【Source】　

From “Yi Xue Tong Zhi” (1534) and “Jing Yue Quan Shu” (1624), an ancient formula from the Eight Formations.

【Alternative Name】　

Chai Hu Shu Gan San

【Composition】　

Chen Pi, Chai Hu, Shao Yao, Zhi Ke, Zhi Gan Cao, Chuan Xiong, Xiang Fu. (7 ingredients)

【Category】　

<Tonifying Blood>: Shao Yao; <Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Gan Cao; <Dispersing Exterior with Acrid-Cooling Herbs>: Chai Hu; <Regulating Qi>: Xiang Fu, Zhi Ke, Chen Pi; <Invigorating Blood and Removing Stasis>: Chuan Xiong.

【Analysis of Composition】　

(1) Based on Si Ni San (with Zhi Ke replacing Zhi Shi) plus Chen Pi, Chuan Xiong, and Xiang Fu. (2) <Regulating Qi → Soothing the Liver>: Xiang Fu, Zhi Ke, Chen Pi; <Invigorating Blood and Removing Stasis>: Chuan Xiong.

【Mnemonic】　

(1) Si Ni San (Firewood dry, Zhi, Shao, Gan, Chai) + Chen family father and brothers (Chen, Fu, Xiong). (2) Chai Hu + <Regulating Qi, Soothing Liver, Removing Stasis>: Zhi, Chen, Xiang, Xiong → Sister-in-law Gan only talks about the benefits of fragrant work (Gan, Shao).

【Actions】　

Soothes the liver and regulates qi, invigorates blood, and relieves pain.

【Indications】　

Liver qi stagnation, rib pain, distension in the epigastrium, alternating chills and fever, or poor appetite with abdominal distension, dysmenorrhea before menstruation, etc.

【Pharmacology】　

Increases cerebral blood flow, increases cardiac output, protects the liver and benefits the gallbladder.

【Therapeutic Applications】　

Chronic hepatitis, chronic cholecystitis, premenstrual syndrome, ascariasis, chest and rib injuries, stomach pain.

【Explanation of Formula】　

From “Jing Yue Quan Shu”: Chai Hu and Shao Yao primarily harmonize the liver and relieve depression; Xiang Fu, Zhi Ke, and Chen Pi regulate qi stagnation; Chuan Xiong invigorates blood; Gan Cao harmonizes the middle jiao and relieves pain.

From “Qian Zhai Yi Xue Jiang Gao”: This formula is Si Ni San plus Chuan Xiong and Xiang Fu, which invigorate blood and regulate qi, used to treat rib pain, alternating chills and fever, with the primary purpose of soothing the liver. It primarily uses Chai Hu, Zhi Ke, and Xiang Fu to regulate qi, with Bai Shao and Chuan Xiong as assistants to invigorate blood. Gan Cao is used to moderate. It is a standard method for soothing the liver and can be considered a skillful application of an ancient formula.

【Adjustments】　

(1) For severe pain, add Dang Gui, Yu Jin, and Wu Yao to enhance the actions of regulating qi and invigorating blood.

(2) For liver depression transforming into fire, add Zhi Zi and Chuan Lian Zi to clear heat and drain fire.

(3) For irritability and anger, remove Chuan Xiong and add Sheng Shi Jue Ming and Sheng Zhe Shi to calm the liver and reduce fire.

(4) For poor appetite, add Mai Ya and Shen Qu to aid digestion.

(5) For dizziness, add Bai Zhu, Ze Xie, and Gou Teng to calm the liver.

(6) For thick, greasy tongue coating, add Hou Po and Huo Xiang to regulate qi, harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting.

(7) For acid reflux, add Wu Zhu Yu and Huang Lian to stop acid.