The liver’s ability to regulate is an important condition for the body to perform various physiological functions normally.

When the liver’s regulatory function is abnormal, it can lead to Qi stagnation, known as Liver Qi Stagnation Syndrome (肝郁气滞证, Gan Yu Qi Zhi Zheng). This syndrome has various manifestations, such as emotional depression, distension and pain in the chest and flanks or lower abdomen, irritability, frequent sighing, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, goiter in the neck, and lumps under the ribs.

In women, Liver Qi Stagnation can also lead to breast distension and pain, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, a thin white tongue coating, and a wiry pulse. This syndrome is often caused by factors such as emotional distress, unfulfilled desires, excessive worry, sudden mental stress, repeated anger over certain issues, or invasion by pathogenic factors, which obstruct the liver meridian, leading to poor circulation and loss of the liver’s ability to regulate.

Liver Qi stagnation can trigger various diseases, such as stomach pain, bloating, hiccups, abdominal pain, and constipation. The treatment principle for these diseases is to soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, and regulate Qi. Therefore, there are instances where a single herbal formula can treat multiple diseases. For example, the Shugan Hewei Wan (舒肝和胃丸, Soothe Liver and Harmonize Stomach Pill) can soothe the liver and relieve stagnation and stop stomach pain. It is used for disharmony between the liver and stomach, distension in both flanks, stomach pain, loss of appetite, hiccups and vomiting, and irregular bowel movements. Below, we will look in detail at the symptoms, causes, treatment methods, and commonly used TCM formulas for the six diseases caused by Liver Qi stagnation.

1. Liver Qi Stagnation Type Depression

[Etiology and Pathogenesis]: Unresolved anger and frustration, inability to express emotions, leading to stagnation of liver Qi and resulting in mental depression and emotional instability.

[Main Symptoms]: Mental depression, emotional instability, distension and pain in the flanks, pain in an undefined location, abdominal distension and discomfort, loss of appetite, frequent sighing, irregular bowel movements, irregular menstruation in women, pale red tongue, thin greasy coating, wiry pulse.

[Treatment Principles]: Soothe the liver, regulate Qi, calm the mind, and relieve depression.

[Formula Application]: The main formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散, Bupleurum Soothe the Liver Powder) with modifications.

[Examples of TCM Formulas]

① Jie Yu An Granules (解郁安颗粒)

[Main Ingredients]: Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Da Zao (Jujube), Shi Chang Pu (Acorus), Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia), Chao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Fu Xiao Mai (Wheat), Zhi Yuan Zhi (Polygala), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Chao Zhi Zi (Fried Gardenia), Bai He (Lily), Dan Nan Xing (Arisaema), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Long Chi (Dragon’s Tooth), Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Ziziphus), Fu Ling (Poria), Dang Gui (Angelica).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, and calm the mind. Used for emotional discomfort, Liver Qi stagnation, and mental stress leading to irritability, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, and menopausal syndrome.

[Dosage]: Dissolve in hot water. One bag per dose, twice a day.

② Xiao Yao Wan (逍遥丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Da Zao (Jujube), Shi Chang Pu (Acorus), Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia), Chao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Fu Xiao Mai (Wheat), Zhi Yuan Zhi (Polygala), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Chao Zhi Zi (Fried Gardenia), Bai He (Lily), Dan Nan Xing (Arisaema), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Long Chi (Dragon’s Tooth), Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Ziziphus), Fu Ling (Poria), Dang Gui (Angelica).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, and calm the mind. Used for emotional discomfort, Liver Qi stagnation, and mental stress leading to irritability, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, and menopausal syndrome.

[Dosage]: Dissolve in hot water. One bag per dose, twice a day.

③ Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (加味逍遥丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Dang Gui (Angelica), Bai Shao (White Peony), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Bo He (Mint).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, clear heat, strengthen the spleen, and nourish the blood. Used for Liver Qi stagnation with blood deficiency, disharmony between the liver and spleen, distension and pain in the flanks, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, irregular menstruation, and abdominal pain.

[Dosage]: Oral administration. One bag (6 grams) per dose, twice a day.

④ Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Wan (丹栀逍遥丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), Zhi Zi (Fried Gardenia), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Bai Shao (White Peony), Dang Gui (Angelica), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Bo He (Mint), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, clear heat, and regulate menstruation. Used for Liver Qi stagnation transforming into fire, distension and pain in the chest and flanks, irritability, red cheeks, dry mouth, loss of appetite, or tidal fever, as well as women’s early menstruation and menstrual obstruction, breast and lower abdominal distension and pain.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 6-9 grams per dose, twice a day.

⑤ Jie Yu Wan (解郁丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Bai Shao (White Peony), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Dang Gui (Angelica), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai He (Lily), He Huan Pi (Mimosa), Gan Cao (Licorice), Xiao Mai (Wheat), Da Zao (Jujube).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, and nourish the heart. Used for Liver Qi stagnation and mental unrest leading to distension in the chest and flanks, discomfort, irritability, insomnia, and vivid dreams.

[Dosage]: Oral administration. 4 grams per dose, three times a day.

2. Liver Qi Stagnation Type Stomach Pain, Flank Pain, Abdominal Pain

[Etiology and Pathogenesis]: Due to the failure of liver Qi to regulate, it invades the spleen and stomach, leading to disharmony between the liver and stomach or liver and spleen, causing Qi and blood stagnation and resulting in stomach pain.

[Main Symptoms]: Stomach pain, radiating to both flanks, abdominal pain, distension and discomfort, pain in an undefined location, exacerbated by emotional distress, frequent sighing, loss of appetite, poor sleep. Thin white tongue coating, wiry pulse.

[Treatment Principles]: Soothe the liver, harmonize the stomach, regulate Qi, and relieve pain.

[Formula Application]: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散, Bupleurum Soothe the Liver Powder) with modifications.

[Examples of TCM Formulas]

① Qi Zhi Wei Tong Granules (气滞胃痛颗粒)

[Main Ingredients]: Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Vinegar-processed Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange), Vinegar-processed Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, regulate Qi, and harmonize the stomach to relieve pain. Used for Liver Qi stagnation, chest distension, and stomach pain.

[Dosage]: Dissolve in hot water, 5 grams per dose, three times a day.

② Shu Gan He Wei Wan (舒肝和胃丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Xiang Fu (Cyperus, vinegar-processed), Bai Shao (White Peony), Fo Shou (Buddha’s Hand), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes, fried), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Guang Huo Xiang (Patchouli), Bing Lang (Areca Nut, fried), Wu Yao (Lindera), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, and harmonize the stomach to relieve pain. Used for disharmony between the liver and stomach, distension in both flanks, stomach pain, loss of appetite, hiccups, vomiting, and irregular bowel movements.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 45 pills (9 grams) per dose, twice a day.

③ Chen Xiang Hua Qi Wan (沉香化气丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Chen Xiang (Agarwood), Guang Huo Xiang (Patchouli), E Zhu (Curcuma, vinegar-processed), Liu Shen Qu (Fermented Barley, fried), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Xiang Fu (Cyperus, vinegar-processed), Sha Ren (Amomum), Mai Ya (Barley), Gan Cao (Licorice).

[Function and Indications]: Regulate Qi, soothe the liver, and harmonize the stomach. Used for Liver and stomach Qi stagnation, abdominal distension and pain, chest fullness, loss of appetite, and acid reflux.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 3-6 grams (1/2 bag – 1 bag) per dose, twice a day.

④ Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan (柴胡舒肝丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Bai Shao (White Peony), Bing Lang (Areca Nut), Bo He (Mint), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Dang Gui (Angelica), Dou Kou (Cardamom), E Zhu (Curcuma), Fang Feng (Siler), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Liu Shen Qu (Fermented Barley), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel), San Leng (Sparganium), Shan Zha (Hawthorn), Wu Yao (Lindera), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange), Zi Su Geng (Perilla Stem).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, regulate Qi, relieve distension and pain. Used for Liver Qi stagnation, chest and flank fullness, food stagnation, and vomiting of sour fluid.

[Dosage]: One pill per dose, twice a day.

⑤ Kai Yu Shu Gan Wan (开郁舒肝丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Xiang Fu (Cyperus, vinegar-processed), E Zhu (Curcuma, vinegar-processed), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Bing Lang (Areca Nut), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel, vinegar-processed), Wu Yao (Lindera), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange, fried), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis, vinegar-processed) and 17 other ingredients.

[Function and Indications]: Open stagnation, soothe the liver, and relieve pain. Used for chest and flank fullness, abdominal pain, and acid reflux caused by Liver Qi stagnation.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 8 grams per dose, 2-3 times a day.

⑥ Shu Gan Wan (舒肝丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan Fruit), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis, vinegar-processed), Bai Shao (White Peony, fried), Pian Jiang Huang (Turmeric), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Chen Xiang (Agarwood), Dou Kou (Cardamom), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, vinegar-processed), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange, fried), Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) and 13 other ingredients.

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, harmonize the stomach, and relieve pain. Used for Liver Qi stagnation, chest and flank fullness, stomach pain, vomiting, and acid reflux.

[Dosage]: Oral administration. 4 grams (20 pills) per dose, 2-3 times a day.

3. Liver Qi Stagnation Type Bloating

[Etiology and Pathogenesis]: Emotional disharmony, Qi disturbance, excessive worry harms the spleen, and excessive anger harms the liver, leading to stagnation of liver and spleen Qi, affecting the stomach’s ability to descend and ascend, resulting in bloating.

[Main Symptoms]: Abdominal distension and discomfort, radiating to both flanks, relief with belching, irritability, frequent sighing, often exacerbated by emotional factors, thin white tongue coating, wiry pulse.

[Treatment Principles]: Soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, regulate Qi, and eliminate dampness.

[Formula Application]: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散, Bupleurum Soothe the Liver Powder) or Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (半夏厚朴汤, Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction) with modifications.

[Examples of TCM Formulas]:

① Zhi Shu Kuan Zhong Capsules (枳术宽中胶囊)

[Main Ingredients]: Bai Zhu (Atractylodes, fried), Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Shan Zha (Hawthorn).

[Function and Indications]: Strengthen the spleen, harmonize the stomach, regulate Qi, and relieve bloating. Used for stomach bloating (spleen deficiency and Qi stagnation), symptoms include vomiting, reflux, loss of appetite, and functional dyspepsia.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 3 capsules per dose, three times a day, for a course of 2 weeks.

② Shen Qu Xiao Shi Oral Liquid (神曲消食口服液)

[Main Ingredients]: Jiao Shen Qu (Fermented Barley), Jiao Shan Zha (Fermented Hawthorn), Jiao Mai Ya (Fermented Barley), Bai Shao (White Peony), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Fu Ling (Poria), Chao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Sha Ren (Amomum), Vinegar-processed Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice).

[Function and Indications]: Promote digestion, strengthen the spleen, and regulate Qi. Used for improper feeding or irregular eating leading to children’s spleen and stomach weakness, with symptoms of loss of appetite, reduced food intake, etc.

[Dosage]: Oral administration. Take half an hour after meals, for ages 1-4, 5ml per dose, three times a day; for ages 5-14, 10ml per dose, three times a day. Course of treatment is 2 weeks.

③ Wei Su Granules (胃苏颗粒)

[Main Ingredients]: Zi Su Geng (Perilla Stem), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Xiang Yuan (Citron), Fo Shou (Buddha’s Hand), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange), Bing Lang (Areca Nut), Ji Nei Jin (Chicken Intestine, processed).

[Function and Indications]: Regulate Qi, relieve bloating, and harmonize the stomach to relieve pain. Used for Qi stagnation type stomach pain, symptoms include stomach bloating, radiating to both flanks, relief with belching or flatulence, worsened by emotional distress, chest fullness, reduced appetite, and constipation.

[Dosage]: Dissolve in an appropriate amount of hot water, stir until fully dissolved. If left for a long time, a small amount of sediment may form; shake well before use. One bag per dose, three times a day. A course of treatment is 15 days.

④ Jian Wei Xiao Yan Granules (健胃消炎颗粒)

[Main Ingredients]: Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes, fried), Bai Ji (Bletilla), Bai Shao (White Peony), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Chi Shao (Red Peony), Dan Shen (Salvia), Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan Fruit), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Wu Mei (Mume), Qing Dai (Indigo).

[Function and Indications]: Strengthen the spleen, harmonize the stomach, and regulate Qi to invigorate blood. Used for upper abdominal pain, bloating, and poor appetite due to disharmony between the spleen and stomach, as well as chronic gastritis with the above symptoms.

[Dosage]: Take before meals, dissolve in hot water, 20 grams per dose, three times a day.

⑤ Yue Ju Wan (越鞠丸) and Bao He Wan (保和丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Zhi Zi (Fried Gardenia), Liu Shen Qu (Fermented Barley), Vinegar-processed Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Bing Lang (Areca Nut).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, and promote appetite and digestion. Used for stomach pain caused by Qi and food stagnation, symptoms include abdominal bloating, fullness, reduced appetite, and constipation; also for indigestion with the above symptoms.

[Dosage]: Oral administration. 6 grams per dose, 1-2 times a day.

4. Liver Qi Stagnation Type Hiccups

[Etiology and Pathogenesis]: Liver Qi stagnation leads to failure in regulation, causing liver Qi to rebel against the stomach, resulting in hiccups.

[Main Symptoms]: Frequent hiccups, distension in the chest and flanks, possible bowel sounds and flatulence, difficulty breathing, nausea, abdominal fullness, loss of appetite, thin greasy tongue coating, wiry and slippery pulse.

[Treatment Principles]: Regulate Qi, transform phlegm, and stop hiccups.

[Formula Application]: The main formula is Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang (旋覆代赭汤, Inula and Hematite Decoction) with modifications.

[Examples of TCM Formulas]

① Chen Xiang Shu Qi Wan (沉香舒气丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Sha Ren (Amomum), Chen Xiang (Agarwood), Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel, vinegar-processed), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, vinegar-processed), Xiang Fu (Cyperus, vinegar-processed), Wu Yao (Lindera), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange, fried), Cao Guo (Tsaoko), Dou Kou (Cardamom), Pian Jiang Huang (Turmeric), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis, vinegar-processed), Wu Ling Zhi (Flying Squirrel Feces, vinegar-processed), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Shan Zha (Hawthorn, fried), Bing Lang (Areca Nut), Gan Cao (Licorice).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe Qi, transform stagnation, and harmonize the stomach to relieve pain. Used for Liver Qi stagnation and disharmony between the liver and stomach leading to abdominal distension and pain, irritability, nausea, hiccups, and loss of appetite.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 2 pills per dose, 2-3 times a day.

② Shuang Jin Wei Chang Capsules (双金胃肠胶囊)

[Main Ingredients]: Hai Piao Xiao (Sea Cucumber, fried), Bai Ji (Bletilla), Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan Fruit, vinegar-processed), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis, vinegar-processed), Huang Lian (Coptis), Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia), Xiang Fu (Cyperus, vinegar-processed), Gan Song (Gansong), Yu Jin (Curcuma, vinegar-processed), E Zhu (Curcuma), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia, fried).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe the liver and harmonize the stomach, control acid and relieve pain. Used for stomach and duodenal ulcers with Liver Qi stagnation and blood stasis, symptoms include stomach pain, fullness, distension, flank pain, hiccups, acid reflux, and loss of appetite.

[Dosage]: Take with warm water after meals, 4 capsules per dose, three times a day.

③ Kuan Xiong Shu Qi Hua Zhi Wan (宽胸舒气化滞丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Shui Niu Jiao (Water Buffalo Horn), Hu Po (Amber), Niu Huang (Cattle Gallstone), She Xiang (Musk), Dai Zhu (Tortoise Shell), An Xiang (Benzoin), Bing Pian (Borneol), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Zhu Sha (Cinnabar).

[Function and Indications]: Soothe Qi, relieve fullness, and transform stagnation. Used for disharmony between the liver and stomach, Qi stagnation leading to distension in the flanks, hiccups, abdominal pain, and constipation.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 1-2 pills per dose, twice a day.

5. Liver Qi Stagnation Type Constipation and Accumulation

[Etiology and Pathogenesis]: Emotional disharmony leads to Liver Qi stagnation, which fails to regulate, resulting in impaired transmission and causing constipation.

[Main Symptoms]: Dry and hard stools, difficulty in defecation, abdominal distension and gas accumulation, soft lumps, intermittent pain, accompanied by fullness in the chest and flanks, belching, hiccups, loss of appetite, bowel sounds, and flatulence, difficulty in bowel movements, thin white or yellow tongue coating, wiry pulse.

[Treatment Principles]: Regulate Qi, guide stagnation, and relieve constipation.

[Formula Application]: The main formula is Liu Mo Tang (六磨汤, Six Milled Decoction) with modifications.

[Examples of TCM Formulas]

① Bing Lang Si Xiao Wan (槟榔四消丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Bing Lang (Areca Nut), Jiu Da Huang (Rhubarb, vinegar-processed), Chao Qian Niu Zi (Fried Cowherb Seed), Zhu Ya Zao (Fried Soapberry), Vinegar-processed Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Wu Ling Zhi (Flying Squirrel Feces, vinegar-processed).

[Function and Indications]: Promote digestion, guide stagnation, and relieve constipation. Used for food accumulation and phlegm, digestive disorders, abdominal distension, belching, and constipation.

[Dosage]: Oral administration. 6 grams (1 bag) per dose, twice a day.

② Dang Gui Long Hui Wan (当归龙荟丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Dang Gui (Angelica), Aloe, Da Huang (Rhubarb), Long Dan Cao (Gentian), Huang Lian (Coptis), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Zhi Zi (Fried Gardenia), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Qing Dai (Indigo).

[Function and Indications]: Clear the liver, brighten the eyes, purge fire, and relieve constipation. Used for liver and gallbladder heat, deafness, tinnitus, internal sores, gastrointestinal damp-heat, dizziness, toothache, red and swollen eyes, and constipation.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 4 pills per dose, twice a day.

③ Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan (木香顺气丸)

[Main Ingredients]: Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Sha Ren (Amomum), Xiang Fu (Cyperus, vinegar-processed), Bing Lang (Areca Nut), Gan Cao (Licorice), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, processed), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange, fried), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes, fried), Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel, fried), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger).

[Function and Indications]: Regulate Qi, transform dampness, and strengthen the spleen and stomach. Used for damp obstruction, disharmony between the spleen and stomach, leading to chest and abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite.

[Dosage]: Oral administration. 6-9 grams per dose, 2-3 times a day.

6. Liver Qi Stagnation Type Goiter

In modern medicine, conditions such as simple goiter, hyperthyroidism, thyroid tumors, thyroiditis, and breast diseases that exhibit signs of Liver Qi stagnation can be treated according to this syndrome.

[Etiology and Pathogenesis]: Long-term anger and frustration, inability to express emotions, leading to stagnation of Qi in the heart and liver, causing the liver wood to fail to reach its natural flow, resulting in Qi stagnation forming a goiter, or phlegm accumulation blocking the Qi, leading to goiter formation.

[Main Symptoms]: Swelling and lumps on both sides of the neck, soft and painless, a sensation of swelling in the neck, chest tightness, frequent sighing, or pain radiating to the flanks, with symptoms fluctuating with emotional states, thin white tongue coating, wiry pulse.

[Treatment Principles]: Soothe the liver, regulate Qi, transform phlegm, and reduce goiter.

[Formula Application]: The main formula is Si Hai Shu Yu Wan (四海舒郁丸, Four Seas Soothe Stagnation Pill) with modifications.

[Examples of TCM Formulas]

① Xia Ku Cao Oral Liquid (夏枯草口服液)

[Main Ingredients]: Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal Herb).

[Function and Indications]: Clear heat, brighten the eyes, disperse lumps, and reduce swelling. Used for headaches, dizziness, scrofula, goiter, breast abscess, thyroid enlargement, lymph node tuberculosis, breast hyperplasia, and hypertension.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 10ml per dose, twice a day.

② Xia Ku Cao Paste (夏枯草膏)

[Main Ingredients]: Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal Herb). Auxiliary ingredient is honey.

[Function and Indications]: Clear heat, disperse lumps, and reduce swelling. Used for heat accumulation causing headaches, dizziness, scrofula, goiter, breast abscess, thyroid enlargement, lymph node tuberculosis, and breast hyperplasia with the above symptoms.

[Dosage]: Oral administration, 9 grams per dose, twice a day.

③ Xia Ku Cao Granules (夏枯草颗粒)

[Main Ingredients]: Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal Herb).

[Function and Indications]: Clear heat, brighten the eyes, disperse lumps, and reduce swelling. Used for headaches, dizziness, scrofula, goiter, breast abscess, thyroid enlargement, lymph node tuberculosis, breast hyperplasia, and hypertension.

[Dosage]: Dissolve in hot water, 1 bag (2g) per dose, twice a day.

Warm Reminder

The formulas and herbs mentioned in this article are intended to provide a more intuitive understanding of the issues and to offer references for colleagues and patients, allowing you to better appreciate the charm of TCM. This does not mean recommending the use of the above herbal formulas, nor does it encourage self-purchase and consumption.