Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction
Formula Rhyme:
Untouched by harsh therapies for various ailments, the form remains as before, guarding the Taiyang. One sheng of Rehmannia juice, seven lily bulbs, soft Yin truly transforms rigid Yang.
Formula Rationale:
This formula addresses a condition rooted in Yin deficiency with internal heat affecting the Heart and Lungs. This imbalance leads to a general disharmony throughout the body's vital pathways, causing emotional unrest and irregular eating patterns. When Yin is deficient and internal heat flares up, it disturbs the Heart-spirit, leading to symptoms like quiet withdrawal, an inability to rest despite the desire to, or a compulsion to move when one wishes to stay still, sometimes even feeling as if under an unseen influence. Emotional distress can also impair the Spleen's digestive function, resulting in a fluctuating appetite – sometimes craving food, other times developing an aversion to it. The internal heat from Yin deficiency can cause vague sensations of feeling neither truly cold nor hot, a bitter taste in the mouth, and dark, concentrated urine. Diagnostic signs on the tongue (red with little coating) and pulse (thin and thready) also point to Yin deficiency with heat. The therapeutic approach is to nourish the Heart and moisten the Lungs, benefiting Yin and clearing internal heat.
Within this powerful blend, Lily Bulb (Bai He), recognized by its white color, naturally gravitates towards the Lung channel. It works to nourish Lung Yin and gently clear heat from the body's vital energy (Qi) level. Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang), with its dark hue, primarily enters the Kidney channel. It benefits the Heart's nutritive essence (Ying Xue) and effectively clears heat from the Blood level. Historically, spring water was also believed to aid in clearing heat and promoting urination during preparation, though its role is primarily in the extraction process. By harmonizing the Heart and Lungs together, Yin is replenished, heat dissipates, and the entire network of meridians finds balance, allowing the body to naturally restore its health. This integrated approach highlights the formula's comprehensive healing capacity. (PMID: 29871638)
Dosage and Administration of Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction
Ingredients:
- Lily Bulb (Bai He), seven pieces (split apart), 24g.
- Fresh Rehmannia root juice (Sheng Di Huang Zhi), one sheng (approx. 200ml), 24g. (As referenced in "Compendium of Famous Chinese Medical Formulas")
Traditional Preparation:
First, wash the lily bulbs with water and soak them overnight until white foam appears. Discard this water. Then, add two sheng (approx. 400ml) of fresh spring water and decoct until only one sheng (approx. 200ml) of liquid remains. Remove the dregs. Next, incorporate the fresh Rehmannia root juice and decoct again until one sheng and five ge (approx. 300ml) remains. This final decoction should be divided into two warm doses and taken. It is advised to discontinue use once symptoms improve. Be aware that stools may appear black, like lacquer, after consumption, which is considered a normal indicator of the formula's action.
Modern Usage:
Typically prepared as a water decoction for oral administration.
Modifications:
If the condition is accompanied by stagnation of turbid phlegm obstructing the mind's clarity (a visceral syndrome), additions like *Arisaema with Bile* (Dan Nan Xing), *Acorus* (Shi Chang Pu), *Turmeric Tuber* (Yu Jin), and *Poria with Spirit* (Fu Shen) may be considered. For cough due to Lung dryness or Lung heat, herbs such as *Ophiopogon* (Mai Dong), *Glehnia Root* (Sha Shen), *Fritillary Bulb* (Bei Mu), and *Licorice Root* (Gan Cao) can be added to moisten the Lungs and stop the cough. If emotional unrest or a restless Heart-spirit is prominent, herbs like *Fleeceflower Stem* (Ye Jiao Teng) and stir-fried *Jujube Seed* (Chao Zao Ren) are often included to calm the Heart and soothe the spirit. (PMID: 32675402)
Functions and Indications of Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction
Functions:
Nourishes Yin, clears heat, and benefits both the Heart and Lungs.
Main Indications:
Primarily used for *Bai He Bing* (Lily Bulb Syndrome) characterized by Heart and Lung Yin deficiency with internal heat. Symptoms include mental fogginess or disorientation, desiring food but being unable to eat, with appetite fluctuating between craving and aversion. Patients may be withdrawn and quiet, unable to rest when desired, or unable to move when desired, sometimes feeling an unusual or supernatural presence. Other signs include vague sensations of being neither truly cold nor hot, a bitter taste in the mouth, dark and concentrated urine, a red tongue with scant coating, and a thin, thready pulse. (PMID: 29555627)
Clinical Applications:
In modern clinical practice, this formula is frequently applied to conditions such as neurosis, hysteria, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, menopausal syndrome, and pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly when these disorders present with the underlying pattern of Heart and Lung Yin deficiency with internal heat. Furthermore, preliminary clinical research suggests that Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction, at certain concentrations, may exhibit inhibitory effects on tumor growth.
Literature Abstracts for Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction
From "Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber, Chapter on Bai He Bing, Fox-like Disease, Gu-like Disease, Yin Poison and Yang Poison":
"For Bai He Bing (Lily Bulb Syndrome), if it has not been treated with emesis, purgation, or diaphoresis, and the illness remains as before, Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction is indicated."
From "Heartfelt Insights from the Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber":
"Lily Bulb, white in color, enters the Lung, gently clearing heat from the Qi level. Rehmannia root, yellow-black in color, enters the Kidney, removing heat from the Blood level. By simultaneously treating Qi and Blood, all meridians become clear. Even if there are pathogenic factors, they will naturally be expelled. After taking, the stool will be black like lacquer, which verifies the clearance of heat."
From "Elucidation of Formulas from the Thousand Golden Prescriptions":
"For Bai He Bing, if it has not been treated with diaphoresis, emesis, or purgation, and there is spontaneous sweating due to blood heat, use Lily Bulb as the chief herb. It calms the Heart, supplements the spirit, clears internal heat, promotes urination and defecation, and guides away phlegm accumulation. Supplement it with fresh Rehmannia root juice to cool the Blood. When the blood is cooled, the heat toxin resolves, and accumulations spontaneously resolve. Therefore, the stool will expel foul discharge."
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Ready for a quick self-check?
If you often experience a feeling of mental fogginess, struggle with an inconsistent appetite (sometimes hungry, sometimes not), or find yourself wanting to rest but feeling too restless to do so, Then/Immediately take a moment to center yourself with a few deep breaths. Consider incorporating a gentle evening routine, like reading or listening to calming music, and reach out to a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner for personalized guidance.
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References:
TCM for mental health: PMID: 29871638
Lilium for anxiolytic/antidepressant effects: PMID: 32675402
Rehmannia for neuroprotection: PMID: 29555627
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
