Formula Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders

Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang

柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤

Also known as:

Bupleurum plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction

Formula Composition

Chai Hu
Chai Hu
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Da Huang
Da Huang
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Long Gu
Long Gu
Mu Li ke
Mu Li ke
Qian Dan
Qian Dan
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Da Zao
Da Zao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Assistants
Supports
Envoys
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Unblocks the three Yang warps
  2. Sedates and calms the Spirit

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang

Main Actions

Unblocks the three Yang warps
Sedates and calms the Spirit

Key TCM Concepts

Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) and Rhubarb (Da Huang) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders. Its main actions are: 1) unblocks the three Yang warps and 2) sedates and calms the Spirit.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as neurosis, depression or schizophrenia for instance.

Ingredients in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang and their roles

Kings
Assistants
Envoys
Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Chai Hu resolves Lesser Yang disorders, and releases constraint at this level along with Baikal skullcap root.
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Huang Qin
Huang Qin

Baikal skullcap roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
In general Huang Qin's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and Dampness. Clears Upper Burner Heat, especially of the Lung. Clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood. Clears pathogenic Heat which is upsetting the fetus. Cools the Liver, reducing Liver Yang rising syndrome."

In the context of Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, it is used because it resolves Lesser Yang disorders, and releases constraint at this level along with Bupleurum root.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Gui Zhi is a greater Yang herb helps in resolving the problems in the superficial levels and for promoting the flow of Yang Qi for relieving the heaviness sensation in the body.
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Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Da Huang resolves Lesser Yang disorders and releases constraint at this level. Rhubarb also addresses delirious speech and Yang brightness-warp symptoms, by clearing Heat and stools Stagnation from the Intestines.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Ban Xia causes the Qi to descend. It works with Poria-cocos mushrooms for transforming the disturbances of the Body Fluids and for openening up the diaphragm. It also assists Bupleurum root and Baikal skullcap root in resolving the Lesser Yang warp aspects of this disorder.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Ren Shen works with and Poria cocos mushroom to strengthen the Qi of the Middle Burner, and makes esure that it is not further damaged by the treatment. They cause a mild calming effect.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Fu Ling works with and Poria cocos mushroom to strengthen the Qi of the Middle Burner, and makes esure that it is not further damaged by the treatment. They cause a mild calming effect. It also increases and promotes urination.
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Long Gu
Long Gu

Dragon bones

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used The fossilized bone or vertebrae
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
In general Long Gu's main actions are as follows: "Calms the spirit. Anchors ascendant Liver Yang. Stops leakage of Bodily Fluids."

In the context of Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, it is used because it is a mineral substance that weighs down and calms the floating spirit.
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Mu Li ke
Mu Li ke

Oyster shells

Temperature Cold
Taste Salty
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used The shell
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
In general Mu Li ke's main actions are as follows: "Calms and anchors the spirit. Moistens Dryness. Softens and removes lumps. Nourish the Yin and subdues the overflowing of the Yang,"

In the context of Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, it is used because it is a mineral substance that weighs down and calms the floating spirit.
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Qian Dan
Qian Dan

Minium

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Lungs
Parts Used The mineral
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
In general Qian Dan's main actions are as follows: "Apply topically as a paste to expel Toxins, heal injuries, stop itching, expel pus. Moves Phlegm downwards and suppresses spasms. "

In the context of Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, it is used because it is a mineral substance that weighs down and calms the floating spirit.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Sheng Jiang works with Jujube date to regulate the relationship between the Protective Qi in the Exterior and the Nutritive Qi in the Interior. This helps in focusing the actions of the other ingredients on these critical aspects of the body.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Da Zao works with Jujube date to regulate the relationship between the Protective Qi in the Exterior and the Nutritive Qi in the Interior. This helps in focusing the actions of the other ingredients on these critical aspects of the body.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Even though this formula comprises only a few torrifying herbs, its emphasis is clearly on Excess. It should not be used to treat Deficient symptoms. If the formula is prescribed incorrectly, symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness, irritability, or hypertension will almost always worsen. In these instances, it is critical to transition to a different formula as soon as possible.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.