Si Ni San

(Frigid Extremities Powder)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Pattern:

• Liver (Qi Stagnation) attacking the Spleen and Stomach

Actions:

• Spreads Liver Qi and regulates the Spleen
• Eliminates internal heat and reduces stagnation.

Indications:

• Cool or cold extremities (fingers and toes)
• Possible irritability with distension and fullness in the epigastria and chest.
• Bitter taste in the mouth and dry throat.
• Possible abdominal pain with diarrhea.
• Dysmenorrhea and distending breast pain.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Red or dusky tongue with a yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Wiry pulse, possibly rapid

Western Uses:

• Gastritis
• Peptic Ulcer
• Cholecystitis
• Cholelithiasis
• Hepatitis
• Intestinal Obstruction
• Mastitis
• Breast Fibroids
• Hernia
• Pancreatitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use in cases where cold extremities are due to Blood deficiency from true heat and false cold
• Use with caution in cases of excess Yin with full cold or Yang deficiency with empty cold.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool Latin: Radix Bupleuri Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
	Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: LI, SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
	Bai Shao (White Peony Root) Qty: 12-24 grams Chan: LIV, SP Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
	Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: All 12 Channels Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.