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Prescriptions for Enriching Blood

Zhi Gancao Tang: Classic TCM Formula

Zhi Gan Cao Tang 炙甘草汤
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

Decoction of Prepared Licorice

The Prescription of Zhi Gancao Tang

Source

The book Shang Han Lun

Ingredients

Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) 12 g,Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) 6 g,Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) 30 g,Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 9 g,E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini) 6 g,Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis) 10 g,Ma Ren (Frutus Cannabis) 10 g,Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) 10 g,Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) 5 dates.

Explanation

Zhi Gan Cao: The principal drug, being sweet in flavor and warm in nature, used in large dosage to replenish Qi, relieve spasm and nourish the heart.

Ren Shen and Da Zao: Invigorating Qi, strengthening the spleen, nourishing the heart.

Sheng Di, Mai Dong, Ma Ren and E Jiao: Enriching Yin-blood.

Gui Zhi and Sheng Jiang: Warming up Yang-Qi to promote the circulation of Qi and blood in the channels.

The Effect of Zhi Gancao Tang

Effect

Replenishing Qi, nourishing blood, enriching Yin, restoring the circulation of blood.

Indications

Syndrome due to deficiency of both Qi and blood, marked by intermittent and knotted pulse, palpitation, or dry stools, light red tongue with little coating, dry cough without sputum or with blood-tinged sputum; including such diseases with the above symptoms as coronary heart disease, viral myocarditis, rheumatic heart disease and neurosism.

Contraindication

Because Zhi Gancao Tang is wet in nature, it can not be used to treat patients with interior heat due to Yin-deficiency.

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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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