Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Prescriptions for tranquilizing the Mind with Tonic Sedatives

Gancao Xiaomai Dazao Tang

Gan Cao Xiao Mai Da Zao Tang 甘草小麦大枣汤
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

Decoction of Licorice, Wheat and Date

The Prescription of Gancao Xiaomai Dazao Tang

Source

The book Jin Gul Yao Lue

Ingredients

Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) 9 g,Xiao Mai (Fructus Tritici Levis) 9-15 g,Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) 5-7 dates.

Explanation

Gan Cao: The principal drug, being sweet in taste and neutral in nature, regulating the function of the middle-Jiao, nourishing the heart, relieving mental stress.

Xiao Mai: Tonifying the heart to calm the mind.

Da Zao: Invigorating the spleen-Qi, relieving the liver depression, treating deficiency of the heart.

The Effect of Gancao Xiaomai Dazao Tang

Effect

Tonifying the heart to calm the mind, regulating the function of the middle-Jiao to relieve depression.

Indications

Syndrome of Zang Zao due to deficiency of the heart-Qi and depression of the liver-Qi, marked by trance, sorrow, inclination of weep, disturbed-sleep, unusual behavior, frequent yawning, reddened tongue with little coating; including such diseases with the above symptoms as neurosism, hysteria, and mild schizophrenia.

Administrations

Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken 3 times.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

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