frequently in women. In the prescription, Wu Wei Zi and Suan Zao Ren have this function.
Another important difference from the previous formula, is that this one resolves Phlegm as well.
It is therefore suited to treat mental confusion as well as anxiety and restlessness.
Mental-Emotional Pattern
Worry and pensiveness deplete the Spleen and the Heart and this leads to deficiency of Qi and
Blood. The Mind is deprived of its residence and the person feels exhausted, depressed and
anxious. The Spleen-Qi deficiency leads to the formation of Phlegm which mists the Mind
causing confused thinking and obsessive thoughts. The Blood deficiency causes insomnia, poor
memory, timidity and propensity to be startled.
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
(Glycyrrhiza-Triticum-Ziziphus Decoction)
Fu Xiao Mai Semen Tritici aestivi levis 15 g
Gan Cao Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis 9 g
Da Zao Fructus Ziziphi jujubae 7 datesExplanation
- Fu Xiao Mai tonifies Heart-Qi and calms the Mind. It is astringent and it therefore can
"absorb" the restless Mind back into the Heart. - Gan Cao tonifies Qi, harmonizes the Middle Burner and nourishes the Heart.
- Da Zao tonifies Qi and harmonizes.
This interesting formula has been the subject of much speculation and different interpretations.
Essentially, it tonifies Heart-Qi and calms the Mind. It can also be used for deficiency of
Heart-Yin with Empty-Heat, only when, however, the Empty-Heat is not such that it requires the
use of bitter-cold herbs because these would further injure Qi. On the other hand, the deficiency
of Qi is not such that it requires strong tonifying herbs, hence the gentle tonification of these
three herbs. The hallmark of this prescription, then, is that it provides enough tonification but not
so much that it would make any Empty-Heat worse. All the herbs in it are sweet and this taste
soothes the Liver. For this reason, this formula is also said to treat Liver-Qi stagnation which
may be associated with Heart-Qi deficiency.
Mental-Emotional Pattern