Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang  甘草瀉心湯
Licorice Drain the Epigastrium Decoction

Tradition:


TCM

Source / Author:


Discusion of Cold-induced Disorders (Shang Han Lun)

Herb Name

Zhi Gan Cao (Licorice) fried
Ban Xia (Pinellia)
Gan Jiang (Ginger)
Huang Qin (Scutellaria)
Huang Lian (Coptis)
Ren Shen (Ginseng)
Da Zao (Jujube)

Latin


Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Pinellia ternata
Zingiberis officinalis
Scutellaria baicalensis
Coptis chinensis
Panax ginseng
Zizyphus jujuba

Amount


9–12 grams


9 grams
3 grams
9 grams
4–6 pieces

Preparation:


Decoction. Traditionally, it was cooked from 10 cups down to 6 cups, then strained, and again boiled to reduce to 3 cups.
Jujube was originally used in a dose of 12 pieces, which again is reduced today.

Function:


Harmonizes the Stomach, Guides Qi downards, disperses obstructed Qi

Use:


Focal distention of the Epigastrium, fullness, diarrhea with borborygmus, greasy tongue coating and a wiry rapid pulse.
1. Acute Gastroenteritis
2. Chronic Gastritis
3. Chronic Hepatitis
4. Chronic Pancreatitis
5. Chronic Cholecystitis
6. Gastric Ulcers
7. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
8. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
9. Ulcerative Colitis
10. Cirrhosis (early stage)
11. Gastric Cancer
12. Esophageal Cancer

Dose:


The above decoction is divided into 3 equal doses to be taken over the course of a day.

Cautions:


None noted

Modifications:


1. Qi stagnation in the Intestines, add Costus
2. Abdominal pain and cramping, add Paeonia Bai Shao and Citrus Chen Pi
3. Unless the Qi is very weak, Codonopsis Dang Shen can replace Ginseng.

Similar Formulas:


Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

This is the same as Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, just with a greater proportion of Licorice.
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