This formula is a modification of Suan Zao Ren Tang (Ziziphus Seed Formula), which was first recorded in the ‘Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet’ (jin gui yao lue fang lun) by Zhang Zhong-jing (circa 150 – 219 CE). This work is the earliest surviving record that details the diagnosis and treatment of miscellaneous diseases of internal medicine, as well as some surgical diseases and gynaecological disorders, according to the Eight Principles.

The original formula has been enhanced with the addition of Albizia flower (he huan hua), and Polygala root (yuan zhi), which are commonly used in the treatment of mental- emotional unrest. The formula was classified under treatments for ‘consumptive diseases’ (xu lao), which is a class of severe deficiency syndromes in which the Qi, Blood, Yin or Yang of the Zang-fu organs has become ‘consumed’, i.e. severely depleted.

These are typically chronic lingering conditions that do not manifest with any one predominating symptom. However, the modified version is specifically directed towards insomnia and mental unrest occurring in cases with Liver Blood deficiency and the various secondary imbalances that have arisen as a result of it: deficiency Heat, Yang hyperactivity, Liver Qi constraint and Heart Blood deficiency and Liver Yin deficiency.

In this way, the formula may have a powerful tranquilising action that is brought about by nourishing the Blood and Yin as well as clearing deficiency Heat. It may therefore be suitable for patients with insomnia, primarily due to Liver deficiency. The key signs are irritability, impatience and a wiry pulse.

The synergistic actions of the herbs are as follows:

 

• Ziziphus seed (suan zao ren), Albizia flower (he huan hua), Polygala root (yuan zhi): nourish the Liver and Heart, calm the Spirit
• Wolfiporia cocos (fu ling): tonifies the Spleen (and Stomach) Qi, calms the Spirit.
• Anemarrhena rhizome (zhi mu), Glycyrrhiza root (gan cao): clear deficiency Heat and soothe irritability, protect against the harsh and drying nature of Ligusticum (chuan xiong).
• Ligusticum rhizome (chuan xiong): regulates the Qi and Blood, soothes the Liver.
• Albizia flower (he huan hua): regulates the Qi and soothes the Liver, nourishes the Heart and calms the Spirit.
• Polygala root (yuan zhi): directs the actions of the formula to the Heart.
• Angelica root (dang gui), Paeonia root (bai shao): nourish the Heart and Liver Blood