Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
甘麦大枣汤 · Gān Mài Dà Zǎo Tāng
A Jin Gui formula for Zang Zao (visceral agitation), classically described as sadness, tendency to cry, and acting as if possessed, from Heart Qi and fluid deficiency.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Calm the Shen Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Nourish the Heart, calm the spirit, soften urgency
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify Heart Qi, calm the spirit and relax visceral agitation
- Classical Source
- Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A Jin Gui formula for Zang Zao (visceral agitation), classically described as sadness, tendency to cry, and acting as if possessed, from Heart Qi and fluid deficiency.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for visceral agitation with unprovoked sadness and crying — a gentle sweet softening formula rather than strong Yin-Blood tonification.
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
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 9g
- Fructus Tritici Levis (Fu Xiao Mai) 15g
- Fructus Jujubae (Da Zao) 10pcs
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Nourishes the heart
- calms the spirit
- and relaxes tension in visceral agitation.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for visceral agitation (zang zao) from heart-spleen fluid deficiency.
- Signs and symptoms include melancholy, frequent yawning, and inability to control the emotions.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is fine.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by insufficient qi that fails to animate and contain the viscera.
- Deficient qi leads to fatigue, a weak voice, spontaneous sweating and susceptibility to exterior invasion.
- When the lung or spleen is involved, diffusion, transformation and containment are all impaired.
- Zang-zao visceral agitation from heart-spleen fluid deficiency produces melancholy, frequent yawning and inability to control the emotions.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to boost qi and restore containment and diffusion.
- In this formula the emphasis is to tonify Heart Qi, calm the spirit and relax visceral agitation.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang softens and calms for Zang Zao. Suan Zao Ren Tang nourishes Liver Blood for deficiency insomnia. Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan deeply nourishes Heart Yin. Gui Pi Tang tonifies Spleen-Heart for overthinking.
Clinical Differentiation
- Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is used for visceral agitation (zang zao) from heart-spleen fluid deficiency: melancholy, frequent yawning and loss of emotional control.
- It is distinguished from Suan Zao Ren Tang (liver-blood deficiency insomnia) and from Gan Cao Xiao Mai Da Zao used as a simple relaxant without that pattern frame.
Safety notes: This formula is sweet and moistening. It is not appropriate when agitation comes from phlegm-heat or from food stagnation.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Gan Mai Da Zao Tang?
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang has the actions of nourishing the Heart, calming the Shen (spirit), harmonizing the Middle Burner, and relieving urgency or emotional spasm. It is a gentle, sweet, food-grade formula for emotional lability arising from a depleted and under-nourished Heart.
Which modern diseases is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Zang Zao or Heart Yin/Blood deficiency with Shen disturbance, including emotional lability or frequent unexplained crying, menopausal mood swings and anxiety, mild depression or grief reactions with tearfulness, neurasthenia with restlessness, certain sleep disturbances, and pediatric night crying of this pattern.
Is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang suitable for improving frequent sadness, uncontrollable crying, and emotional restlessness?
For presentations of sudden or frequent sadness and crying that cannot be controlled, mental restlessness or a sense of being “not oneself,” sleep disturbance, frequent yawning, a pale or pale-red tongue with little coating, and a thin pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Zang Zao (restless organ disorder) or Heart Yin/Blood deficiency with Shen agitation — TCM commonly applies Gan Mai Da Zao Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical or psychological care when needed.
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Gan Mai Da Zao Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Restless Organ Disorder, Anxiety & Emotional Instability
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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.