The original formula consisted of three herbs, after which it was named, Gan = gan cao (Glycyrrhiza root), Mai = fu xiao mai (Triticum seed), Da Zao = da zao (Zyzyphus fruit), Tang = decoction. 

There has been considerable divergence of opinion over the centuries regarding whether the diagnosis of ‘restless organ’ referred all of the Zang organs. However, because the formula is effective for men as well as women and also because this variant of has been modified with the addition of five extra herbs, this issue need not be of concern: the modified formula has been specifically directed towards tonifying the Heart and stabilising the mind.

The synergistic actions of the herbs are as follows:

• Triticum seed (fu xiao mai), Ziziphus spinosa, seed (suan zao ren), Ziziphus jujuba, fruit (da zao), Glycyrrhiza uralensis, root (zhi gan cao): tonify the Heart Qi and calm the Spirit.
• Triticum seed (fu xiao mai), Ziziphus spinosa, seed (suan zao ren): nourish the Heart and Liver Blood to calm the Spirit.
• Ziziphus spinosa, seed (suan zao ren), Albizia julibrissin, stem bark (he huan pi): nourish the Heart Yin to calm the Spirit.
• Chrysanthemum flower (ju hua): subdues Yang hyperactivity to allay excitement.
• Albizia julibrissin, stem bark (he huan pi): regulates the Qi and soothes the Liver to calm the Spirit and alleviate the effects of pent up emotions.
• Polygala sibirica, root (yuan zhi): Acts as envoy to direct the action of the formula to the Heart and calm the Spirit, disseminate the Heart Qi and Yang to open up the mind and senses.