Two Immortals, a classical rendition of Er Xian Tang, addresses a pattern of Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency with ascending Fire at the Gate of Vitality. When the Kidney Essence declines, menstrual fluids and Kidney Qi also decline. The Penetrating (Chong Mai) and Conception (Ren Mai) vessels lose their substance, causing the menses to become erratic and to finally cease. Due to a combination of deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang and the flaring up of Fire from deficiency, a complicated pattern of disharmony can result. There may be hot and cold sweats, flushing, emotional instability and an alternating mix of deficiency and excess as part of the overall pattern. This thermo-regulation dysfunction, whereby sweating and the sensation of heat is intermixed with periods of cold intolerance, stems from the decline of both Yin and Yang simultaneously. Waning of Kidney Yin can cause a flaring-up of Empty Fire, leading to a broad range of mental-emotional states, including occasional anxiety, insomnia and depression. Decline of Kidney Yang can also contribute to occasional reduced energy, reduced libido and urinary frequency. This formula is quite unique as it combines herbs that strengthen the Yang, nourish the Yin and drain Fire, while replenishing the Essence and Blood. It is suitable for both men and women presenting with a pattern of Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency with ascending deficiency Fire. Tonifying the Blood counterbalances the actions of the warming herbs to prevent further decline of the already deficient Yin and Essence. The name of the formula Two Immortals arises from the word Xian, which translated, means immortals, and it refers to the two chief herbs in this formula: Curculigo rhizome and Epimedium herb. Curculigo rhizome tonifies the Kidneys, fortifies the Yang, expels Cold and transform Dampness. Epimedium herb tonifies Kidney Yang and harnesses the ascendant Fire at the Gate of Vitality. It dispels Wind Cold Dampness, and warms and unblocks the flow of Yang Qi. Morinda root tonifies Kidney Yang without being overly drying, augments the Essence, dispels Wind Dampness and strengthens the sinews and bones. Both Phellodendron bark and Anemarrhena rhizome clear Heat and drain ascending Fire at the Gate of Vitality. Additionally, Anemarrhena enriches Yin, moistens dryness and generates fluids. Dong quai root moistens and nourishes the Blood, and invigorates it. It disperses Cold and regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels. Two Immortals can be combined with Six Gentlemen, Four Gentlemen or Shen Ling Spleen Support for additional Spleen supplementation. For additional support of Heart and Kidney interaction, combine with Celestial Emperor’s Blend. ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENTTwo Immortal Decoction (Er Xian Tang) is found in Fang Ji Xue, Traditional Chinese Formulas.
