This formula is based on a modification of Zhang Zhong-jing’s Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) from his late Han dynasty Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Damage [Due to] Cold). It was created by Gan Guo-dong and Huang Qiu-xing from the Shunde Municipal Integrated Chinese-Western Medical Hospital. Our version is a 9:1 extract. 500mg 60 capsules.

RX

• Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)

• Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos)

• Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)

• Ban Xia (processed Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae)

• Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae)

• Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae)

• Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)

• Ye Jiao Teng (Caulis Polygoni Multiflori)

• Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei)

• Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsitis Pilosulae)

• Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)

• Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)

• Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)

• Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae )

• Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae )

• Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)

• Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)

INDICATIONS
A liver-spleen disharmony with dampness pouring downward resulting in urinary frequency, urgency, and possible pain. In addition, liver depression has resulted in depressive heat affecting the functions of the stomach, heart, and lungs, while spleen qi vacuity has resulted in nonconstruction of the heart spirit. Hence there is disquietude of the spirit and association and aggravation of the urinary symptoms with
psychoemotional stress. In terms of disease diagnosis, this formula is mainly for the treatment of neurogenic bladder. If the patterns
fit, this formula may also be used to treat interstitial cystitis.

THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LIVER DEPRESSION QI STAGNATION INCLUDE

• A bowstring pulse

• Possible PMS and/or dysmenorrhea

• Irritability

• A dark tongue

THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSIVE HEAT AFFECTING THE HEART AND/OR STOMACH INCLUDE

• Easy hunger

• Possible rapid pulse

• Possible redness of the tongue tip and/or sides

• Possible yellow tongue fur

• Possible swelling of the tongue sides

• Restlessness and agitation, possible profuse dreams or poor sleep

THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SPLEEN VACUITY WITH DAMPNESS INCLUDE

• Fatigue

• A fine pulse

• Lack of strength

• A swollen tongue with teeth-marks on its edges

• A tendency to loose stools

THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF NONCONSTRUCTION OF THE HEART SPIRIT INCLUDE

• Excessive worry and anxiety

• Restlessness

• Poor sleep

• Confusion and/or impaired memory

• Possible palpitations

FORMULA EXPLANATION
Although this formula in Chinese is named after Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), it is actually a modified combination of Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder), and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Decoction). In this formula, Bupleurum, Ledebouriella, Orange Peel, and uncooked Ginger course the liver and rectify the qi, while Peony and Dang Gui nourish the blood and emolliate the liver. Astragalus, Codonopsis, Poria, Licorice, and Red Dates supplement the spleen and construct the heart spirit. Poria, Pinellia, Orange Peel, and uncooked
Ginger seep and transform dampness. Scutellaria clears heat from the liver, stomach, and lungs. Depressive heat from the liver drafts upward, affecting the stomach and lungs. In Chinese medicine, it is said that, “The kidneys are the sluice-gate of the stomach.” This means that the stomach and kidneys are related in terms of the production of urine. If the stomach is hot and hyperactive, it not only disperses food too quickly downward, it also disperses liquids too quickly downward, thus contributing to urinary frequency and urgency. Similarly, depressive heat from the liver and stomach may accumulate
in the lungs, affecting the lungs’ control over the water passageways. Ophiopogon clears heat from the stomach and heart, helps transform dampness and phlegm, and nourishes yin, therefore, preventing the ruling ingredient, Bupleurum, from plundering yin. Achyranthes helps move the blood and thus also heat and fluids downward, while empirically also treating any tendency to low back pain. Polygala and Caulis Polygoni both quiet the spirit. In addition, Polygala rectifies the qi and transforms phlegm, while
Caulis Polygoni nourishes the blood and treats both irritability and insomnia. This formula has achieved a 90.3% total amelioration rate in one study of 31 patients with urinary bladder neck syndrome and neurogenic bladder, with a 61.2% cure rate.

COMBINATIONS
If symptoms of spleen qi vacuity or central qi falling downward are more pronounced, this formula may be combined with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Pills). If stomach heat is marked, it may be combined with Huang Lian Su (Coptis Simple) or Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Drain the Heart Decoction). If dampness and turbidity are more marked, this formula can be combined with Er Chen Wan (Two Aged [Ingredients] Pills). If heart spirit nonconstruction and malnourishment are more pronounced, it can be combined with Gan Mai Da Zao Wan (Licorice, Wheat & Red Date Pills). If kidney qi not securing complicates the picture, it can be combined with Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan
(Golden Lock Secure the Essence Pills). If complicated by blood stasis, this formula can be combined with Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Wan (Lower Abdomen Dispel Stasis Decoction Pills).

DOSAGE
Three capsules two times per day. This formula is made from a 9:1 extract. That means the above dosage is equivalent to not less than 30 grams of raw herbs. However, because our extraction process is so much more efficient than stovetop decoction, we believe this amount it is actually more like the equivalent to 45-60 grams of bulk-dispensed herbs.