Formula

Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang

Bupleurum Spreading Decoction | 柴胡疏肝散

Also known as:

Bupleurum Powder to Dredge the Liver , Bupleurum Spreading the Liver Decoction , Bupleurum Spread the Liver Decoction

Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang

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Actions

Spreads and circulate the Liver Qi, Promotes Qi circulation, Harmonizes the Blood, Alleviates pain

Category

Formulas that promote Qi movement

Key Ingredients

Chai Hu

Formula Details

Learn more about Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang's TCM properties

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$39.00 ($0.39/g)
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Product Overview

Detailed information about this formula product

Product Type

Granules

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Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

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Ingredients in Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang 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 Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang
Chai Hu enters the Liver and Gallbladder meridians to facilitate the Liver's out thrusting functions by clearing Stagnation.
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Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang
Chuan Xiong is a powerful herb that can enter the Qi and Blood aspects of the Liver to remove stagnation and stop pain.
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Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu

Coco-grass rhizomes

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang
In general Xiang Fu's main actions are as follows: "Unblocks Stagnant Liver Qi and relieves pain. Regulates the Liver and Spleen. Assists the regulation of menses and relieves pain."

In the context of Chai Hu Shu Gan San, it is used because it enters the Liver meridian to regulate its Qi.
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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 Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang
Bai Shao acts to nourish the Blood, together with Liquorice another assistant. This softens the Liver (which, according to Chinese medicine, stores the Blood) which helps stop the pain.
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Ju He
Ju He

Bitter orange seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang
Ju He works together with Tangerine peel, another assistant, to regulate the Qi of the Stomach and the Intestines. Also they together direct Qi downward to help remove the excess buildup of it in the chest and th Middle Burner (what creates the symptoms of distention and a sensation of fullness).
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang
Chen Pi works together with Bitter orange seeds , another assistant, to regulate the Qi of the Stomach and the Intestines. Also they together direct Qi downward to help remove the excess buildup of it in the chest and th Middle Burner (what creates the symptoms of distention and a sensation of fullness).
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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 Chai Hu Shu Gan 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 Chai Hu Shu Gan San, it is used because it is used as an envoy to harmonize the various actions of the other herbs.
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Usage & Safety

How to use this formula and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This formula is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

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Instructions for safe storage and consumption

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Modern Usage

This formula is commonly used for soothing the Liver and relieving depression. Clinically, it is often used for chronic hepatitis, chronic gastritis, cholecystitis, and intercostal neuralgia that fall under the category of liver qi stagnation.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this formula is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with Qi or Yin Deficiency should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.

TCM Properties

Traditional Chinese Medicine characteristics and actions of this formula

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This formula is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

This is just partial information on the formula's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the formula's dedicated page

Formula Category

Formulas that promote Qi movement

Main Actions

  • Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
  • Alleviates pain
  • Harmonizes Blood

Formula Origin

Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment (1602)

Formula Description

Chai Hu Shu Gan San is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1602, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote Qi movement. Its main actions are: 1) disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood and 2) alleviates pain.

 

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 Chai Hu Shu Gan San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Rebellious Qi, Liver Blood Stagnation or Heart Vessel obstructed. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as late menstruation, hepatitis or chronic gastritis for instance.