【Sources】

“Yi Fang Kao” (1584), “Yi Bian” (1587) Vol. 1.

 【Composition】

Deer Horn, Turtle Shell, Ginseng, Goji Berry
(4)

 【Classification】

<Nourishing Yin>: Turtle Shell

<Tonifying Liver and Kidney>: Goji Berry

<Tonifying Qi>: Ginseng

<Tonifying and Assisting Yang>: Deer Horn

【Explanation of the Formula】

“Shan Bu” states: Li Zhongzi said: Humans have three treasures: essence, qi, and spirit, which are the root of life. If essence is damaged, qi cannot be generated; if qi is damaged, spirit cannot be generated. Those who are deficient in essence are supplemented with flavor. Deer are full of the yang energy of heaven and earth, excel at unblocking the Du meridian, and are rich in essence, thus they can be highly fertile and live long; turtles possess the most yin energy of heaven and earth, excel at unblocking the Ren meridian, and are rich in qi, thus they can be dormant and live long. These two substances belong to qi and blood, their flavors are very pure and rich, and they receive the subtle influences of creation. They are of different species but have empathy, like the method of breaking bamboo to supplement bamboo. Ginseng benefits qi, goji berries generate essence, assisting turtle and deer to nourish yin and yang without any bias; entering qi and blood, they have the beauty of peace and harmony. From this, essence is generated and qi becomes abundant, qi becomes abundant and spirit flourishes, hopefully achieving the lifespan of turtles and deer, hence the name “Two Immortals.”

 【Functions】

Nourishes yin and blood, benefits essence, and assists yang.

 【Actions】

Phthisis and kidney deficiency, yin and yang deficiency, true yuan deficiency and damage, deficiency of essence and blood in the Ren and Du meridians, seminal emission with weak yang, sore waist and back, sore and weak knees, emaciation and weakness, blurred vision, all types of deficiency and damage, five strains and seven injuries. “Shan Bu” states: Greatly tonifies essence and marrow, benefits qi and nourishes spirit.

 【Indications】

Anemia, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, infertility, neurasthenia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

 【Mnemonics】

Ren Gou Gui Lu (Ginseng Goji Turtle Deer).

 【Additions and Subtractions】

(1) If accompanied by dizziness, add Chrysanthemum and Gastrodia Elata to extinguish wind and stop dizziness. (2) If seminal emission is frequent, add Fructus Rosae Laevigatae and Tribulus Terrestris to tonify the kidney and secure essence. (3) Add Trichosanthes kirilowii root peel and Hirudo to contain to this formula to treat unstable angina in women after menopause.

 【Pharmacology】

It has the effects of strengthening, enhancing immunity, promoting hematopoietic function, and lowering blood lipids.