Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
柴胡疏肝散 · Chái Hú Shū Gān Sǎn
A focused Qi-regulating formula for Liver Qi stagnation with pain (especially hypochondriac or epigastric). Stronger moving action than Xiao Yao San and without significant Blood or Spleen tonification.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Regulating Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Stagnation
- Primary Function
- Course Liver Qi, regulate Qi, stop pain
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Course the Liver, regulate Qi and relieve pain
- Classical Source
- Jing Yue Quan Shu (Complete Works of Jingyue, Ming dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A focused Qi-regulating formula for Liver Qi stagnation with pain (especially hypochondriac or epigastric). Stronger moving action than Xiao Yao San and without significant Blood or Spleen tonification.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for pure Liver Qi stagnation where pain is the leading complaint — hypochondriac distension and epigastric discomfort — moving Qi more forcefully than Xiao Yao San and Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, which are better suited to longer-standing patterns complicated by Blood deficiency and Spleen weakness.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Si Ni San | Xiao Yao San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Course Liver Qi, regulate Qi, stop pain | Course Liver Qi, resolve constraint, harmonize | Course Liver Qi, tonify Spleen, nourish Blood | Invigorate Blood, dispel stasis, move Qi | Course Liver Qi, clear Heat, tonify Spleen and Blood |
| Formula Category | Qi-Regulating Formulas | Harmonising Formulas | Harmonising Formulas | Blood-Invigorating Formulas | Harmonising Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Qi Stagnation | Qi Stagnation | Qi Stagnation | Blood Stasis | Qi Stagnation |
| Main Conditions | Hypochondriac Distension ·Bloating ·Emotional Depression ·Chest Tightness | Cold Limbs ·Hypochondriac Distension ·Bloating ·Emotional Depression | Hypochondriac Distension ·Emotional Depression ·Poor Appetite ·Irregular Menstruation | Chest Tightness ·Headache ·Hypochondriac Distension ·Emotional Depression | Hypochondriac Distension ·Anxiety Restlessness ·Irregular Menstruation ·Emotional Depression |
| Main Herbs | Bupleurum Root ·Cyperus Rhizome ·Chuanxiong Rhizome ·Bitter Orange ·White Peony Root | Bupleurum Root ·Immature Bitter Orange ·White Peony Root ·Honey-fried Licorice | Bupleurum Root ·Chinese Angelica Root ·White Peony Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen | Peach Kernel ·Safflower ·Chinese Angelica Root ·Raw Rehmannia Root ·Chuanxiong Rhizome | Bupleurum Root ·Chinese Angelica Root ·White Peony Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen |
| Classical Source | Jing Yue Quan Shu (Complete Works of Jingyue, Ming dynasty) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) | Yi Lin Gai Cuo (Corrections of Errors in Medical Classics, Wang Qingren, Qing dynasty) | Nei Ke Zhai Yao (Summary of Internal Medicine, Ming dynasty) / also known as Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San |
Clinical Perspective
Chai Hu Shu Gan San is preferred for pure Qi stagnation with marked pain. Xiao Yao San and Jia Wei Xiao Yao San address constraint together with Blood deficiency and Spleen weakness, and are better for longer-term or deficient patients.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Chai Hu Shu Gan San: Classic TCM Formula for Liver Qi Stagnation & Rib-Side Pain
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Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.