Formula

Zhi Gan Cao Tang

Prepared Licorice Combination | 炙甘草汤

Zhi Gan Cao Tang

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Augments the Qi, Nourishes Yin, Nourishes the Blood, Restores the pulse, Unblocks Yang

Category

Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood

Key Ingredients

Gan Cao

Formula Details

Learn more about Zhi Gan Cao Tang's TCM properties

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$45.00 ($0.45/g)
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Product Overview

Detailed information about this formula product

Product Type

Granules

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Treasure of the East

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Ingredients in Zhi Gan Cao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Zhi Gan Cao Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Gan Cao augments the Qi of the Middle Burner. Liquorice used here is pan fried with honey , thus it is more effective than the raw Liquorice in nourishing the Heart and restoring the heartbeat.
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Di Huang
Di Huang

Unprepared Rehmannia

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Sheng Di Huang sweet and cooling. It enriches and moistens so as to restore the Heart Yin and tonifies the Blood. Together with Zhi Gan Cao, it fills the vessels with Qi and Body Fluids, providing the basis for returning the pulse to its normal status.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Ren Shen strongly tonifies the Original Qi and thus all of the Organs. It also calms the Mind, which relieves the palpitations and anxiety, especially when combined with the chief ingredient. It assists the king ingredient Zhi Gan Cao in tonifying the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (the Post-Heaven Qi), which is the root of the Heart Qi and the source of Blood generation.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Gui Zhi unblocks the flow of Heart Qi. Its combination with Ren Shen strengthens this effect. This is an important aspect of the treatment of palpitations, and Gui Zhi is found in every formula devised by Zhang Zhong-Jing for treating this symptom.
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Mai Dong moistens Dryness in the Stomach and Lungs, which is thte Upper Burner. The combination of E Jiao, Huo Ma Ren and Mai Dong assists Sheng Di Huang in enriching the Yin, moistening Dryness, and coolingHeat from Yin Deficiency.
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E Jiao
E Jiao

Donkey-hide gelatin

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Solid glue prepared from the dried or fresh skin of donkeys
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
E Jiao effectively enriches the Yin, tonifies the Blood, and moistens Dryness. The combination of E Jiao, Huo Ma Ren and Mai Dong assists Sheng Di Huang in enriching the Yin, moistening Dryness, and coolingHeat from Yin Deficiency.
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Huo Ma Ren
Huo Ma Ren

Hemp seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Huo Ma Ren nourishes the Yin and moistens the Intestines, which is located at the Lower Burner. The combination of E Jiao, Huo Ma Ren and Mai Dong assists Sheng Di Huang in enriching the Yin, moistening Dryness, and coolingHeat from Yin Deficiency.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Sheng Jiang strengthens the Stomach and enable it to cope with the tonifying substances in the formula. In concert with Da Zao, it also regulates the relationship between the Protective and Nutritive Qi. This function plays an important part in restoring vitality to individuals suffering from consumption, as it enables their systems to revive without developing other problems.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Da Zao benefits the Spleen and nourishes the Heart. It assists the king ingredient Zhi Gan Cao in tonifying the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (the Post-Heaven Qi), which is the root of the Heart Qi and the source of Blood generation.
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Mi Jiu
Mi Jiu

Rice wine

Temperature Hot
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver
Parts Used Fermented rice
Role in Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Mi Jiu helping the assistant ingredients keep things moving. Although this condition is due to an underlying Deficiency, there is also an element of Stagnation due to both Cold and Dryness. Both must be treated if the condition is to be dealt with effectively.
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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

Zhi Gan Cao Tang is an ancient Chinese herbal formula developed by Zhang Zhong Jing around 220 AD.

This formula is known for its nourishing properties and is primarily used to address Deficiencies in Qi and Blood, digestive issues, and overall fatigue. In TCM, it is commonly utilized to restore and regulate the pulse, nourish the Heart, and calm the Stomach.

In modern practice, it is frequently recommended for conditions such as chronic gastritis, arrhythmias, palpitations, adrenal insufficiency, low blood pressure, and fatigue. It is also valued for its role in supporting overall heart health.

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 liver disease 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 tonify Qi and Blood

Main Actions

  • Augments the Qi
  • Nourishes Yin
  • Nourishes the Blood
  • Restores the pulse

Formula Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Formula Description

Zhi Gan Cao Tang is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Liquorice (Gan Cao) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi and Blood. Its main actions are: 1) augments the Qi and 2) nourishes Yin.

 

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 Zhi Gan Cao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lung Qi Deficiency or Qi and Blood Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as irregular heartbeats, sick sinus syndrome or atrial flutter for instance.