Folio Bound VIEWS - Chinese Medicine

Sheng Jiang Rhizoma Zingiberis officinalis recens 3 slices

Explanation

This formula is used instead of the previous one when the stagnation of Liver-Qi occurs against a
background of Liver-Blood deficiency, as frequently happens in women. It is also the main
prescription to harmonize Liver and Spleen, when stagnant Liver-Qi invades the Spleen. Thus,
the condition addressed by this formula is characterized by a combination of Excess (stagnation
of Liver-Qi) and Deficiency (of Liver-Blood and Spleen-Qi). This is in contrast to the previous
formula which addresses a purely Excess condition, i.e, just stagnation of Liver-Qi. Apart from
other symptoms and signs, the pulse pictures appropriate to each of these two formulae can be
clearly differentiated: the pulse picture appropriate to Chai Hu Su Gan Tang is a Wiry and Full
pulse all over, whilst that appropriate to Xiao Yao San is a pulse which is slightly Weak on the
right side (reflecting Spleen deficiency) and Fine and slightly Wiry on the left side (reflecting
Liver-Blood deficiency and stagnation of Liver-Qi).

• Bo He and Chai Hu gently move Liver-Qi. Women are more sensitive to Chai Hu than
  men and this is another reason why this formula is so widely used in women's problems.


• Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish Liver-Blood. Bai Shao also harmonizes the Liver and,
  together with Gan Cao, moderates urgency and stops pain.


• Bai Zhu and Fu Ling tonify the Spleen.


• Zhi Gan Cao tonifies the Spleen, stops pain and harmonizes.


• Sheng Jiang harmonizes.

Patent Remedy

Shu Gan Wan
(Pacifying the Liver Pill)

Chuan Lian Zi Fructus Meliae toosendan

Jiang Huang Rhizoma Curcumae longae

Chen Xiang Lignum Aquilariae

Yan Hu Suo Rhizoma Corydalis yanhusuo

Mu Xiang Radix Saussureae

Bai Dou Kou Fructus Amomi cardamomi

Bai Shao Radix Paeoniae albae

Fu Ling Sclerotium Poriae cocos

Zhi Ke Fructus Citri aurantii