[Naming]

This formula can suppress the excitement caused by excessive Liver Qi, thus calming the spirit, hence the name Yi Gan San.

 [Source]

“Ren Zhai Zhi Zhi” (1264), “Bao Ying Cuo Yao” (1556).

 [Composition]

Ramulus Uncariae, Poria cocos, Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae, Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum wallichii, Radix Bupleuri, Radix Glycyrrhizae
(7)

 [Category]

<Nourish Blood>: Angelica sinensis, Angelica sinensis

<Tonify Spleen and Middle-Jiao>: Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae, Radix Glycyrrhizae

<Dispel Exterior with Coolness>: Radix Bupleuri

<Tonify Spleen and Promote Urination>: Poria cocos

<Invigorate Blood and Dispel Stasis>: Ligusticum wallichii

<Pacify Liver and Extinguish Wind>: Ramulus Uncariae

[Formula Rationale]

According to “Han Dian”: There has been debate regarding the source of this formula, but based on the author’s research, it was first documented in “Bao Ying Cuo Yao” by Xue Kai. Ramulus Uncariae has sedative and analgesic effects. In the Han Dynasty, it was known as a medicine to calm the Liver, and when combined with Radix Bupleuri and Radix Glycyrrhizae, it can relieve Liver Qi tension and calm nervous excitement. Angelica sinensis strengthens blood circulation and treats anemia. Ligusticum wallichii promotes smooth flow of Liver Blood. Poria cocos and Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae remove stagnant water.

 [Functions]

Pacify and suppress Liver Qi, calm spasms, and soothe the spirit.

 [Indications]

Convulsions due to deficiency-heat in the Liver channel, or fever with teeth grinding, or fright palpitations with chills and fever, or vomiting of phlegm and saliva, abdominal distention with poor appetite, restlessness during sleep; neurological disorders, spastic tension in the left abdomen, and muscle and tendon rigidity in the limbs.

 [Therapeutic Actions]

Psychoneurosis, epilepsy, neurasthenia, hysteria, insomnia, infantile crying at night, unexplained fever, menopausal disorders.

 [Mnemonic]

Four Gentlemen (without Ginseng) + carry a bow and arrows, return with hooks and wood, cut firewood (for Chai Hu, Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Gou Teng).

 [Modifications]

According to “Han Dian”: If the condition becomes chronic, with weakened abdominal muscles and extreme pulsation of the abdominal aorta on the left side, it is advisable to add Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae and Rhizoma Pinelliae.