When frustrations weigh on digestion
Frequent sighing, a mood that tightens, a feeling of fullness under the ribs and after meals, an appetite that varies with your emotions, digestion that stalls as soon as frustrations pile up… In TCM, these signs may be associated with Liver Qi Stagnation that ends up hampering the Stomach and Spleen. The Liver, which according to tradition ensures the free flow of Qi, tenses up, and the centre feels the knock-on effect.
Shu Gan Wan is a formula from the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Shu (疏) originally means dredging a watercourse: you open the way rather than push; gan (肝) is the Liver. It belongs to the family of formulas that free the Liver and harmonise the Stomach, and shares bupleurum and white peony root with Si Ni San, the base formula of this family.
When Wood encroaches on Earth
In the language of the five phases, the Liver belongs to Wood and the Spleen and Stomach to Earth: when Liver Qi is blocked, it encroaches on Earth, and digestion feels it. The formula works on both sides. Bupleurum frees Liver Qi and white peony root, the most generously dosed plant, softens it; six aromatic plants set the centre moving again.
Helps promote the smooth flow of Liver Qi: Bupleurum opens the way for Liver Qi; white peony root accompanies it by nourishing the Blood, so the formula moves without depleting.
Harmonizes the Stomach: Magnolia bark, bitter orange and tangerine peel help Stomach Qi to descend again and dispel the feeling of fullness.
Supports digestive comfort: Aromatic cardamom and amomum awaken the Stomach and transform Dampness; poria supports the Spleen so that it better withstands the Liver’s encroachment.
