This formula treats the syndrome of Kidney Yin deficiency with Fire flaring, which is a complication of Kidney Yin deficiency, in which the clinical features of deficiency Heat or deficiency Fire predominate. The causes of this syndrome are the same as for Kidney Yin deficiency. It should be noted that there is always some degree of deficiency Heat that accompanies Kidney Yin deficiency.

However, the degree of severity of the Heat determines the clinical priorities of treatment. Thus, in cases with relatively minor manifestation of Heat, treatment should be directed primarily towards tonifying the deficiency. In cases with the severe manifestations of Fire, treatment should be simultaneously directed towards reducing the Fire as well as nourishing the Kidney Yin, which are the clinical actions of this formula.