Shen-Calming Blood & Yin Nourishing • Deficiency Heat Regulation
This formula treats deficiency irritability combining Liver deficiency, blood stasis, qi constraint, and internal fire. Its strategy is to nourish the Liver blood, invigorate circulation, clear heat, and support water metabolism.
Overall, the formula balances nourishment and regulation to calm the spirit and restore Liver function.
Symptoms
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Irritability and restlessness
Palpitations or a sense of unease in the chest
Night sweats
Dizziness or light-headedness
Dry mouth and throat, especially at night
Dry tongue
Thin, wiry, or rapid pulse
Ingredients
Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi spinosae Semen)
Raw Herbs: 24g Granulates:53.4g
Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs: 6g Granulates: 13.3g
Fu Ling (Poria)
Raw Herbs: 6g Granulates: 13.3g
Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs: 6g Granulates: 13.3g
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix)
Raw Herbs: 3g Granulates: 6.7g
Posology
Granules
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water
Raw Plants
Boil in 1000 or 1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per da
Description
Suan Zao Ren Tang is a classical formula designed to nourish Liver blood, enrich Yin, clear deficiency heat, and calm the Shen (spirit). It is commonly used when blood and Yin deficiency fail to anchor the spirit, allowing internal heat and agitation to disturb sleep and emotional balance.
At the core of the formula is Suan Zao Ren, which nourishes Liver blood and Yin while directly calming the spirit. It is particularly effective for insomnia accompanied by restlessness, irritability, and night sweating, helping the spirit return inward and settle during the night.
Zhi Mu supports this action by clearing deficiency heat and enriching Yin, addressing the dryness, thirst, and internal agitation that arise when Yin is depleted. Together with Suan Zao Ren, it restores the cooling, nourishing aspect needed to restrain ministerial fire.
Fu Ling strengthens the Heart–Spleen axis while quieting the mind and supporting emotional stability. It gently drains excess dampness without damaging Yin, helping prevent further burden on the Heart and calming anxiety or palpitations.
Chuan Xiong moves Liver blood and relieves constraint. In cases where deficiency is accompanied by stagnation, it ensures that nourishment does not become cloying and that emotional tension is gently released, supporting smooth circulation of both blood and qi.
Gan Cao harmonizes the formula, moderates intensity, and supports the middle burner. It also contributes a mild calming effect, ensuring the actions of the formula remain balanced and well tolerated over time.
Together, these herbs restore harmony between the Liver and Heart, nourish what is deficient, clear what is agitating, and allow the spirit to rest securely.
Contraindications
Not appropriate for insomnia caused by phlegm-heat, excess fire, or strong emotional constraint without deficiency
Use with caution in cases of acute external pathogens
Long-term use should be guided by a qualified practitioner, especially in individuals with digestive weakness