Xiao Yao San, 2oz

Within this formula, Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) courses the liver and resolves depression. The combination of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) and Bai Shao (Radix Alba Paeoniae) nourishes the blood and emolliates the liver. Because Dang Gui is somewhat aromatic, it moves the qi, but because it is sweet, it also relaxes tension, urgency, or cramping. Therefore, it is an essential medicinal for treating liver depression with blood vacuity. Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) and Fu Ling (Poria) fortify the spleen and eliminate dampness, thus promoting movement and transformation and, ultimately, the source of engenderment of the qi and blood. Bai Zhu aromatically dries dampness, while Fu Ling blandly seeps it. Mixfried Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) boosts the qi and supplements the center as well as relaxes the livers tension. It is the assistant medicinal in this formula. The two envoys or guides in this formula are Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis) and Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalycis). Sheng Jiang harmonizes the center and eliminates dampness. Bo He, when used in small amounts, assists Chai Hus scattering and resolution of liver depression. This formula comes from the Song Dynasty Tai Ping Hui Men He Hi Ju Fang (Tai Ping Imperical Grace Formulary).