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.

Western Uses:

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

Ingredients

4 substances in Si Ni San — each links to its full herb monograph.

Bai Shao12-24 gTonify Blood

Chai Hu9-12 gCool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

Zhi Gan Cao6-9 gTonify Qi

Zhi Shi9-12 gRegulate the Qi

Preparation & dosage

Decoction.

Safety — read before use

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.

Originally Appeared In:

On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Sources & References

Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus

The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.

Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.

Chinese Formulas Books & References

https://amzn.to/4fYI3f8
Dan Bensky
https://amzn.to/4j55NRA
Volker Scheid, Andrew Ellis
https://amzn.to/4gMROyv
Him Che. Yeung
https://amzn.to/4h7msSK
Qiao Yi

Browse all Chinese Medicine reference texts