CHAI HU JIA LONG GU MU LI TANG

 Harmonize the Shao Yang • Anchor the Spirit • Clear Internal Heat

This is the profile for Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Bupleurum, Dragon Bone, and Oyster Shell Decoction). It is the premier "Neuro-Harmonizing" formula of the Shang Han Lun, designed for when a Shao Yang disorder isn't just affecting the body, but has "disturbed the Shen," leading to intense psychological agitation, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Symptoms

Alternating chills and fever
Fullness in the chest and hypochondrium
Irritability or agitation
Insomnia
Palpitations
Anxiety
Restlessness
Dizziness
Urinary difficulty
Possible constipation

Tongue: red or slightly red with thin coating
Pulse: wiry and rapid, or wiry and forceful

Ingredients

Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix)
Raw Herbs: 12g * Granulates: 12.1g

Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix)
Raw Herbs: 9g * Granulates: 9.1g

Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum)
Raw Herbs: 9g * Granulates: 9.1g

Fu Ling (Poria)
Raw Herbs: 9g * Granulates: 9.1g

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 6.1g

Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 6.1g

Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi)
Raw Herbs: 15g * Granulates: 14.9g

Mu Li (Ostreae Concha)
Raw Herbs: 15g * Granulates: 15.2g

Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 6.1g

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 6.1g

Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma recens)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 6.0g

Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 6.1g

Posology

Granules
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water.

Raw Herbs
Boil in 1000–1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang is a classical formula designed to harmonize the Shao Yang stage while calming the Spirit and anchoring internal agitation. It is indicated when a Shao Yang disorder combines with internal Phlegm, Heat, and constraint that disturb the Heart and Shen.

Chai Hu harmonizes the Shao Yang and relieves constraint in the chest and flanks, restoring the proper pivot between interior and exterior.

Huang Qin clears internal Heat from the Shao Yang layer, preventing further internal agitation.

Ban Xia and Fu Ling transform Phlegm and harmonize the middle burner, addressing the underlying accumulation that contributes to mental restlessness and chest oppression.

Ren Shen strengthens upright Qi and supports the middle, preventing depletion from the harmonizing and draining actions.

Gui Zhi promotes Yang circulation and assists in releasing residual exterior tension.

Long Gu and Mu Li anchor Yang, calm the Spirit, and settle agitation. They are essential for symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, and restlessness.

Da Huang drains Heat and relieves internal accumulation through the bowels, reducing constraint and preventing Heat from intensifying.

Zhi Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang, and Da Zao harmonize the formula and protect digestion.

Together, these herbs create a complex but balanced strategy that harmonizes Shao Yang, clears Heat, transforms Phlegm, anchors Yang, calms the Shen, and relieves internal constraint. Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang is particularly suited for cases where emotional disturbance, agitation, and insomnia arise from combined Shao Yang disharmony and internal accumulation.

Contraindications

Not indicated for pure deficiency patterns without excess or constraint.

Use with caution in cases of weak digestion or chronic diarrhea.

Contraindicated during pregnancy due to the presence of Da Huang.

Best prescribed following accurate pattern differentiation due to its strong draining and anchoring components.