Peony and Licorice Formula
Shao yao gan cao tang
Kan Traditionals
Nourishes the Blood, tonifies Yin, relieves stagnation.
- Herb: White peony root, Chinese licorice root and rhizome
- Herb (Pinyin): Bai shao, Gan cao
- Pattern: Liver Yin and Blood deficiency with Qi stagnation
- Actions: Nourish Liver Yin and Blood, Nourish Blood, Nourish Liver Blood, Regulate Liver Qi
- Indications: Occasional anxiety, depression, irritability, or agitation, Supports healthy gastrointestinal functions, Supports healthy joints and muscles, Occasional muscle spasm
- Contraindications: None.
- Tongue: Light red or pale, little coat.
- Pulse: Thready.
Peony and Licorice Formula is based on Peony and Licorice Decoction (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang), the classical formula for Liver Yin and Blood deficiency affecting the sinews. The Liver stores the Blood and distributes it to the sinews. When Blood is insufficient, the sinews lose their nourishment and become tight and constrained. The formula also addresses Liver-Spleen disharmony in which an undernourished, deficient Liver becomes constrained and overacts on the Spleen.
Either mechanism can produce Wind-like signs: occasional cramping, muscle twitching or spasm. Slight occasional chills may also appear. In the classical context, these reflect weakened Yang reacting to injury of the Yin.
Formula Composition
The formula uses just two herbs. White peony root (Bai Shao) nourishes Blood, augments Yin and softens the Liver, addressing the root of the pattern. It also enters the Spleen. Liver Qi tends to rebel horizontally and overwhelm the Spleen, and White peony restrains that overacting Liver. Chinese licorice root and rhizome (Gan Cao) augments Middle Burner Qi, particularly Spleen Qi, and relaxes occasional spasms, especially in the legs and abdomen.
The pairing is a textbook example of sour and sweet combining to generate Yin. Together the two herbs soften the Liver, relieve occasional muscle spasm, generate fluids, nourish the sinews and restore the interdependent relationship between Liver and Spleen.
Clinical Use
Because it is so simple, Peony and Licorice Formula combines readily with other formulas, adding Liver Yin and Blood support and an antispasmodic focus.
Origins and Development
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang is recorded in Discussion of Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun) by Zhang Zhong-Jing, c. 220 C.E.