Warm, divided into 2-3 doses per day, taken between meals or 30 minutes before meals. Can also be sipped as a tea throughout the day.

Often taken for 2-4 weeks initially, then reassessed. Chronic or recurring emotional conditions may require intermittent courses of 1-3 months. Classical sources note that long-term use may be needed for full effect.

While taking this formula, favor easily digestible, nourishing foods that support the Spleen and Heart: warm congees, lightly cooked vegetables, dates, lotus seeds, and small amounts of whole grains. Avoid greasy, heavy, or excessively rich foods that can generate Dampness and Phlegm, as the sweet nature of this formula already tends toward Dampness production in susceptible individuals. Limit cold, raw foods and iced drinks, which can impair Spleen function. Reduce stimulating substances such as strong coffee, alcohol, and very spicy foods, which can agitate the spirit and counteract the calming effect of the formula. Because this formula addresses emotional disturbance, regular mealtimes and a calm eating environment also support its therapeutic aim.

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is classified as a calming formula, It is for patterns such as Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation, Mood disturbance from Heart disharmony or Restless Organ Syndrome.
It is primarily used to treat "Zang Zao" (hysteria), which is characterized by symptoms such as mental disorientation, frequent sadness with a tendency to cry, an inability to control oneself, irritability, restless sleep, abnormal behavior, frequent yawning, a pale red tongue with little coating, and a fine, rapid pulse.

Clinically, Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is often used to treat conditions such as hysteria, menopause syndrome, neurasthenia, and children's night crying, especially in cases attributed to Heart Yin Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation.

Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides: Gan Cao (licorice) in this formula can promote potassium excretion through its mineralocorticoid-like effect. Low potassium increases cardiac sensitivity to digoxin and may provoke digoxin toxicity with arrhythmias. Concurrent use should be avoided or closely monitored.

Potassium-depleting diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide): Combined use with Gan Cao may compound potassium loss, increasing the risk of hypokalemia, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias. Electrolytes should be monitored.

Antihypertensive medications: Gan Cao can cause sodium and water retention, potentially raising blood pressure and counteracting the effects of blood pressure-lowering drugs.

Corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, prednisone): Gan Cao inhibits the metabolic clearance of corticosteroids, raising their blood levels and potentially amplifying side effects such as edema, hypertension, and hypokalemia. Combined use should be avoided.

Warfarin: Licorice may interact with warfarin, potentially reducing its anticoagulant effect and increasing clotting risk.

Hypoglycemic agents (insulin, sulfonylureas): Gan Cao has glucocorticoid-like properties that can promote gluconeogenesis and raise blood sugar, potentially antagonizing the effects of diabetes medications.

MAO inhibitors: Some experts suggest licorice may possess MAO inhibitor-like activity, which could theoretically potentiate the side effects of pharmaceutical MAO inhibitor antidepressants.