This formula is a variant of the formula by the same name from 1644. The formula’s name refers to the base formula ([liu wei] di huang wan), and the fact that it was designed to improve the eyesight (ming mu) – literally ‘brighten the eyes’.

This is a broad acting formula that covers a number of bases. Because of the TCM association of the eyes and the sense of vision with the Liver (specifically with the Liver Blood), one of the formula’s main therapeutic actions is to nourish the Liver Blood. This variation may also nourishes the Yin of both the Kidney and Liver. By nourishing the Kidney, the Liver is also benefited due to the Five Phases promotion relationship that exists between these organs. In addition tonification of the Kidney may assist in keeping the eyes moist due to the Kidney’s governance of fluid metabolism. Moreover, because this formula may also act to reduce deficiency Fire and subdue Yang hyperactivity.

It should be noted that this is essentially a tonifying formula and is therefore specific for deficiency conditions.