Herbal Treatment
Prescription
Yue Ju Wan
(Gardenia-Ligusticum Pill)
Cang Zhu Rhizoma Atractylodis lanceae 6 g
Chuan Xiong Rhizoma 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 formula is primarily for Liver-Qi stagnation although it also treats stasis of Blood, retention
of Food, stagnation of Phlegm and Dampness and knotted Heat. For this reason it is called the
"formula for the six stagnations". It is, however, extremely effective in moving Qi, pacifying the
Liver and calming the Mind. It is especially effective in opening the Mind's orifices and lifting
mental depression deriving from stagnation of Liver-Qi.
- Cang Zhu resolves Dampness and Phlegm.
- Chuan Xiong moves Blood.
- Xiang Fu moves Liver-Qi.
- Zhi Zi clears Heat.
- Shen Qu resolves retention of food.
Mental-Emotional Pattern
This formula addresses the emotional and mental manifestations of stagnation of Liver-Qi when
it causes the Mind to be obstructed: moodiness, mental depression, pre-menstrual tension,
irritability, frustration, annoyance and impatience. A typical feature of this condition of Mind
obstructed is first of all a certain mental confusion deriving from stagnation, and secondly, a
strong resistance to any mental or affective change. This formula is extremely effective for
mental depression of this type. On a physical level there would be a feeling of distension,
sighing, belching, tiredness, hypochondrial pain, a feeling of tightness in the chest, irregular
periods, clumsiness, breast distension and a Wiry pulse (which may be Wiry only on the left
side). In most cases, the tongue may not change, whilst in severe cases it may be slightly red on