Shao Yao Tang

(Peony Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Slightly yellow greasy coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Rapid pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. Rou Gui has been substituted for Guan Gui.

Originally Appeared In:

• Collection of Writings on the Mechanism of Illness, Suitability of Qi, and the Safeguarding of Life as Discussed in the Basic Questions (Su Wen Bing Ji Qi Yi Bao Ming Ji)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Spleen, Liver, Heart, Lungs, Stomach, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder, Kidneys

Substances in this Formula (9 Total):

	Bai Shao (White Peony Root) Qty: 15-20 grams Chan: LIV, SP Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
	Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: HT, LIV, SP Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
	Gan Cao (Licorice Root) Qty: 4.5 grams Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST) Prop: Sweet, Neutral Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Mu Xiang (Costus Root, Saussurea) Qty: 4.5 grams Chan: GB, LI, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm Latin: Radix Auklandiae Lappae Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
	Bing Lang (Betel Nut) Qty: 4.5 grams Chan: LI, ST Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm Latin: Semen Arecae Catechu Cat: Herbs that Expel Parasites
	Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Rhizoma Coptidis Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
	Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
	Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Cat: Purgatives
	Rou Gui (Inner Brack or Saigon Cinnamon) Qty: 1.5-3 grams Chan: HT, KI, LIV, SP Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Hot Latin: Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
  - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
  - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
  - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
  - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.