Xiaoyao San plus Danzhi, known as Danzhi Xiaoyao San

Xiaoyao San plus Danzhi, known as Danzhi Xiaoyao San

Three qian of bupleurum, four qian of angelica root, three qian of white peony, three qian of white atractylodes, three qian of cloud fungus, half a qian of licorice, one qian of mint, three qian of ginger, three qian of peony bark, and two qian of gardenia.

This formula treats liver-related blood deficiency and excessive fire, leading to depression and unhappiness. The formula uses white atractylodes and cloud fungus to support earth energy and boost wood energy, angelica root and white peony to nourish the liver and enrich the blood, mint to relieve heat, licorice to moderate the middle, bupleurum and ginger to stimulate, and wood energy to allow the liver to express its natural tendencies, hence the name “Xiaoyao.” If the fire is too intense and the blood is imbalanced, add peony bark and gardenia to cleanse the pericardium. The pericardium governs fire and is the child of the liver and the mother of the blood, so treating the blood in the pericardium is equivalent to treating the blood in the liver, and draining the fire in the pericardium is equivalent to draining the fire in the liver, because the pericardium and the liver share the same energy.

[Note] The formula comes from "Jufang." It is mainly used to treat liver-related blood deficiency and excessive fire.