Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
芍药甘草汤 · Sháo Yào Gān Cǎo Tāng
A simple Shang Han Lun formula of equal parts Bai Shao and Zhi Gan Cao for cramping pain of the legs or abdomen from Blood and fluid deficiency, often after excessive sweating or purging.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Harmonising Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Blood Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Softens and relaxes, stops cramping pain
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Nourish Blood and Yin, relax tendons and stop spasms
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A simple Shang Han Lun formula of equal parts Bai Shao and Zhi Gan Cao for cramping pain of the legs or abdomen from Blood and fluid deficiency, often after excessive sweating or purging.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for pure cramping from Blood-fluid lack — a minimal softening formula rather than a Middle-warming or channel-warming one.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang | Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang | Gan Mai Da Zao Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Softens and relaxes, stops cramping pain | Warm Middle, tonify Qi and Blood, relieve spasmodic pain | Warm channels, nourish Blood, disperse Cold | Nourish the Heart, calm the spirit, soften urgency |
| Formula Category | Harmonising Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Blood-Tonifying Formulas | Calm the Shen Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Blood Deficiency | Yang Deficiency | Blood Deficiency | Qi Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Muscular Stiffness ·Abdominal Pain ·Joint Discomfort | Abdominal Pain ·Poor Appetite ·Fatigue & Low Energy ·Spontaneous Sweating | Cold Limbs ·Joint Discomfort ·Low Back Pain | Anxiety Restlessness ·Insomnia ·Emotional Depression |
| Main Herbs | White Peony Root ·Honey-fried Licorice | Maltose / Barley Malt Sugar ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date | Chinese Angelica Root ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Asarum / Wild Ginger ·Tetrapanax Pith | Licorice Root ·Light Wheat ·Jujube / Chinese Date |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang softens and stops spasms. Xiao Jian Zhong Tang warms and tonifies the Middle for deficiency abdominal pain. Dang Gui Si Ni Tang warms channels for cold extremities with Blood deficiency. Gan Mai Da Zao Tang softens and calms for visceral agitation.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Muscle Spasms, Cramps & Pain due to Blood Deficiency
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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.