Formula

Shu Gan Tang

疏肝汤

Also known as:

Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang (柴胡疏肝汤, Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Decoction)

Properties

Qi-regulating formulas · Slightly Warm

Traditionally supports*

Digestive Health Stress-related digestive issues Liver Health Pain Management

Key Ingredients

Chuan Lian Zi

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About This Formula

Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties

Formula Description

A classical formula that soothes the Liver and harmonizes the Stomach, used to relieve chest and rib-side fullness, stomach pain, acid reflux, belching, nausea, and general discomfort caused by Liver Qi stagnation affecting digestion. It is particularly suited when emotional stress leads to digestive disturbance with pain.

Formula Category

Qi-regulating formulas

Main Actions

  • Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
  • Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
  • Invigorates Blood and Alleviates Pain
  • Harmonizes the Stomach

TCM Patterns

In TCM, symptoms don't appear randomly — they cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Shu Gan Tang is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.

The following describes this formula's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.

Why Shu Gan Tang addresses this pattern

Shu Gan Wan directly targets Liver Qi stagnation with its large complement of Qi-moving herbs. Chuan Lian Zi drains constrained Liver Qi, while Mu Xiang, Chen Xiang, Zhi Ke, and Chen Pi ensure Qi flows freely through the chest, flanks, and abdomen. Bai Shao nourishes the Liver to address the root vulnerability (the Liver body needs nourishment to function smoothly). The combination of Qi-movers with Blood-movers (Yan Hu Suo, Pian Jiang Huang) reflects the classical understanding that prolonged Qi stagnation always leads to some degree of Blood stasis.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Hypochondriac Pain

Distending pain along the rib sides, worse with emotional upset

Chest Stiffness

Fullness and pressure in the chest

Irritability

Emotional tension, irritability, sighing

Belching

Frequent belching and acid reflux

Abdominal Distention

Bloating and abdominal distention

How It Addresses the Root Cause

This formula addresses a condition rooted in emotional frustration or stress that disrupts the Liver's natural function of ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. In TCM, the Liver is described as preferring free and unobstructed movement (条达). When emotions like anger, resentment, or chronic frustration go unresolved, the Liver's Qi becomes knotted and stagnant, a pattern called Liver Qi constraint (肝气郁滞).

Because the Liver channel runs along the sides of the torso, stagnant Liver Qi produces distending pain in the ribs and flanks. The blocked Qi also creates a sensation of chest oppression and a frequent urge to sigh deeply (as sighing temporarily relieves the pressure). Emotionally, the person may swing between feeling depressed and irritable. When Qi stagnation persists, it inevitably affects Blood circulation, causing mild Blood stasis that intensifies the pain. If the constrained Liver Qi "crosses over" to invade the Stomach and Spleen (a pattern called Wood overacting on Earth), digestive symptoms like bloating, belching, and epigastric fullness appear.

The formula works by restoring the Liver's free-flowing nature, moving the stagnant Qi outward and downward while gently activating Blood circulation to address the secondary stasis. It follows the classical principle from the Huang Di Nei Jing: "When Wood is constrained, free it" (木郁达之).

Formula Properties

Temperature

Slightly Warm

Taste Profile

Predominantly acrid and bitter with a mild sour-sweet undertone. The acrid quality disperses stagnation and moves Qi, the bitter quality directs Qi downward, and the sour-sweet combination softens and nourishes the Liver.

Target Organs
Liver Stomach Gallbladder Spleen
Channels Entered
Liver Gallbladder Spleen Stomach

Formula Origin

Chinese Pharmacopoeia (中华人民共和国药典)

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

Ingredients in Shu Gan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Shu Gan Tang and their roles

Chuan Lian Zi
Chuan Lian Zi

Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit

Dosage: 6 - 9g

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter (苦 kǔ)
Organ Affinity Liver, Small Intestine, Urinary Bladder
Parts Used Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Drains Liver Qi, clears depressed Heat from the Liver channel, and relieves pain. As the chief herb, it directly addresses the core pathomechanism of Liver Qi stagnation generating constraint Heat, and guides the formula to the Liver and Stomach.

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Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo

Corydalis rhizome

Dosage: 6 - 9g

Temperature Warm
Taste Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Tuber (块茎 kuài jīng / 块根 kuài gēn)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Powerfully invigorates Blood and moves Qi to stop pain. Paired with Chuan Lian Zi, this creates the famous analgesic combination Jin Ling Zi San, which is the core pain-relieving mechanism of the formula.

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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony root

Dosage: 6 - 12g

Temperature Slightly Cool
Taste Bitter (苦 kǔ), Sour (酸 suān)
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Root (根 gēn)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Nourishes Liver Blood, softens the Liver, and alleviates pain. Balances the many moving and dispersing herbs in the formula by preserving Liver Yin, preventing the Qi-moving herbs from consuming Liver Blood.

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Jiang Huang
Jiang Huang

Turmeric rhizome

Dosage: 3 - 9g

Temperature Warm
Taste Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)
Organ Affinity Spleen, Liver
Parts Used Rhizome (根茎 gēn jīng)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Moves Blood, breaks up stagnation, and alleviates pain. Reinforces the Blood-moving action of Yan Hu Suo and helps resolve Blood stasis that accompanies prolonged Qi stagnation.

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Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang

Costus root

Dosage: 3 - 6g

Temperature Warm
Taste Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, San Jiao (Triple Burner), Gallbladder
Parts Used Root (根 gēn)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Promotes the movement of Qi in the Spleen and Stomach, alleviates pain and distention in the abdomen. Addresses the secondary pattern of Stomach and Spleen Qi stagnation caused by Liver overacting.

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Chen Xiang
Chen Xiang

Agarwood

Dosage: 1 - 3g

Temperature Slightly Warm
Taste Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys
Parts Used Resin / Sap (树脂 shù zhī / 汁 zhī)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Promotes the movement of Qi and directs rebellious Qi downward. Its descending nature helps counter nausea, belching, and acid reflux by restoring the normal downward direction of Stomach Qi.

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Sha Ren
Sha Ren

Amomum fruit

Dosage: 3 - 6g

Temperature Warm
Taste Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Aromatic (芳香 fāng xiāng)
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys
Parts Used Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Transforms Dampness, moves Qi, and strengthens the Stomach. Addresses the Dampness and food stagnation that often accompany Liver-Spleen disharmony.

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Rou Dou Kou
Rou Dou Kou

Nutmeg

Dosage: 3 - 6g

Temperature Warm
Taste Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn)
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used Seed (种子 zhǒng zǐ / 子 zǐ / 仁 rén)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Transforms Dampness, moves Qi, and warms the middle. Works with Sha Ren to restore Stomach function and relieve bloating and nausea.

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Hou Po
Hou Po

Magnolia bark

Dosage: 3 - 9g

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter (苦 kǔ), Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn)
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs, Large Intestine
Parts Used Bark (皮 pí / 树皮 shù pí)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Moves Qi, transforms Dampness, and relieves distention and fullness. Addresses the abdominal bloating and fullness that results from Liver Qi overacting on the Spleen.

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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Dosage: 3 - 6g

Temperature Warm
Taste Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Peel / Rind (皮 pí / 果皮 guǒ pí)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Regulates Qi, dries Dampness, and harmonizes the Stomach. Supports the middle burner and helps prevent the many moving herbs from causing excessive dispersal.

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Zhi Ke
Zhi Ke

Bitter orange fruit

Dosage: 3 - 9g

Temperature Slightly Cool
Taste Bitter (苦 kǔ), Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Sour (酸 suān)
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Moves Qi and reduces distention, particularly in the chest and abdomen. Helps relieve the sense of chest and rib-side fullness that is the hallmark complaint of this pattern.

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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria

Dosage: 6 - 9g

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet (甘 gān), Bland (淡 dàn)
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Kidneys
Parts Used Fungus / Mushroom (菌类 jūn lèi)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Strengthens the Spleen and drains Dampness. Supports the Spleen so it can properly transform and transport, which is critical when the Liver is overacting on it. Also calms the spirit.

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Zhu Sha
Zhu Sha

Cinnabar

Dosage: 0.3 - 1g

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet (甘 gān)
Organ Affinity Heart
Parts Used Mineral (矿物 kuàng wù)
Role in Shu Gan Tang

Calms the Heart and settles the spirit, addressing the anxiety and restlessness that often accompany Liver Qi stagnation. Also serves to anchor the many dispersing herbs and prevent them from being overly stimulating.

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Modern Research (4 studies)

  • • Treatment of depression with Chai Hu Shu Gan San: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled trials (Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis, 2018)
  • • Effectiveness and safety of Chaihu-Shugan-San for treating depression: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis (Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis, 2024)
See all research on the formula page

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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Best Time to Take

On an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals, typically twice daily (morning and late afternoon). The classical instruction specifies taking it before meals (食前服) to optimize absorption and Qi-moving effects.

Typical Duration

Acute flare-ups: 1–2 weeks. Chronic Liver Qi stagnation patterns: 4–8 weeks with periodic reassessment, adjusting the formula as symptoms change.

Dietary Advice

Avoid greasy, fried, and heavy foods that burden the Liver and impair Qi flow. Limit alcohol, as it generates Dampness-Heat and worsens Liver constraint. Reduce spicy, hot foods if there are signs of Heat (irritability, red tongue). Favor lightly cooked vegetables, especially leafy greens, which support the Liver's spreading function. Foods like celery, chrysanthemum tea, mint tea, and green citrus peel can complement the formula's Qi-moving action. Eat regular, moderate meals and avoid eating while angry or stressed, as emotional eating directly stagnates Liver Qi.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Use with caution during pregnancy. The formula contains Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), which invigorates Blood and has documented uterine-stimulating effects, and Xiang Fu (Cyperus rotundus), which strongly moves Qi. Together these herbs could theoretically promote uterine contractions. While the formula is not absolutely contraindicated, it should only be used during pregnancy under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, and only if the clinical need clearly outweighs the risk. Dosage reduction of Chuan Xiong and Xiang Fu may be advisable.

Breastfeeding

No specific contraindication during breastfeeding has been established for this formula. The herbs are generally mild in toxicity. However, the acrid and Qi-moving nature of Chuan Xiong, Xiang Fu, and Chen Pi means that active compounds may transfer into breast milk in small amounts. There is insufficient data to confirm safety. Practitioners should use clinical judgment and monitor both mother and infant. If the breastfeeding mother shows signs of Yin or Blood deficiency, this formula's drying nature may reduce milk production, which depends on adequate Blood and fluids.

Pediatric Use

This formula can be used in children with appropriate dosage reduction, but it is not commonly prescribed for very young children (under age 5) because Liver Qi stagnation patterns from emotional causes are less common in this age group. For children aged 6–12, dosages are typically reduced to one-third to one-half of the adult dose. For adolescents (13+), two-thirds of the adult dose is common. Practitioners should be cautious with the acrid, drying herbs (Chuan Xiong, Xiang Fu) in children, as pediatric constitutions tend more toward Yin insufficiency. The formula is most relevant in older children and adolescents presenting with stress-related digestive complaints or mood disturbance with a wiry pulse.

Drug Interactions

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza/Licorice): Glycyrrhizin in licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism (sodium retention, potassium loss, elevated blood pressure). This may interact with antihypertensives, diuretics, cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin), and corticosteroids. Although the dose in this formula is small (1.5g), caution is still warranted in patients on these medications.

Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong): Has documented antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity. Patients taking blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel) or NSAIDs should use this formula with caution due to increased bleeding risk. Chuan Xiong may also potentiate the effects of antihypertensive medications.

Chai Hu (Bupleurum): Bupleurum saponins have been shown to affect hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, which could alter the metabolism of many pharmaceuticals. Patients on medications with narrow therapeutic windows (e.g. cyclosporine, certain anticonvulsants) should be monitored. Bupleurum may also interact with interferon therapy used in hepatitis treatment.

General note: As with all Qi-moving formulas, concurrent use with sedatives or anxiolytics should be monitored, as the formula's mood-regulating effects may have additive interactions.

Contraindications

Caution

Not suitable for Liver Yin deficiency or Blood deficiency patterns. The formula is acrid and drying in nature and may further deplete Yin and Blood if used for the wrong pattern. Signs to watch for include a dry red tongue with little coating, night sweats, and a thin rapid pulse.

Caution

Avoid in Liver Yang rising or Liver Fire blazing patterns (e.g. severe headache, red face, bitter taste, irritability with constipation). The acrid, dispersing herbs may aggravate upward-flaring conditions.

Caution

Not appropriate for prolonged use. Because many ingredients are aromatic, acrid, and drying, extended use can consume Qi and injure Yin.

Caution

Use with caution during pregnancy. Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) and Xiang Fu (Cyperus) are both Qi-moving and Blood-invigorating herbs that may stimulate uterine activity.

Caution

Not suitable for patterns involving Dampness-Heat accumulation in the Liver and Gallbladder with strong Heat signs. The warm, acrid nature of the formula may worsen Heat.

Cautions & Warnings

is typically safe for most individuals, but it can lead to side effects in some cases. Pregnant, nursing, or postpartum women, as well as those with liver conditions, should use this formula cautiously and preferably under professional supervision.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner before beginning treatment with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.

Product Details

Manufacturing, supplier, and product specifications

Product Type

Granules

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Treasure of the East

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