Sour Jujube Decoction

Sour Jujube Decoction

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suan Zao Ren) 2 sheng (15g), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan Xiong) 2 liang (6g), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gan Cao) 1 liang (3g), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhi Mu) 2 liang (6g), Poria (Fu Ling) 2 liang (6g)

Prepare as a decoction, consume while it is warm.

Nourishes blood and calms the mind, clears heat and relieves vexation.

Suan Zao Ren Tang is indicated for deficiency of liver-blood with internal deficiency heat. The symptoms are vexation, insomnia, palpitations, restlessness, dizziness, dry throat, dry mouth, a red tongue, and a wiry, thin pulse.

This pattern is caused by excessive heart fire consuming yin-blood. Excessive fire of the heart disturbs the heart and spirit. Meanwhile, deficiency of yin-blood fails to nourish the heart and spirit manifesting insomnia, profuse dreaming, palpitations, and vexation. A red tongue and rapid, thin pulse are signs of excessive heart fire and deficiency of yin-blood. The therapeutic principle is to reduce excessive fire and supplement yin-blood to calm the mind.

1. Essential pattern differentiation Suan Zao Ren Tang serves as a common formula used in patterns of vexation and insomnia due to blood deficiency of the heart and liver. This clinical pattern is marked by vexation, insomnia, dry throat and mouth, red tongue, wiry, thin pulse. 2. Modern applications This formula may be used in the following biomedically defined disorders when the patient shows signs of blood deficiency of the heart and liver with internal deficiency: neurasthenia, heart neurosis, and menopausal syndrome.

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction 甘麥大棗湯)