Er Zhi Wan — Two Solstices Pill

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Er Zhi Wan — the “Two Solstices Pill” — is from Wang Ang’s Qing-dynasty Yi Fang Ji Jie. The name “Two Solstices” reflects the traditional harvest times of its two ingredients: Nu Zhen Zi (gathered at winter solstice) and Han Lian Cao (gathered at summer solstice). It is a minimal, gentle, food-like formula for mild to moderate Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency — ideal as a constitutional support or as part of larger formulas. The lightness makes it suitable for long-term use, particularly in perimenopausal women and in patients with premature greying.

I prescribe Er Zhi Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Er Zhi Wan is prescribed for mild Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency:

• Premature greying of hair
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Mild lower back ache, weak knees
• Mild dizziness, tinnitus
• Mild night sweats
• Dry mouth, mild thirst
• Tongue — red with mild scant coat
• Pulse — thin

Key herbs

1. Nu Zhen Zi (Fr. Ligustri Lucidi, 9–15g) — nourishes Liver-Kidney Yin; benefits hair and eyes
2. Han Lian Cao / Mo Han Lian (Hb. Ecliptae, 9–15g) — nourishes Liver-Kidney Yin; cools Blood; benefits hair

Formula actions

1. Gently nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin
2. Cools Blood mildly
3. Benefits hair, eyes and Essence

Conditions treated

1. Premature greying of hair
2. Hair thinning and hair loss from Yin/Blood deficiency
3. Mild perimenopausal Yin deficiency
4. Post-partum hair loss with mild Yin depletion
5. Mild night sweats without strong Heat
6. Constitutional Yin support in long-term use
7. Mild dry eyes from Liver Yin deficiency

Cautions

Mild and well-tolerated, but not appropriate for cold-deficient or Damp-Phlegm patterns — the cool nourishing herbs can dampen Spleen Yang.

For severe Yin deficiency, stronger formulas (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan) are more effective.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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