Peony and Licorice Formula
Shao yao gan cao tang
Kan Traditionals
Nourishes the Blood, tonifies Yin, relieves stagnation.
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- Herb: White peony root, Chinese licorice root and rhizome
- Herb (Pinyin): Bai shao, Gan cao
- Pattern: Liver Yin and Blood deficiency with Qi stagnation
- Actions: Nourish Liver Yin and Blood, Nourish Blood, Nourish Liver Blood, Regulate Liver Qi
- Indications: Occasional irritability, depression, agitation, Supports healthy gastrointestinal functions, Supports healthy joints and muscles, Occasional muscle spasm
- Contraindications: None.
- Tongue: Light red or pale, little coat.
- Pulse: Thready.
Peony and Licorice Formula is based on Peony and Licorice Decoction (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang), a classical formula addressing Liver Yin and Blood deficiency patterns. The Liver is in charge of storing and distributing the Blood to the sinews, and when the Blood is deficient, the sinews are not nourished, causing stagnation. This formula is also indicated for a Liver and Spleen disharmony pattern in which Liver is constrained due to undernourishment and deficiency. When Liver Blood is deficient or Liver overwhelms the Spleen, it can lead to Wind-like manifestations such as occasional chills, cramping, muscle agitation, or spasm. The occasional presence of slight chills indicates the reaction of the weakened Yang, resulting from injury to the Yin.
Peony and Licorice Formula consists of two herbs, White peony root and Chinese licorice root and rhizome, addressing Liver Yin and Blood deficiency. White peony root nourishes the Blood and augments the Yin. It enters the Spleen, softens the Liver and alleviates stagnation, addressing the primary aspect of this pattern. Liver Qi has a tendency to rebel transversely, overbearing the Spleen, and White Peony root effectively addresses an overacting Liver. Chinese licorice root and rhizome clears Heat, augments the Qi of the Middle Burner, especially of the Spleen, and moderates occasional spasms, especially of the leg and abdomen.
Their sweet and sour natures form a synergistic combination to soften the Liver and address occasional muscle spasms, through nourishing Liver Blood and invigorating Liver Qi. They generate fluids, nourish the sinews and regulate the interdependent relationship between Liver and Spleen.
Because Peony and Licorice Formula is a simple formulation, it can easily be combined with any other formula to enhance their Liver Yin and Blood tonification properties.
ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT
Peony and Licorice Decoction (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang) can be found in Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun), Zhang Zhong-Jing, 150-219 C.E.
Peony and Licorice Formula consists of two herbs, White peony root and Chinese licorice root and rhizome, addressing Liver Yin and Blood deficiency. White peony root nourishes the Blood and augments the Yin. It enters the Spleen, softens the Liver and alleviates stagnation, addressing the primary aspect of this pattern. Liver Qi has a tendency to rebel transversely, overbearing the Spleen, and White Peony root effectively addresses an overacting Liver. Chinese licorice root and rhizome clears Heat, augments the Qi of the Middle Burner, especially of the Spleen, and moderates occasional spasms, especially of the leg and abdomen.
Their sweet and sour natures form a synergistic combination to soften the Liver and address occasional muscle spasms, through nourishing Liver Blood and invigorating Liver Qi. They generate fluids, nourish the sinews and regulate the interdependent relationship between Liver and Spleen.
Because Peony and Licorice Formula is a simple formulation, it can easily be combined with any other formula to enhance their Liver Yin and Blood tonification properties.
ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT
Peony and Licorice Decoction (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang) can be found in Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun), Zhang Zhong-Jing, 150-219 C.E.