Elixir for Prolonging Life and Enhancing Vitality

[Ingredients] 500 g each of Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata (both red and white varieties, steamed with black beans and dried in the sun), 500 g each of Poria (both red and white varieties, steamed with human milk and dried in the sun), 120 g of Rhizoma Dioscoreae (stir-fried with ginger juice), 250 g of Radix Cyathulae (stir-fried with wine)

Lycium barbarum L. (Gan Gou Qi) 250g  Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Du Zhong, peeled, stir-fried with ginger juice) 250g  Psoralea corylifolia L. (Po Gu Zhi, stir-fried with black sesame, discard the sesame) 120g

[Usage] Process the refined honey into pills, each the size of a Sterculia platanifolia seed. Take 70 pills per dose, administered with salt water or wine.

[Functions] Blackens the beard and hair, prolongs life, replenishes essence and marrow.

[Indications] Premature whitening of beard and hair, premature aging.

[Commentary] This formula is a modified version of Qibao Meiran Dan, which was used by Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty.

Q1: How to make an elixir for longevity with Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata?

A1: To make a longevity elixir with Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata, combine 500 g each of red and white varieties (steamed with black beans and dried in the sun) with 500 g each of red and white Poria (steamed with human milk and dried in the sun), 120 g of Rhizoma Dioscoreae (stir-fried with ginger juice), 250 g of Radix Cyathulae (stir-fried with wine), 250 g of Lycium barbarum L., 250 g of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (peeled, stir-fried with ginger juice), and 250 g of Psoralea corylifolia L. These ingredients are typically ground into a powder and formed into pills with honey, taken daily to enhance vitality and extend life.

Q2: What is the elixir of immortality using Polygonum multiflorum?

A2: The elixir of immortality using Polygonum multiflorum is a traditional Chinese preparation that combines Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata (the processed root of Polygonum multiflorum) with other harmonizing herbs such as Poria, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Radix Cyathulae, Lycium barbarum, Eucommia ulmoides, and Psoralea corylifolia. This formula is believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen bones and tendons, and promote longevity, earning its reputation as an elixir for prolonging life and enhancing vitality. The preparation involves specific processing methods like steaming with black beans and drying in the sun to activate the herb’s purported anti-aging properties.

Q3: What is a traditional Chinese elixir recipe for prolonging life?

A3: A traditional Chinese elixir recipe for prolonging life includes 500 g each of red and white Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata, 500 g each of red and white Poria, 120 g of Rhizoma Dioscoreae, 250 g of Radix Cyathulae, 250 g of Lycium barbarum L., 250 g of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., and 250 g of Psoralea corylifolia L. These ingredients are processed with specific techniques—such as steaming Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata with black beans and Poria with human milk—then dried, powdered, and formed into honey pills. This elixir is traditionally consumed to replenish vital essence, improve kidney function, and sustain youthful vigor.

Q4: What are the key ingredients in a longevity elixir with Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata and Poria?

A4: Key ingredients in a longevity elixir with Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata and Poria include 500 g each of red and white Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata (steamed with black beans and dried in the sun) and 500 g each of red and white Poria (steamed with human milk and dried in the sun). Additional herbs are Rhizoma Dioscoreae (stir-fried with ginger juice), Radix Cyathulae (stir-fried with wine), Lycium barbarum L., Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (peeled, stir-fried with ginger juice), and Psoralea corylifolia L. Together, these components are believed to tonify the kidneys, strengthen the spleen, and promote blood health, forming the basis of a traditional Chinese elixir for prolonging life.

Q5: How do you prepare Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata for a longevity elixir?

A5: To prepare Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata for a longevity elixir, both red and white varieties are steamed with black beans and then dried in the sun, a process that is repeated nine times according to traditional methods to enhance its tonic and anti-aging effects. This processing step is critical for reducing potential toxicity and maximizing the herb’s ability to nourish the liver and kidneys, which is central to its role in the elixir for prolonging life. After preparation, the herb is combined with other ingredients like Poria, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, and Radix Cyathulae to create a comprehensive formula.