Liver Yin Tonic
Overview:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Liver and Kidney Yin both come from the same origin, which is Kidney Yin. Therefore, when Kidney Yin is deficiency, so too will be Liver Yin.
The function of the Liver in TCM is to generate Blood and circulate the Qi. Liver Yin stores the cooling and nourishing Yin fluids from the Kidneys in order for the Liver to perform these primary functions. However, when Liver Yin is deficient, this will manifest as common disorders of the Qi and Blood, such as Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, and Liver Yang Rising.
The Liver Yin Tonic formula uses the Kidney Yin Tonic herbal base, in order to tonify the origin of Liver Yin, then adds several Liver herbs that cool the Liver, tonify Liver Blood, disperse the Qi, and anchor Liver Yang. In doing so, they treat the classic symptoms of Liver Yin Deficiency associated with a corresponding Kidney Yin Deficiency.
Hair Benefit:
Liver Yang Rising is a mixed deficiency and excess state where insufficient Liver and Kidney Yin fails to anchor the body's active energy (Qi), causing it to surge upward to the head. Based on my hair loss theory, chronic concentration of Qi in the head will put outward pressure on the skull, stimulating unwanted bone growth, altering the juvenile skull contours, and ultimately causing the growth pattern to shift in a way that is clinically classified as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). Therefore, tonifying Liver Yin, in order to anchor rising Qi, is critical to stopping further progression of skull growth and subsequent Hair loss.
In addition to anchoring rising Qi, the herbs help the Liver deliver to the Hair the two most important nutrients that it needs to grow, Qi and Blood. As mentioned, the Liver is responsible for generating Blood. Liver Yin stores the nourishing Yin fluids that it draws up from the Kidneys, which ultimately become Blood. Therefore, if the Kidney Yin is deficiency, then the Liver Yin will be deficient, and ultimately the total Blood supply will be deficient. That will impact Hair because Hair is Blood AND depends on a constant supply of Blood to nourish it.
However, Blood will not even flow to the hair, regardless of how much there is in the body, if the Qi does not direct the Blood to it. Since the Liver is responsible for circulating the Qi, then it may be necessary to occasionally help the Liver to disperse its Qi, in order to move stagnant Qi and to restore coherent flow. In our case, this could serve to break up the Qi concentration in the skulls and direct it towards the Hair.
Herbs:
Rehmannia (Prepared) - Shen Di Huang:
This is still the main herb used in the formula, since Kidney Yin is the weak link in the chain. Rehmannia deeply tonifies Kidney Yin by building Yin fluids, and then fills the Essence. Reminder that it must by used in its "prepared" form, which has different properties than its raw form.
Cornus Fruit - Shan Zhu Yu:
Cornus fruit, or cornelian cherry, consolidates Essence, which is where Kidney Yin draws its materials from. In doing so, it helps to replenish the supply of Essence by preventing it from leaking out due to overactive and unchecked Yang energy.
Dioscorea - Shan Yao:
Dioscorea is a wild growing yam that strengthens the Spleen, aiding in its primary function of generating nutritive Qi from our food and air. This helps replenish the Essence, as surplus Qi is sent down to the Kidneys, supporting its role in foundational storage. In addition, it assists Cornus in astringing the Essence.
Goji Berry (Lycii Fruit) - Gou Qi Zi:
Goji Berry supplements Blood, the Liver Blood in particular. But, it has affinity for both the Kidney and Liver organ networks, replenishing Yin and Blood to both. It is also cited in classic TCM texts to "generate the Essence and fill the marrow."
White Peony - Bai Shao:
White Peony has an affinity for the Liver and Spleen networks, mainly working to replenish Liver Blood stores. In addition, it astringes Yin fluids, preventing them from leaking out, as well as calms and cools the Liver, which helps subdue Liver Yang.
Moutan Peony - Mu Dan Pi:
Moutan Peony, tree peony root bark, helps clears Heat from the Blood and improves circulation. In doing so it clears deficiency Heat and cools the Liver, which supports Liver Yin function restraining Liver Yang from rising.
Angelica - Dang Gui:
Angelica is a big Blood building herb. It tonifies Blood, in that it replenishes and improves the quality of it. It has an affinity for the Liver, Heart, and Spleen networks, and specifically helps the Liver to generate Blood. In addition, it gently moves the Blood without harming it, or creating much Heat, making it a ideal herb to boost circulation in a deficiency state.
Oyster Shell - Mu Li Ke:
Due to its mineral nature, Oyster Shell helps anchor rising Qi, and calm the Mind. In addition, it generally supports Kidney and Liver Yin through its cooling nature.
Alisma - Ze Xie:
Alisma, or water plantain rhizome, is a Kidney and Bladder draining herb (xie = "draining"). While Rehmannia will build fluid to support Kidney Yin, Alisma will drain the turbid fluids through urination to prevent them from accumulating along with the more pure and nourishing Yin fluids. This ensures that "true Yin" fluids can be restored in the Kidneys. It also clears Heat from the Kidney and Bladder.
Porus - Fu Ling:
Porus, a fungus, strengthens the Spleen by draining pathological dampness from it. It complements Dioscorea to tonify Qi, and works with Alisma to drain dampness.
Bupleurum - Chai Hu:
Bupleurum moves Qi. It will help clear out any stagnation or blockages, helping the Liver restore free-flowing Qi.
Chrysanthemum - Ju Hua:
Chrysanthemum calms the Liver to help clear Heat and subdue Liver Yang. It is especially beneficial when deficiency symptoms are causing Wind-Heat symptoms in the eyes.
How to Decoct:
1. Gather the following amounts of herbs in a glass or ceramic jar or bowl:
• Rehmannia (prepared): 15 - 24 g
• Cornus: 10 - 12 g
• Dioscorea: 10 - 12 g
• Goji Berry: 10 - 12 g
• White Peony: 6 - 9 g
• Moutan Peony: 6 - 9 g
• Angelica: 6 - 9 g
• Oyster Shell: 20+ g (or a handful of crushed shells)
• Alisma: 6 - 9 g
• Poria: 6 - 9 g
• Bupleurum: 4 - 6 g
• Chrysanthemum: 6 - 9 g
2. Soak herbs overnight in 3-4 cups of water. Ideally, use spring water.
3. Bring herbs to a boil in a stainless steel pot (or best ceramic). Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until 1 cup of liquid remains (30-60 mins).
4. Strain liquid from herbs, and set aside.
5. Using the same herbs, refill the pot with 2-3 cups of water (or 1 cup less) and boil again (30-60 minutes) until 1 cup of liquid remains. The pot may be covered this time to prolong boiling.
6. Strain liquid, and combine with the liquid from the first boil for a total of 2 cups of decoction.
• Drink two servings daily (1 serving = 1 cup).
Optional Modifications:
Replace the herbal base for the Kidney Yin Tonic (Rehmannia, Cornus, Dioscorea, Moutan Peony, Alisma, and Poria) with the base for the Er Zhi Tonic (Eclipta, and Ligustrum) for a milder Yin tonifying but increased Hair stimulating effect.
Additional Instructions:
• Wait at least ½ hour before eating, or 1 ½ hours after eating when taking a dose.
• Use spring water, or a combination of structured-filtered (*) water and spring water to decoct.
• Decoctions last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Scale up proportionally to make several day's worth.
• Always reheat before drinking.