To provide inspiration for developing new therapies of diabetic nephropathy, our study combed ancient formulas for diabetic nephropathy recorded in China from Tang dynasty to Qing dynasty, and discussed their application in modern times. A total of 87 ancient formulas for diabetic nephropathy were collected. Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill and Supplemented Kidney Qi Pill were recorded at higher frequency. Radix Astragali liqid, Xuan Bu Pill, and Ass Hide Glue Decoction were the earliest formulas for diabetic nephropathy recorded in Tang dynasty. Ginseng Powder was recorded by doctors in 4 dynasties, with the highest dynastic repeated frequency. Only formulas with high recorded frequency, such as Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill, Supplemented Kidney Qi Pill, Poria Pill, Four Ingredients Decoction, Pilose Antler Pill, were applied or studied in modern times keeping original medicinal combination. Most ancient formulas have not been made good use, and just sovereign medicinals in them were applied. In order to have better guidance from valuable experiences in ancient China, we should pay more attention to apply and study ancient formulas with original combination, not only the single Chinese medicinal.