Yue Ju Wan
(Gardenia-Ligusticum Pill)
Cang Zhu Rhizoma Atractylodis lanceae 6 g
Chuan Xiong Radix Ligustici wallichii 6 g
Xiang Fu Rhizoma Cyperi rotundi 6 g
Zhi Zi Fructus Gardeniae jasminoidis 6 g
Shen Qu Massa Fermentata Medicinalis 6 gExplanation
This prescription uses five herbs for the "six stagnations", i.e. stagnation of Qi, Blood, Fire,
Dampness, Phlegm and Food. Originally it was used for any of these six stagnations, while
nowadays it is mostly used for Qi stagnation and mental depression.
- Xiang Fu is the emperor herb to move Qi and dispel stagnation (Qi stagnation).
- Chuan Xiong moves Blood and dispels stasis (Blood stagnation).
- Zhi Zi clears Heat and drains Fire (Fire stagnation).
- Cang Zhu dries Dampness (Dampness and Phlegm stagnation).
- Shen Qu promotes digestion and relives retention of food (Food stagnation).
This prescription is very effective in relieving tiredness deriving mostly from stagnation of
Liver-Qi, and also mental depression deriving from the same cause. Other symptoms and signs
might include a feeling of tightness of the chest, epigastric and abdominal distension, nausea, a
"heavy" feeling of the diaphragm, frequent sighing and a Wiry pulse.
The dosages of the individual herbs can be modified according to which of the six stagnations is
predominant, thus increasing the relevant herb which becomes the emperor herb. For example, if
stasis of Blood is predominant, the dose of Chuan Xiong is increased thus making this herb the
emperor herb. Herbs can also be added according to which stagnation is predominant:
- For severe stagnation of Qi (and pain) add Mu Xiang Radix Saussureae.
- For severe Dampness add Fu Ling Sclerotium Poriae cocos, Ze Xie Rhizoma Alismatis
orientalis and Hou Po Cortex Magnoliae officinalis.