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[Attached Discussion]
The condition known as Xiao Shen (Kidney Wasting) is caused by the deficiency and exhaustion of the Kidney, cold damage to the Bladder, decline of Spleen and Stomach Qi, and the intensification of exogenous pathogenic heat and toxins. Even if food is consumed, it fails to generate muscle and flesh nourishment. This leads to emaciation of the legs and calves, soreness and pain in the bone joints, and frequent, slippery urination; hence it is called "Xiao Shen." Individuals who have lived a licentious life throughout their years will suffer from various diseases when they grow old due to weak Kidney Qi. Others, fearing impotence in their youth, take excessive amounts of mineral pills (Shi San) to pursue extreme sexual pleasure, leading to overindulgence. Once the True Qi is exhausted, the toxicity of the minerals stands alone, causing only depletion. Symptoms include dry lips and mouth, spontaneous emission of essence, or turbid white urine, and dry, difficult defecation. The ingested food is directly transformed into urine and discharged. Since the Kidney Qi is wasted and damaged, it is named Xiao Shen.

Formulas

Gan Dihuang Wan (Dry Rehmannia Pill) [from *Shenghui Fang*]: Treats Xiao Shen with vexing thirst, frequent urination, sweet-tasting urine like maltose syrup, weak legs, impotence, dry lips, dry eyes, and physical fatigue.
Ingredients: Gan Shu Di Huang (Dried Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 2 liang), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus, 5 qian), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, 3 fen, sliced), Gou Qi (Lycii Fructus, 3 fen), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba, 3 fen, soaked in wine overnight, scraped clean, core removed), Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen, 1 liang), Sang Piao Xiao (Mantidis Ootheca, 0.5 liang, lightly stir-fried).
Preparation: Add quartz powder, grind uniformly, pound 300-500 times, form pills the size of paulownia seeds.

Rou Cong Rong Wan (Cistanche Pill) [from *Shenghui Fang*]: Treats Xiao Shen with slippery, frequent urination, emaciated limbs, and weakness in feet and knees.
Ingredients: Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba, 1 liang, soaked in wine overnight, scraped clean, roasted dry), Shu Gan Di Huang (Prepared Dried Rehmanniae Radix, 1.5 liang), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, 2 liang, core removed, baked), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 1 liang), Ci Shi (Magnetitum, 1 liang, calcined in vinegar three times, ground to mud).
Preparation: Mix and pound, form pills the size of paulownia seeds.

Shen Li San (Kidney Filtrate Powder) [from *Shenghui Fang*]: Treats Xiao Shen with Kidney Qi deficiency, thirst, frequent urination, and lumbar/knee pain.
Ingredients: Ji Nei Jin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum, 1 liang, lightly roasted), Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix, 1 liang, core removed), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, 1 liang, radix removed), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, 1 liang, sliced), Sang Piao Xiao (Mantidis Ootheca, 1 piece, fat membrane removed), Lu Shen (Cervi Kidney, 1 pair, boiled in 1 large cup of water until reduced, then decocted with herbs), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, 0.5 liang, lightly roasted, washed, baked, sliced), Bai Fu Ling (Poria, 1 liang).
Usage: Decoct as powder, take with the boiled kidney filtrate.

Lu Rong Wan (Deer Antler Pill) [from *Shenghui Fang*]: Treats Xiao Shen with Qi deficiency, emaciation, limb weakness, white urine, slippery/frequent/involuntary urination, anorexia, and mental restlessness.
Ingredients: Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum, 2 liang, hair removed, coated with butter, roasted slightly yellow), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, 2 liang, radix removed), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 3 fen), Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysit Rubra, 3 fen), Shi Hu (Dendrobii Caulis, 3 fen, roots removed, sliced), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 liang), Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, 3 fen).
Preparation: Grind to powder, mix with refined honey, form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take on an empty stomach daily.

Bu Sun Shen Li Tang (Tonify Damage Kidney Filtrate Decoction) [from *Qianjin Fang*]: Treats insufficient Kidney Qi, Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst), polyuria, and lower back pain.
Ingredients: Yang Shen (Ovis/Caprae Kidney, 1 pair), Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Fu Ling (Poria), Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi), Gan Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Xiong Dui (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma).
Preparation: Decoct with 2.5 dou of water, first boil the kidney, then add other herbs.

Ren Shen San (Ginseng Powder) [from *Xuanming Lun*]:
Ingredients: Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Gua Lou (Trichosanthis Fructus), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus), Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) (each 0.5 liang), Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Bai Fu Ling (Poria).
Preparation: Add Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus Rotundus, 3 qian), grind to powder.

Jin Yin Bo Wan (Gold and Silver Foil Pill) [from *Shengji Zonglu*]: Treats Xiao Shen with dry mouth, dry eyes, impotence, painful heat in hands/feet, and polyuria.
Ingredients: Jin Bo (Laminetta Aurum, 100 pieces, finely ground), Yin Bo (Laminetta Argentum, 100 pieces, finely ground), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 1.5 liang), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba, soaked in wine overnight, baked, each 2.5 liang), Bai Fu Ling (Poria, black skin removed, each 1.5 liang), Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix, 2 liang), Dan Sha (Cinnabar, finely ground, 2 liang), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, baked, core removed, 3.5 liang).
Preparation: Grind other ingredients to powder, mix with separately ground metals, refine honey, form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take 20-30 pills per dose with jujube rice drink, anytime.

Lu Rong Wan (Deer Antler Pill, also known as Huang Qi Pill) [from *Wei Shi Fang*]: Treats emotional injury to Kidney, Kidney deficiency Xiao Ke, uncontrollable urination, mental restlessness, and limb emaciation.
Ingredients: Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum, 3 fen, hair removed, sliced, roasted), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, 2 liang, core removed), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, bran-roasted), Rong Rong (Cistanches Herba, wine-soaked), Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus, 3 fen, broken).
Preparation: Grind to powder, mix with refined honey.

Gu Wa Tang (Ancient Tile Decoction): Treats Xiao Shen and Xiao Zhong (Middle Wasting), excessive drinking, and frequent urination.
Ingredients: Gan Ge (Puerariae Radix), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix), Ji Nei Jin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum, cleaned and baked), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) (equal parts).
Preparation: Grind to powder, take 2 large qian per dose, mixed with decoction of ancient tiles crushed, anytime.

E Jiao Tang (Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction): Treats Xiao Shen with frequent urination.
Ingredients: E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini, roasted dry), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, processed, each 1 liang), Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix, core removed, 4 liang), Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, cracked, skin and navel removed, each 1 liang), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, each 1 liang), Gan Cao (Licorice Root).
Usage: Take warm.

Gua Lou Gen Wan (Trichosanthes Root Pill): Treats Xiao Shen with frequent urination.
Ingredients: Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix, 1 liang), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, 0.5 liang, roasted slightly red, sliced), Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 liang, whiskers removed), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 1 liang), Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysit Rubra, 0.5 liang), Shu Gan Di Huang (Prepared Dried Rehmanniae Radix).
Preparation: Grind to powder, pound, form pills the size of paulownia seeds.

Shu Yao Wan (Yam Pill): Treats Xiao Shen with slippery, frequent urination, limb weakness, emaciation, fatigue, and anorexia.
Ingredients: Shu Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, 1 liang), Ji Nei Jin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum, 1 liang, lightly stir-fried), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex, 0.5 liang), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, 0.5 liang, sliced), Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix, 0.5 liang), Bai Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, 0.5 liang), Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, 0.5 liang, core removed).
Preparation: Pound, form pills the size of paulownia seeds.

Gou Qi Zi Wan (Goji Berry Pill): Treats Xiao Shen with severe thirst, fatigue, and slippery, frequent urination.
Ingredients: Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus), Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen, wine-soaked, ground, baked), Bai Fu Ling (Poria), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, roasted), Mu Li Fen (Ostreae Concha Powder), Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Gan Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix, washed), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, baked/stir-fried).
Preparation: Grind to powder, mix with refined honey.

Xuan Bu Wan (Also known as Fu Shen Pill): Treats Xiao Shen with excessive thirst and frequent urination.
Ingredients: Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, sliced), Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, core removed, baked), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, roasted), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Bai Fu Ling (Poria, black skin removed, sliced), Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma, whiskers removed), Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen).
Preparation: Mix ingredients.

Gou Qi Zi Wan (Goji Berry Pill): Treats Xiao Shen with chronic unrelenting thirst, fatigue, slippery, frequent urination, and mental restlessness.
Ingredients: Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus), Bai Fu Ling (Poria), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, sliced, each 1 liang), Ji Nei Jin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum, 1.5 liang, lightly roasted), Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix, 3 fen), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Che Qian Zi (Plantaginis Semen, each 3 liang).
Preparation: Grind to powder, mix with refined honey.

Ping Bu Wan (Balanced Tonifying Pill): Treats Xiao Shen without thirst, emaciated muscles, astringent/frequent/dribbling urination, feeling of incomplete voiding.
Ingredients: Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen, wine-soaked, ground, baked), Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus, wine-soaked, baked), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Yi Zhi Ren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus, each 0.5 liang), Chuan Lian Rou (Toosendan Fructus Meat), Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Hu Lu Ba (Trigonellae Semen, stir-fried).
Preparation: Grind to powder, use glutinous rice paste to form pills.

Shu Gan Di Huang San (Prepared Dried Rehmannia Powder): Treats Xiao Shen with slippery, frequent urination, dry mouth, irritability, dry skin, thinning legs/knees, and progressive weakness.
Ingredients: Shu Gan Di Huang (Prepared Dried Rehmanniae Radix), Ji Nei Jin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum, lightly roasted), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, sliced), Bai Fu Ling (Poria, each 1 liang), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, core removed), Sang Piao Xiao (Mantidis Ootheca, lightly roasted), Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus, each 1 liang).
Preparation: Grind to powder.

Bai Fu Ling Wan (Poria Pill): Treats Xiao Shen. Caused by Heat from Xiao Zhong entering the Kidney after Middle Wasting, consuming Kidney essence, causing dryness. Results in weak legs.
Ingredients: Bai Fu Ling (Poria), Fu Pen Zi (Rubi Fructus), Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, radix removed), Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix), Shu Gan Di Huang (Prepared Dried Rehmanniae Radix), Bi Xie (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix, each 1 liang), Ji Nei Jin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum).
Preparation: Grind to powder, mix with refined honey, form pills the size of paulownia seeds.

Huang Qi Wan (Astragalus Pill): Treats Xiao Shen with Kidney deficiency, slippery, frequent urination, thinning/weak legs/knees, and progressive emaciation.
Ingredients: Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, 3 fen, sliced), Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, 3 fen), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba, 3 fen, wine-soaked overnight, scraped, roasted dry), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 3 fen), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus), Sang Piao Xiao (Mantidis Ootheca, 0.5 liang).
Usage: Take before meals.

Mu Li Wan (Oyster Shell Pill): Treats Xiao Shen with slippery, frequent urination, extreme deficiency, and emaciation.
Ingredients: Mu Li (Ostreae Concha, calcined), Tu Gua Gen (Trichosanthes Root), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, radix removed, each 1 liang), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, roasted slightly red, sliced), Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex, each 0.5 liang), Bai Fu Ling (Poria, 1 liang).
Preparation: Grind to powder, mix with refined honey.

Huang Qi Wan (Astragalus Pill): Treats Xiao Shen with Kidney deficiency, slippery, frequent urination.
Ingredients: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, 3 fen), Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum, wine-soaked, hair removed, 1 liang), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, 3 fen, sliced), Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix, 1 liang), Sang Piao Xiao (Mantidis Ootheca, 1 liang), Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex, powder, 1 liang).
Preparation: Grind to powder, mix with refined honey.

Di Huang Tang (Rehmannia Decoction): Treats Xiao Shen with thin calves, frequent or red urine, and cold viscera. Suitable for this condition.
Ingredients: Shu Gan Di Huang (Prepared Dried Rehmanniae Radix, sliced), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, core removed, baked, each 3 liang), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, roasted, 0.5 liang), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, stir-fried, 1 liang), Ji Li Zi (Tribuli Fructus, stir-fried, thorns removed, 0.5 liang).
Preparation: Strain, take warm.

Shan Zhu Yu Wan (Cornus Pill): Treats Xiao Shen. Weakness below the waist, frequent or involuntary urination.
Ingredients: Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus, 1 liang), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, finely sliced, 1.5 liang), Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex, bark removed, roasted, sliced, 1.5 liang), Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex, bark removed, 1.5 liang), Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix).
Preparation: Mix with refined honey to form pills.

Huang Qi Yin (Astragalus Drink): Treats Xiao Shen with dry thirst, polyuria, emaciation, and weakness.
Ingredients: Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, sliced), Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex, bark removed, sliced, roasted), Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, sliced, baked, each 2 liang), Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, crushed, 2 liang).
Preparation: Decoct ingredients.

E Jiao Tang (Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction): Treats deficient heat, frequent clear urination. For those taking mineral pills, suffering from deficient heat, wind-cold from cooling off, aggravating gout (Hong Zhang Jiao), combined with Xiao Ke. Kidney pulse is fine/thin.
Ingredients: E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini, 2 bars), Ma Zi (Cannabis Seed, 1 sheng), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, 1 liang), Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix, 4 liang).
Preparation: Cut ingredients, decoct in 7 sheng of water to obtain 2.5 sheng, strain.

Yang Ru Wan (Sheep Milk Pill): Treats Lingnan region mountain miasma, wind-heat toxins entering the Kidney, causing alternating chills and fever, weak legs, distension, and thirst.
Ingredients: Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma, unlimited amount), Sheng Gua Lou Gen Zhi (Fresh Trichosanthes Root Juice), Yang Ru (Sheep Milk).
Preparation: Mix juice and milk with Huang Lian powder, form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take 3 pills on an empty stomach with drink. If symptoms stop, or if abscesses form with discharge.

Hu Tao Wan (Walnut Pill): Treats Xiao Shen, also called Internal Wasting. Often caused by indulgence in sex, fear of impotence in youth, excessive intake of cinnabar/mineral pills. Urine flows but thirst is not severe.
Ingredients: Bai Fu Ling (Poria), Hu Tao Rou (Walnut Kernel, soaked in water, thin skin removed, ground), Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, large one, skin/navel removed, sliced, boiled in 1 cup ginger juice with蛤粉 (Mercurii Subnitrati Pulvis) until dry).
Preparation: Grind to powder, mix with refined honey.

Shen Fu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction): Treats Xiao Shen with excessive drinking, thin legs/knees, and turbid white urine.
Ingredients: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, cracked, skin/navel removed), Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis, each 0.5 liang).
Preparation: Cut ingredients, take 2 qian per dose, decoct in 1 cup water with one cut page of Chu Ye (Broussonetiae Folium).

Ying Su Tang (Poppy Decoction): Treats Kidney thirst, resolves Five Minerals toxicity.
Ingredients: Ying Su Zi (Papaveris Semen).
Preparation: Cook into thin porridge, add honey and drink. One formula omits honey.

Hui Xiang Tang (Fennel Decoction): Treats Kidney Xiao disease in the Lower Jiao. Initial symptom: urine looks like oil/grease.
Ingredients: Hui Xiang (Foeniculi Fructus, stir-fried), Ku Lian (Meliae Cortex, stir-fried, equal parts).
Preparation: Grind to fine powder, take 3 qian per dose, mixed with 1 cup warm wine before meals.

Jiu Huo Wan (Life-Saving Pill): Treats refractory Kidney deficiency Xiao Ke.
Ingredients: Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix), Da Hei Dou (Sojaes Semen Nigrum, stir-fried).
Preparation: Grind to powder, use wheat paste to form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take with decoction of 100 black beans.

Fu Ling Tang (Poria Decoction): Treats obstruction of San Jiao Qi, stagnation of water in diaphragm, failing to reach Kidney, Kidney Xiao, muscle transforming into urine.
Ingredients: Chi Fu Ling (Poria, black skin removed), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, core removed, baked), Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex, bark removed, roasted, each 2 liang), Sang Bai Pi (Mori Cortex, sliced, 3 liang), Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex), Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus, 3 pieces).
Preparation: Decoct.

Huang Qi Wan (Also known as Lu Rong Wan): Treats Xiao Shen with mental restlessness, uncontrollable urination, limb emaciation, anorexia, dry lips/mouth, and weak legs.
Ingredients: Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum), etc. (Specific dosages omitted in source text, refer to previous Lu Rong Wan).

Wu Wei Yin (Five Flavor Drink) [from *Zheng Shi Jia Chuan Zhuo Ke Fang*]: Treats insufficient Kidney Water, hyperactive Heart Fire, scorched dry mouth/tongue, excessive thirst, red face, emaciation, and Kidney meridian injury from labor.
Ingredients: Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus, stir-fried with glutinous rice), Bai Fu Ling (Poria, each 0.5 liang, skin removed, boiled with Tian Hua Fen), Chen Xiang (Aquilariae Resina, 2 qian, do not roast).
Preparation: Cut ingredients, decoct with glutinous rice stalk ash juice.

Treat Xiao Shen with frequent urination:
Ci Huang (Realgar, 1.5 liang, finely ground to powder, pungent/sweet, very cold, toxic), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, 0.5 liang, pungent, very hot).
Preparation: First chop Gan Jiang finely, mix with Ci Huang, form pills.