The Prescription of Zhi Gancao Tang
Name
Decoction of Prepared Licorice
Source
The book Shang Han Lun
Ingredients
- Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) 12 g,
- Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) 6 g,
- Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) 30 g,
- Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 9 g,
- E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini) 6 g,
- Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis) 10 g,
- Ma Ren (Frutus Cannabis) 10 g,
- Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) 10 g,
- Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) 5 dates.
Explanation
Zhi Gan Cao: The principal drug, being sweet in flavor and warm in nature, used in large dosage to replenish Qi, relieve spasm and nourish the heart.
Ren Shen and Da Zao: Invigorating Qi, strengthening the spleen, nourishing the heart.
Sheng Di, Mai Dong, Ma Ren and E Jiao: Enriching Yin-blood.
Gui Zhi and Sheng Jiang: Warming up Yang-Qi to promote the circulation of Qi and blood in the channels.
Effect
Replenishing Qi, nourishing blood, enriching Yin, restoring the circulation of blood.
Indications
Syndrome due to deficiency of both Qi and blood, marked by intermittent and knotted pulse, palpitation, or dry stools, light red tongue with little coating, dry cough without sputum or with blood-tinged sputum; including such diseases with the above symptoms as coronary heart disease, viral myocarditis, rheumatic heart disease and neurosism.
Contraindication
Because Zhi Gancao Tang is wet in nature, it can not be used to treat patients with interior heat due to Yin-deficiency.