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
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
枳殼Zhi Ke6g
Bitter Orange- moves qi in the middle jiao and relieves distension
白芍Bai Shao9g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood
- softens the liver and relieves spasmodic pain
陳皮Chen Pi6g
Tangerine Peel- regulates middle qi
- dries dampness and directs counterflow downward
Classical Composition
- Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) 6g
- Fructus Aurantii (Zhi Ke) 6g
- Rhizoma Cyperi (Xiang Fu) 6g
- Rhizoma Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) 6g
- Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) 9g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 3g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Courses the liver
- moves qi
- invigorates blood and relieves pain.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for constrained liver qi with blood stasis in the chest and flanks.
- Signs and symptoms include rib-side and chest distending pain, belching, depression or irritability, and a wiry pulse.
- Pain often fluctuates with the emotions.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by constrained qi that fails to course freely through the liver and middle jiao.
- Stagnation produces distension that moves with the emotions, rib-side tightness, belching or irregular menstruation.
- Constrained liver qi with blood stasis in the chest and flanks produces moving distending pain; the formula courses qi more strongly than Xiao Yao San and does not emphasise blood nourishment.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to course the liver, move qi, and resolve constraint.
- In this formula the emphasis is to course the Liver, regulate Qi and relieve pain.
How does this formula compare?
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.
Clinical Differentiation
- Chai Hu Shu Gan San is used for constrained liver qi with more moving, distending pain than Xiao Yao San addresses.
- It courses qi more strongly and does not emphasise blood nourishment or spleen support.
- It is distinguished from Yue Ju Wan, which treats mixed constraint of several pathogens rather than liver qi alone.
Tongue & pulseThe pattern is rib-side or chest pain that fluctuates with emotion, and a wiry pulse.
Safety notes: This formula courses and moves. It is not appropriate for liver-blood or yin deficiency without stagnation, and should not be used as a long-term tonic.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Chai Hu Shu Gan San?
Chai Hu Shu Gan San has the actions of spreading Liver Qi, invigorating Blood, and alleviating pain. It is primarily used for Liver Qi stagnation patterns with hypochondriac or chest distending pain, emotional constraint, irritability, and a wiry pulse.
Which modern diseases is Chai Hu Shu Gan San suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Liver Qi stagnation, including stress-related depression or anxiety, chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome with emotional triggers, hypochondriac pain, and menstrual pain from Qi stagnation.
Is Chai Hu Shu Gan San suitable for improving chest or rib-side pain and irritability?
For presentations of distending pain in the chest or hypochondrium, emotional frustration or irritability, frequent sighing, epigastric fullness, and a wiry pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Liver Qi stagnation — TCM commonly applies Chai Hu Shu Gan San as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
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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.