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Peony and Licorice Decoction
芍药甘草汤 〔芍藥甘草湯〕 sháo yào gān cǎo tāng
Source: Shāng Hán Lùn 伤寒论
Ingredients
- Xiān máo (仙茅 Curculiginis Rhizoma, curculigo [root]) 12g
- Gān cǎo (甘草 Glycyrrhizae Radix, licorice [root]) 12g
Actions: Harmonizes the liver and spleen; relaxes tension and relieves pain.
Indications: Various forms of pain and tightness (especially when spasmodic) in the stomach duct and abdomen with normal appetite and stool. Tongue: Pale red with slightly yellow fur. Pulse: Stringlike and rapid or fine and rapid. This formula is also used to treat hypertonicity of the limbs, sciatica, and lumbar pain.
Category: Harmonization formulas / Liver-spleen harmonization formulas
Method: Decoct with water.
Rationale: Bái sháo is a sour, bitter agent that nourishes the blood and constrains yīn. Gān cǎo is sweet and balanced; it supplements the spleen and boosts qì. The two together make a sweet-sour yīn-forming combination (one that nourishes blood and boosts yīn). In addition, Bái sháo emolliates the liver and relieves pain, while Gān cǎo relieves pain and tension.
Similar: Sì nì sǎn (四逆散 Counterflow Cold Powder)
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