HERB FORMULAS

BU GAN TANG - 補肝汤 - TONIFY THE LIVER DECOCTION

English: Tonify the Liver Decoction
Also Known As: Reinforce the Liver Decoction

HERBS AND ACTIONS

Pharmaceutical Latin
Pin Yin
Dosage
Actions
Rx. Angelicae Sinensis Dang Gui 9-12g Nourishes, invigorates and harmonizes the Blood.
With Bai Shao, regulates and harmonizes Blood.
With Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang and Chuan Xiong, for menstrual irregularity, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to Blood Deficiency or Stasis.
With Shu Di Huang, for Heat symptoms due to Yin Deficiency and Devastated Blood.
With Chuan Xiong, harmonizes, nourishes and invigorates the Blood and disperses Blood Stasis.
Rz. Chuanxiong Chuan Xiong 6-9g Invigorates the Blood and promotes Qi movement.
With Dang Gui, for Blood Deficiency causing menstrual problems.
Rx. Paeoniae Alba Bai Shao 9-15g Nourishes the Blood, regulates the menses, calms Liver Yang and preserves Yin.
With Zhi Gan Cao, for muscle spasms, especially in the calf, due to Blood Deficiency.
Rx. Rehmanniae Preparata Shu Di Huang 15-24g Nourishes Blood and nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin.
With Dang Gui and Bai Shao, for dizziness, insomnia, palpitations and menstrual dysfunction due to Blood Deficiency.
Sm. Zizyphi Spinosae Suan Zao Ren 6-9g Nourishes Heart Yin, augments Liver Blood, calms the Shen and astringes perspiration.
Fr. Chaenomelis Mu Gua 6-9g Increases Qi and Blood circulation, unblocks the channels and harmonizes the Stomach
With Dang Gui and Bai Shao, for muscle spasms due to Blood Deficiency.
Rx. Glycyrrhizae Preparata Zhi Gan Cao 3-6g Tonifies Qi, moderates spasms, alleviates pain and moderates and harmonizes the harsh properties of other herbs.
With Dang Gui, moderates spasms.

FORMULA ACTIONS

  • Tonifies and Regulates Blood
  • Nourishes Liver Yin

SYNDROMES

  • Liver Wind Stirring Internally: Liver Blood Deficiency Generates Wind
  • Liver Yin and Blood Deficiency

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tinnitus
  • Dry eyes
  • Photophobia
  • Blurred vision
  • Irritability
  • Numbness
  • Bad temper
  • Muscle twitches
  • Malar flush
  • Fatigue
  • T: Pale or Red and dry
  • C: Little
  • P: Thready and rapid or Thready wiry and rapid or Wiry

TREATS

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS
HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

NOTES

MODIFICATIONS

For a stronger Yin tonifying effect: For severe headache, dizziness and muscle cramps:
+ 12-15g Rx. Ophiopogonis Mai Men Dong
+ Concha Haliotidis Shi Jue Ming
For dry eyes, photophobia and decreased vision:
+ Flos Chrysanthemi Ju Hua
+ Fr. Lycii Gou Qi Zi + Ram. cum Uncis Uncariae Gou Teng
+ Fr. Ligustri Lucidi Nu Zhen Zi
For numbness in the limbs:
For irritability, a bad temper, dark urine and/or constipation:
+ Rx. Scutellariae Huang Qin
+ Fructus Luffae Retinervus Si Gua Luo + Rx. Gentianae Long Dan Cao
+ Rx. Scutellariae Huang Qin
    + Fr. Gardeniae Zhi Zi