CHINESE DATE, WHEAT & LIQUORICE
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

 

Zizyphus jujuba, Triticum acstivum & Glycyrrhiza uralensis

 

 

Da Zao sweet, slightly warm nourishes the Centre, invigorates qi,
nourishes Blood, calms shen, moderates drug properties
Xiao Mai sweet, slightly cold nourishes the Heart, calms shen

Gan Cao

sweet, neutral nourishes the Centre, invigorates qi, clears Heat, removes Toxin, removes Phlegm, relieves cough, relieves spasm and pain


Major therapeutic action
Nourishes the Heart, calms shen, harmonises the Centre, relieves spasm.

 Dosage
The typical proportion when added to a constitutional formula is 6:1 formula to addition (15 grams in 75- 90 grams of formula). If a stronger effect is desired more can be added. When used alone the dose is three grams twice daily.

Indications
o  Hysteria, depression, menopausal syndrome.
o  Cardiovascular diseases of deficient Heart-yin type.

Cautions and contraindications
Prolonged use of large dosage of Gan Cao may lead to oedema.
Gan Cao is contraindicated in patients with epigastric and abdominal fullness and distension caused by

Combinations
o  For insomnia, add Long Gu/Mu Li and Bai Zi Ren/Suan Zao Ren.
o  Can be added to Yu Ping Feng San for spontaneous sweating.
o  Can be added to Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan for insomnia of yin and Blood deficiency type.