Formula Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen

Si Ni San

四逆散

Also known as:

Frigid Extremities Powder , Four Rebellious Powder

Formula Composition

Chai Hu
Chai Hu
Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Regulates Liver and Spleen
  2. Eliminates Internal Heat

Patterns Treated

Rebellious Qi, Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder, Rebellious Liver Qi

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Si Ni San

Main Actions

Regulates Liver and Spleen
Eliminates Internal Heat

Key TCM Concepts

Si Ni San is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen. Its main actions are: 1) regulates Liver and Spleen and 2) eliminates Internal Heat.

 

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 Si Ni San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Rebellious Qi, Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder or Rebellious Liver Qi. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as cholecystitis, cholelithiasis or gastritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Rebellious Qi
  • Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
  • Rebellious Liver Qi

Common Applications

Cholecystitis Cholelithiasis Gastritis Gastric ptosis Peptic ulcers Colitis Appendicitis Pancreatis Urinary stones Dysmenorrhea Premenstrual syndrome Impotence Coronary artery disease Urinary incontinence Enuresis Perimenopausal syndrome Rhinitis Mastitis Blocked fallopian tubes Periappendical abscesses

Ingredients in Si Ni San

Detailed information about each herb in Si Ni San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Si Ni San
Chai Hu is able to disperse any kind of Qi Stagnation in the epigastrium, abdomen, Stomach, and Intestines. It is an upward rising herb that enters the Liver.
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Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi

Immature Bitter Oranges

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried unripe fruit
Role in Si Ni San
Zhi Shi drains Stagnation, breaks up Stagnant Qi, and reduces accumulation in the Middle Burner to facilitate the transportive and transformative functions of the Spleen and Stomach. Its descending action pairs it well with the ascending action of Chai Hu (the key herb): the effect of the different directions is to disentangle Heat in the Liver, Stomach and Spleen territories.
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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 Si Ni San
Bai Shao nourishes the Liver and preserves the Yin. Bai Shao holds things in; this is in contrast to the key herb Chai Hu, which disperses. This combination is very effective in disseminating the LiverQi without injuring its Yin.
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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 Si Ni San
Gan Cao harmonizes the various actions of the other herbs in the formula and strengthens the Spleen to curb the Liver.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Si Ni San

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Qi Stagnation associated with Yin Deficiency, which may also manifest with pain in the hypochondria, epigastrium, and abdomen.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Si Ni 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.