Formula Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

镇肝熄风汤

Also known as:

Pacifying the Liver and Extinguishing Wind Decoction

Formula Composition

Niu Xi
Niu Xi
Dai Zhe Shi
Dai Zhe Shi
Long Gu
Long Gu
Mu Li ke
Mu Li ke
Gui Ban
Gui Ban
Xuan Shen
Xuan Shen
Tian Men Dong
Tian Men Dong
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Yin Chen
Yin Chen
Chuan Lian Zi
Chuan Lian Zi
Mai Ya
Mai Ya
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Pacifies the Liver
  2. Extinguishes Wind
  3. Nourishes the Yin
  4. Anchors the Yang

Patterns Treated

Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior, Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Essays on Medicine Esteeming the Chinese and Respecting the Western (1918 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

Main Actions

Pacifies the Liver
Extinguishes Wind
Nourishes the Yin
Anchors the Yang

Key TCM Concepts

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1918 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind. Its main actions are: 1) pacifies the Liver and 2) extinguishes Wind.

 

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 Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior, Interior Wind or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as hypertension, renal hypertension or hypertensive encephalopathy for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
  • Interior Wind
  • Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
  • Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Hypertension Renal hypertension Hypertensive encephalopathy Aphasia Apraxia Epilepsy Parkinson's disease Trigeminal neuralgia Postconcussion syndrome Recalcitrant hiccup Cerebral arteriosclerosis Coronary artery disease Acute nephritis Perimenopausal syndrome Puerperal fever Cerebral thrombosis Cerebral hemorrhage Vascular migraines

Ingredients in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Niu Xi
Niu Xi

Achyranthes roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Niu Xi conducts the circulation of Blood downward, separating the Blood from the ascendant Yang. It also tonifies and nourishes the Liver and Kidneys.
View herb details
Dai Zhe Shi
Dai Zhe Shi

Hematite

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used The mineral
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Dai Zhe Shi has a heavy nature that enables it to direct the Qi downward and control its rebelliousness. It calms the Liver, anchors the Yang, directs the Stomach Qi downward, and pacifies Rebellious Qi in the Penetrating vessel.
View herb details
Long Gu
Long Gu

Dragon bones

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used The fossilized bone or vertebrae
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng 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 Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, it is used because it can restrain Fire and extinguish Wind.
View herb details
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 Zhen Gan Xi Feng 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 Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, it is used because it can restrain Fire and extinguish Wind.
View herb details
Gui Ban
Gui Ban

Tortoise plastrons

Temperature Cool
Taste Salty, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Carapace and plastron
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Gui Ban clears Heat, nourishes the Yin, and enriches the Fluids. This treats the ascendant Liver Yang at the root, which indirectly extinguishes the Wind.
View herb details
Xuan Shen
Xuan Shen

Ningpo figwort roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Xuan Shen clears Heat, nourishes the Yin, and enriches the Fluids. This treats the ascendant Liver Yang at the root, which indirectly extinguishes the Wind.
View herb details
Tian Men Dong
Tian Men Dong

Chinese asparagus tubers

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used The dry tuber
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Tian Men Dong clears Heat, nourishes the Yin, and enriches the Fluids. This treats the ascendant Liver Yang at the root, which indirectly extinguishes the Wind.
View herb details
Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Bai Shao clears Heat, nourishes the Yin, and enriches the Fluids. This treats the ascendant Liver Yang at the root, which indirectly extinguishes the Wind.
View herb details
Yin Chen
Yin Chen

Virgate wormwood

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried aerial parts
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Yin Chen smoothes the movement of Liver Qi and drains Liver Yang Excess. This reinforces the actions of pacifying, controlling, and sedating the Liver yang.
View herb details
Chuan Lian Zi
Chuan Lian Zi

Sichuan chinaberries

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Liver, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Chuan Lian Zi smoothes the movement of Liver Qi and drains Liver Yang Excess. This reinforces the actions of pacifying, controlling, and sedating the Liver yang.
View herb details
Mai Ya
Mai Ya

Malt

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried germinated ripe fruit
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Mai Ya smoothes the movement of Liver Qi and drains Liver Yang Excess. This reinforces the actions of pacifying, controlling, and sedating the Liver yang.
View herb details
Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Zhen Gan Xi Feng 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 Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, it is used because it regulates and harmonizes the actions of the other ingredients.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

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

Contraindications

Because this formula contains many enriching, cloying, heavy, and sedating substances that can injure the Spleen Yang, it should be used with caution in cases with Spleen Qi Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Zhen Gan Xi Feng 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.