Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

(Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit

Pattern:

• Restless Organ Syndrome (Zang Zao)

Actions:

• Nourishes the Heart and calms the Spirit
• Harmonizes the Middle Jiao.

Indications:

• Depression, moodiness, frequent melancholy and crying, sadness, frequent yawning, restless sleep with possible sweating, in severe cases there can be abnormal speech and behavior

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Red tongue with thin coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Thin rapid pulse

Western Uses:

• Hysteria
• Mania
• Convulsions

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use in cases where abnormal behavior is caused by Liver Qi stagnation or Phlegm

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

	Gan Cao (Licorice Root) Qty: 9 grams Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST) Prop: Sweet, Neutral Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Fu Xiao Mai (Wheat Grain (Not Yet Ripe)) Qty: 9-15 grams Chan: HT Prop: Sweet, Salty, Cool Latin: Fructus Levis Tritici Aestivi Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
	Da Zao (Date, Jujube) Qty: 10 pieces Chan: SP, ST Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi

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Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.