Epimedium and Lamb Kidney Soup，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Nourishes the spleen and strengthens the kidneys. Suitable for chronic prostatitis caused by deficiency of both the spleen and kidneys.
because it runs warm overall, this decoction is best avoided in yin-deficient, fire-prone constitutions; those who are robust with internal accumulated heat are not suited to this formula; the tonifying-warming action may aggravate internal heat; avoid during feverish or inflammatory episodes
Commentary
At the head stands Epimedium, the sovereign, warm in nature and pungent, sweet in flavor, with Liver, Kidney tropism; it tonifies kidney yang, strengthens the sinews and bones, dispels wind-damp, underpinning the principal thrust of the decoction. The ministerial support — sheep kidneys (nature warm, flavor sweet, channeled into the Kidney, tonifies kidney qi and benefits essence and marrow) — reinforces the sovereign’s main effect and coordinates the drug strength. Completing the formula, cooking wine, acting as the envoy to harmonize the various ingredients, so that potency is moderated and stomach qi protected. Viewed as a whole, the formula addresses the damp-heat in the lower jiao presentation, treating both root and branch.