Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pill), Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan (Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Pill), Long Dan Xie Gan Wan (Gentiana Liver-Clearing Pill)
The liver is a very important organ in our body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and has a regulating function that helps to harmonize the Qi throughout the body; it also governs emotions.
In modern society, the pressure from studies and work can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, resulting in a high incidence of liver Qi stagnation. Among patients, 80-90% experience liver Qi issues, and many diseases related to liver Qi stagnation exist, such as gastrointestinal disorders and insomnia. Many of these problems are caused by emotional disturbances, which TCM considers an important factor in disease causation.
Western medicine describes conditions like gastric ulcers, gastritis, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer as psychosomatic diseases. These physical ailments arise from prolonged emotional imbalance. To treat these conditions, it is essential to soothe the liver.
Let’s learn about three commonly used liver-soothing Chinese patent medicines, which have slightly different functions.
① Xiao Yao Wan: Soothes the liver and nourishes the blood, while also strengthening the spleen.
【Ingredients and Dosage】 Licorice (Gan Cao) lightly roasted, 4.5g; Angelica (Dang Gui) without stems, chopped and lightly fried, 9g; Poria (Fu Ling) peeled, white part, 9g; Peony (Bai Shao), 9g; Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), 9g; Bupleurum (Chai Hu) without stems, 9g.
【Effects】Soothes the liver, relieves depression, nourishes the blood, and strengthens the spleen.
【Indications】Liver Qi stagnation with blood deficiency and spleen weakness. Symptoms include pain in the flanks, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, fatigue, poor appetite, alternating chills and fever, irregular menstruation, breast distension, and a wiry and weak pulse.
【Formula Characteristics】This formula harmonizes the liver and spleen, primarily focusing on soothing the liver; it also considers both Qi and blood, emphasizing the regulation of Qi. This combination allows for the release of stagnant wood, restoring spleen function and nourishing blood.
This medicine is often used in gynecology because it contains Angelica, which can regulate and nourish the blood, making it effective for women with menstrual irregularities caused by liver Qi stagnation.
Note: If there is no heat, Xiao Yao Wan can be used; if there is some heat, then Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Pill) should be used.
② Chai Hu Shu Gan San: Primarily focuses on soothing the liver, with better effects for soothing liver pain. It is effective for patients with abdominal distension due to hepatitis, gastritis, or neuralgia, where the pain is evident. The main function here is to soothe the liver and relieve pain.
Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan
【Ingredients and Dosage】 Aged tangerine peel (Chen Pi) stir-fried with vinegar, 6g; Bupleurum (Chai Hu), 6g; Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), 4.5g; Cyperus (Xiang Fu), 4.5g; Bitter orange (Zhi Ke) stir-fried with bran, 4.5g; Peony (Bai Shao), 4.5g; Licorice (Gan Cao) roasted, 1.5g.
【Functions】Soothes the liver, relieves depression, promotes Qi flow, and alleviates pain.
【Indications】Liver Qi stagnation syndrome. Symptoms include pain in the flanks, chest tightness, emotional depression, irritability, belching, abdominal distension, and a wiry pulse.
【Formula Characteristics】This formula primarily uses a group of aromatic and pungent herbs to regulate liver Qi, supplemented with herbs that nourish blood, soften the liver, invigorate blood circulation, and harmonize the stomach. It effectively combines liver soothing with blood nourishing and Qi regulating, making it an excellent formula for relieving liver Qi stagnation and depression.
【Usage Notes】This formula is aromatic and pungent, not suitable for prolonged decoction; it can easily deplete Qi and injure Yin, and should not be taken for long periods; pregnant women should also use it with caution.
③ Long Dan Xie Gan Wan: Prolonged liver fire can lead to symptoms of liver and gallbladder damp-heat, such as a greasy tongue coating, yellow and red urine, and sticky stools. This condition is characterized by liver and gallbladder damp-heat. Long-term accumulation of liver fire combined with damp-heat results in liver and gallbladder damp-heat, so Long Dan Xie Gan Wan not only soothes the liver and regulates Qi but also clears liver fire and drains damp-heat.
Formula Characteristics:
Long Dan Cao: Drains excess liver fire and clears damp-heat from the lower jiao;
Huang Qin, Zhi Zi: Assist Long Dan Cao in clearing heat;
Ze Xie, Mu Tong, Che Qian Zi: Promote urination and drain damp-heat downward;
Dang Gui, Sheng Di: Nourish Yin and blood;
Chai Hu: Soothes the liver and relieves depression;
Gan Cao: Harmonizes and detoxifies, balancing the other herbs.
Summary: Xiao Yao Wan focuses on strengthening the spleen and soothing the liver, making it a good gynecological medicine; Chai Hu Shu Gan San effectively soothes the liver, regulates Qi, and alleviates pain, particularly for flank pain; Long Dan Xie Gan Wan is effective for treating liver fire and damp-heat, showing significant results.
This article is an excerpt from study notes, intended for health reference only. For any illness, please consult a qualified hospital.
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