representatives of "flesh and blood tonics."