Formula Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

甘麦大枣汤

Also known as:

Licorice Wheat and Jujube Decoction , Liquiruce Wheat and Jujube Decoction , Mai Gan Da Zao Tang

Formula Composition

Fu Xiao Mai
Fu Xiao Mai
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Da Zao
Da Zao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Nourishes the Heart
  2. Calms the Mind
  3. Harmonizes the middle burner
  4. Relaxes tension

Patterns Treated

Heart Blood Deficiency, Heart Yin Deficiency, Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation

Historical Origin

Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

Main Actions

Nourishes the Heart
Calms the Mind
Harmonizes the middle burner
Relaxes tension

Key TCM Concepts

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind. Its main actions are: 1) nourishes the Heart and 2) calms the Mind.

 

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 Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heart Blood Deficiency, Heart Yin Deficiency or Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as general anxiety disorder, hysteria or schizophrenia for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heart Blood Deficiency
  • Heart Yin Deficiency
  • Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation

Common Applications

General anxiety disorder Hysteria Schizophrenia Epilepsy Night terrors in children Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Spasmodic coughs Sleep walking Nervous exhaustion Parkinson's disease Gastric spasm Spasms of the extremities Migraines Sinus tachycardia Ectopic heartbeats Premenstrual tension Perimenopausal syndrome Menopause syndrome Neurasthenia Children's night crying

Ingredients in Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Gan Mai Da Zao Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Fu Xiao Mai
Fu Xiao Mai

Light wheats

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart
Parts Used The dried fruits
Role in Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Fu Xiao Mai is light and extends outwards towards the Exterior. It penetrates the Heart Channel to preserve its Body Fluids. The "Inner Classic" associates wheat with the Heart, and Sun Si Miao believed that it nourishes Heart Qi. Typically used for managing spontaneous and night sweats, this characteristic is employed in this context to regulate the dispersion of the ethereal and corporeal souls.
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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 Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, it is used because it nourishes the Heart, tonifies the Qi, and harmonizes the Middle Burner. It also clears Heat.
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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 Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."

In the context of Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, it is used because it augments the Qi and moistens internal Dryness. It also clears Heat.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

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, Gan Mai Da Zao 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.