Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang: A TCM Formula for Harmonizing Shaoyang, Clearing Heat, and Calming the Mind
Hongji Medical- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang is a traditional Chinese medicine formula from Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (Shang Han Za Bing Lun), renowned for its effectiveness in treating various conditions. This article introduces its composition, effects, indications, and modern applications to help readers better understand this classic herbal remedy.
Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang Formula Composition
Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang has two versions: one with Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and one without. This article focuses on the version including Huang Qin.
The formula consists of Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Huang Qin, Ren Shen (Ginseng), Ban Xia (Pinellia), Sheng Jiang (Ginger), Da Zao (Jujube), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Fu Ling (Poria), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Long Gu (Dragon Bone), Mu Li (Oyster Shell), and Qian Dan (Lead Oxide).
Formula Analysis
The formula is based on Xiao Chai Hu Tang, used for Shaoyang syndrome with symptoms like alternating chills and fever, chest fullness, irritability, nausea, and poor appetite. When these progress to include chest tightness, restlessness, anxiety, urinary difficulty, or delirium, Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang is indicated.
The ingredients work together as follows:
Chai Hu and Huang Qin: Harmonize Shaoyang and clear heat and toxins.
Ren Shen and Da Zao: Tonify the middle, boost qi, and support the body’s vitality.
Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang: Settle rebellious qi, stop nausea, resolve phlegm, and relieve cough.
Gui Zhi and Fu Ling: Promote yang qi flow, transform qi, and drain water.
Da Huang: Purges heat and promotes bowel movements to clear internal heat.
Long Gu, Mu Li, and Qian Dan: Calm the mind and stabilize emotions.
Modifications
The formula can be adjusted based on symptoms:
Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis: Add Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Hong Hua (Safflower), Chi Shao (Red Peony), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), and Xiang Fu (Cyperus).
Liver Fire Excess: Remove Ren Shen, Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang, and Da Zao; add Long Dan Cao (Gentiana), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Che Qian Zi (Plantain Seed), Ze Xie (Alisma), Mu Tong (Akebia), and Sheng Di (Rehmannia).
Mania or Delirium: Remove Gui Zhi and Da Huang; add Huang Lian (Coptis), E Jiao (Donkey-Hide Gelatin), Ji Zi Huang (Egg Yolk), Shao Yao (Peony), Bai He (Lily Bulb), and Sheng Di.
Efficacy and Indications of Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
The primary effects of Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang are harmonizing Shaoyang, promoting yang qi to clear heat, and calming the mind. It is widely used for mental, cardiac, neurological, and other modern conditions.
The formula’s main actions are:
Harmonizing Shaoyang: Balances internal energy to clear Shaoyang pathogens.
Clearing Heat: Removes internal heat to reduce inflammation.
Calming the Mind: Stabilizes emotions and relieves anxiety.
It treats a wide range of conditions, including:
Mental Disorders
Schizophrenia: Improves hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking by harmonizing Shaoyang and calming the mind.
Panic Disorder: Reduces excessive fear and anxiety through heat-clearing and calming effects.
Cardiac Disorders
Cardiomegaly: Improves heart function and reduces heart muscle thickening.
Valvular Heart Disease: Enhances heart valve function by harmonizing Shaoyang and calming the mind.
Hypertension: Lowers blood pressure through heat-clearing and calming effects.
Atherosclerosis: Improves arterial health and reduces vessel wall thickening.
Neurological Disorders
Neurogenic Palpitations: Relieves rapid or irregular heartbeats caused by nervous system issues.
Epilepsy: Reduces seizures by harmonizing Shaoyang and calming the mind.
Other Modern Conditions
Hyperlipidemia: Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Diabetes: Improves blood sugar control and alleviates symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism: Relieves palpitations, anxiety, and weight loss through heat-clearing and calming effects.
Chronic Hepatitis: Improves liver health by harmonizing Shaoyang.
Modern Applications of Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
In modern Chinese medicine clinics, Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang is frequently used for conditions related to mental and emotional health, including:
Schizophrenia, epilepsy, panic disorder, insomnia, and neurosis.
Arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, and muscle spasms.
Diabetes, hypertension, and ear-related vertigo.
Post-concussion syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and angina.
Sleepwalking, obesity, and bronchial asthma.
Chronic cholecystitis, biliary dysfunction, and nephritis.
Frozen shoulder, eczema, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Precautions
Qian Dan (Lead Oxide) is toxic and typically omitted in modern formulas, yet the formula retains strong efficacy. Ingredients like Long Gu and Mu Li continue to provide calming effects.
Conclusion
Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is highly effective for harmonizing Shaoyang, clearing heat, and calming the mind. It is widely used in modern clinics for mental, emotional, and related conditions. Although Qian Dan is excluded due to toxicity, the remaining ingredients maintain significant therapeutic effects. This article aims to help readers understand and apply Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang effectively.
