Formula Formulas that clear Liver-Heat

Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

丹栀逍遥散

Also known as:

Moutan-Gardenia Free and Easy Wanderer Powder , Mudan and Cape jasmine fruit Easy Wanderer Powder

Formula Composition

Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
Chai Hu
Chai Hu
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi

Patterns Treated

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire, Kidney Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Study of formulas (方剂学) (2002 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Main Actions

Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 2002 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Liver-Heat. Its main action is that it clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi.

 

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.

 

In this case Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire or Kidney Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as spontaneous flow of breast milk or menopausal syndrome for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
  • Kidney Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Spontaneous flow of breast milk Menopausal syndrome

Ingredients in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Detailed information about each herb in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San and their roles

Kings
Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi

Mudan peony bark

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Root barks
Role in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
In general Mu Dan Pi's main actions are as follows: "Cools the Blood, activates Blood circulation and resolves Blood stasis."

In the context of Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, it is used because it clears Heat.
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Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi

Cape jasmine fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Lungs, Sanjiao, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
In general Zhi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and calms spirit. Drains Damp-Heat affecting the Liver and Gallbladder. Clears Heat in the Blood and stops bleeding. Anti-inflammatory."

In the context of Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, it is used because it clears Heat.
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Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Chai Hu spreads the Liver Qi, relieves Stagnation and helps guide the other herbs into the Liver. Because of its cooling nature, it is also particularly dealing with Qi Stagnation that has started to generate Heat.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Dang Gui works together with White peony roots (Bai Shao), the other deputy in this formula, to nourish Blood. This nourishing role also in turn helps strengthen the Liver since it stores Blood and is nourished by it.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
In general Bai Shao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain."

In the context of Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, it is used because it moves Qi and is specific for menstrual issues, especially from emotional stress.
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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 Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, it is used because it moves Qi and is specific for menstrual issues, especially from emotional stress.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Bai Zhu works together with Poria mushrooms (Fu Ling) to strengthen the Spleen, which rules transformation and transportation. It has a direct positive impact on Blood Deficiency.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Gan Cao tonifies the Spleen and, when combined with White peony roots, helps reduce the spasms that are often a symptoms for patients that adopt this formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.