Within this formula, Shu Di (cooked Radix Rehmanniae) is the sovereign ingredient. It enriches kidney yin, boosts the essence, and fills the marrow. Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni) assists in warming and enriching the kidneys and boosting the liver. Shan Yao (Radix Dioscoreae) enriches the kidneys and supplements the spleen. These are the three yin-supplementing medicinals in this formula. They are called the three supplementers. These are then combined with three draining or opening ingredients called the three drainers. Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis) aids Shu Di by draining any exuberance of kidney fire and downbears turbidity. Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan) aids Shan Zhu Yu by draining liver fire. In addition, it quickens the blood and transforms stasis. Since this formula is so often used in the elderly and the chronically ill, an element of blood stasis is often found in cases for whom this formula is appropriate. Fu Ling (Poria) assists Shan Yao by seeping spleen dampness. Further, Fu Ling and ZeXie work together to eliminate dampness and disinhibit water. And finally, Fu Ling quiets the spirit. This formula comes from Qian Yis famous Song dynasty pediatric text Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue (The Correct Execution of Pediatric Medicinals & Patterns) published in 1119 CE.

Prepared Rehmannia root [Shu Di Huang], Asiatic Dogwood fruit [Shan Zhu Yu], Chinese Yam [Shan Yao], Tree Peony root [Mu Dan Pi], Poria sclerotium [Fu Ling], Alisma rhizome [Ze Xie].