Yi Gan San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
抑肝散 · Yì Gān Sàn
A classical formula for Liver constraint with Spleen deficiency, irritability, and childhood night crying or spasms.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Regulating Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Stagnation
- Primary Function
- Spread Liver Qi, calm Liver wind, strengthen Spleen
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Soften the Liver, strengthen Spleen and calm wind
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- —
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Liver constraint with Spleen deficiency, irritability, and childhood night crying or spasms.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Liver constraint with Spleen deficiency and agitation — including childhood night crying — rather than pure Liver constraint, Liver Yang rising, or visceral agitation alone.
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
川芎Chuan Xiong6g
Chuanxiong Rhizome- moves blood and qi and reaches the head and channels
白朮Bai Zhu9g
White Atractylodes Rhizome- fortifies the spleen
- dries dampness and boosts qi
茯苓Fu Ling9g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen
- leaches dampness and quiets the heart
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis (Gou Teng) 9g
- Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) 6g
- Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Dang Gui) 6g
- Rhizoma Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) 6g
- Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) 9g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 9g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Courses the liver
- fortifies the spleen
- and calms internal wind in constraint with stirring.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for liver constraint with spleen deficiency and stirring internal wind.
- Signs and symptoms include irritability, spasm, or restless agitation.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is wiry.
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.
- Liver constraint with spleen deficiency and stirring internal wind produces irritability, spasm or restless agitation, classically discussed in paediatric constraint.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to course the liver, move qi, and resolve constraint.
- In this formula the emphasis is to soften the Liver, strengthen Spleen and calm wind.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Yi Gan San, Xiao Yao San, Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and Gan Mai Da Zao Tang address Liver constraint or agitation. Xiao Yao San spreads Liver Qi with Spleen tonification; Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin calms Liver Yang rising; Gan Mai Da Zao Tang softens the Liver for visceral agitation. Yi Gan San spreads Liver Qi, strengthens Spleen and calms wind for irritability and childhood night crying or spasms.
Clinical Differentiation
- Yi Gan San is used for liver constraint with spleen deficiency and stirring internal wind: irritability, spasm or restless agitation, classically discussed in paediatric constraint.
- It is distinguished from Xiao Yao San (constraint without wind-stirring) and from Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (yang rising in adults).
Safety notes: This formula is not appropriate for liver-fire excess or for spleen-damp without constraint.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Yi Gan San?
Yi Gan San (Yokukansan) has the actions of restraining the Liver, extinguishing Wind, nourishing Blood, and strengthening the Spleen. From Bao Ying Cu Yao, it was written for a child whose Liver is excessive and Spleen is insufficient, producing fright, night crying, and spasm.
Which modern conditions is Yi Gan San suited to?
Modern TCM and Kampo practice commonly apply it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Liver constraint with Blood deficiency and Spleen weakness, including irritability and poor sleep, pediatric night crying or tics of this pattern, and some agitation in frail adults as an adjunct after medical and psychiatric evaluation.
Is Yi Gan San suitable for improving irritability, restless sleep, and being easily startled?
For presentations of easy anger or fright, restless or nightmare-filled sleep, possible twitching, a pale or slightly red tongue, and a wiry thin pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Liver Wind from Blood deficiency with a weak Spleen — TCM commonly applies Yi Gan San as an adjunct. Sudden severe headache, seizure, or unsafe agitation needs urgent medical care.
Related Articles
Yi Gan San: Classic TCM Formula for Liver Constraint, Irritability, Spasms & Restlessness
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Liver Yang Rising, Headache, Dizziness & Hypertension
Xiao Yao San: Classic TCM Formula for Liver Qi Stagnation, Stress & Mood Balance
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Restless Organ Disorder, Anxiety & Emotional Instability
Browse all classical formulas →
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.