Formula Formulas that promote Qi movement

Nuan Gan Jian

暖肝煎

Also known as:

Warm the Liver Decoction

Formula Composition

Xiao Hui Xiang
Xiao Hui Xiang
Rou Gui
Rou Gui
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi
Wu Yao
Wu Yao
Chen Xiang
Chen Xiang
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
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Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula
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Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Warms the Liver and Kidneys
  2. Promotes the movement of Qi
  3. Alleviates pain

Patterns Treated

Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel

Historical Origin

Collected Treatises of[ Zhang} ]ing-Yue (1624 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Nuan Gan Jian

Main Actions

Warms the Liver and Kidneys
Promotes the movement of Qi
Alleviates pain

Key TCM Concepts

Nuan Gan Jian is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Fennel Seeds (Xiao Hui Xiang) and Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1624 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote Qi movement. Its main actions are: 1) warms the Liver and Kidneys and 2) promotes the movement of 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 Nuan Gan Jian is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as varicocele, hydrocele or inguinal hernia for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel

Common Applications

Varicocele Hydrocele Inguinal hernia

Ingredients in Nuan Gan Jian

Detailed information about each herb in Nuan Gan Jian and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Xiao Hui Xiang
Xiao Hui Xiang

Fennel seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Nuan Gan Jian
In general Xiao Hui Xiang's main actions are as follows: "Expels Cold and relieves pain. Regulates Qi of the Stomach."

In the context of Nuan Gan Jian, it is used because it warms the Liver and disperses Cold from the lower abdomen.
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Rou Gui
Rou Gui

Cinnamon bark

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Nuan Gan Jian
Rou Gui is acrid, sweet, and very warming, entering the Liver, Kidneys and gate of vitality to generate the production of Yang at itssource.
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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 Nuan Gan Jian
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Nuan Gan Jian, it is used because it nourishes Blood, tonifies the Liver and augment the Kidneys.
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Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi

Goji berries

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Nuan Gan Jian
In general Gou Qi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Yin of the Liver and Yin of the Kidneys. Brightens the eyes. Moistens the Lungs."

In the context of Nuan Gan Jian, it is used because it nourishes Blood, tonifies the Liver and augment the Kidneys.
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Wu Yao
Wu Yao

Lindera roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Nuan Gan Jian
Wu Yao enhances the actions of the key herbs by promoting the movement of Qi and alleviating pain, especially in the lower abdomen.
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Chen Xiang
Chen Xiang

Agarwood

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Wood shavings
Role in Nuan Gan Jian
Chen Xiang enhances the actions of the key herbs by promoting the movement of Qi and alleviating pain, especially in the lower abdomen.
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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 Nuan Gan Jian
Fu Ling leaches out Dampness and strengthens the Spleen to eliminate the Yin Excess that invariably accompanies Yang Deficiency.
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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 Nuan Gan Jian
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."

In the context of Nuan Gan Jian, it is used because it scatters Cold and harmonizes the Stomach. It also helps treat nausea and loss of appetite.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Nuan Gan Jian

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with heat, redness, swelling, and pain of the scrotum due to Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Nuan Gan Jian may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.