Tonifies the Kidneys and fortifies the yang:  for patterns of Kidney yang deficiency with such symptoms as fatigue, impotence, cold extremities, lightheadedness, tinnitus, soreness and lack of strength in the lower back and knees, and frequent, copious, clear urination.

Warms the yang, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels, and stabilizes the Girdle vessel:  for vaginal discharge or uterine bleeding due to cold from deficiency.  Also for infertility with a cold Womb.  Can be used as a stand-alone herb for this purpose.

Tonifies the Governing vessel, augments the essence and blood, and strengthens the sinews and bones:  used especially in cases of deficient essence and blood in children with such physical and/or mental disorders as failure to thrive, mental retardation, learning disabilities, insufficient growth, or skeletal deformities (including rickets).  Also used for nonhealing fractures with Kidney deficiency and exhaustion of the essence.  This use has been expanded to include the treatment of nonhealing ulcers.  Can be used as a stand-alone herb for these purposes.

Tonifies and nourishes the qi ang blood:  used especially for chronic ulcerations or yin-type boils (those that are concave, ooze a clear fluid, and do not heal).  This use is related to the close relationship between the blood and the essence.