When tension ends up overheating
A temper that flares faster than usual, heat rising to the face, a dry or bitter mouth, a feeling of tension under the ribs, an irregular appetite, fatigue and restless sleep… In TCM, these signs may be associated with Liver Qi stagnation that has turned into Heat. The Liver, responsible for the free flow of Qi, no longer ensures it; the Spleen feels the effects and produces less Blood. And according to tradition, Qi that stagnates for a long time ends up heating up: this is constraint turning into Fire (郁而化火).
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, the “Free and Easy Wanderer Powder with Tree Peony and Gardenia”, was recorded under the Ming, around 1529, by Xue Ji (薛己) in the Nei Ke Zhai Yao (《内科摘要》). Xue Ji had observed that Liver constraint often heats up over time. So he took Xiao Yao San, the great formula of the Liver and Spleen, and added two cool herbs that give the formula its name: Dan for tree peony bark (牡丹皮), Zhi for gardenia fruit (栀子). Xiao yao (逍遥), wandering freely, without hindrance, is a word from the first chapter of the Zhuangzi.
Release, clear, nourish
The formula answers the three links of the chain. Bupleurum and mint release Liver Qi; tree peony bark and gardenia clear Heat; angelica and white peony nourish Blood, while atractylodes and poria support the Spleen. Tradition calls this last move supporting Earth to restrain Wood (扶土抑木).
Helps promote the smooth flow of Liver Qi: Bupleurum moves Liver Qi; mint, light and aromatic, assists it and lets held-in Heat disperse outwards.
Clarifies Heat: Tree peony bark cools Liver Blood, gardenia brings down the Heat that rises upwards: together, they clear Heat on two levels.
Gently nourishes the Blood: Angelica and white peony nourish the Blood that the Liver stores. With bupleurum, white peony forms a classic pair: one disperses, the other softens, and the Liver is freed without being exhausted.
Harmonises the Liver and Spleen: Atractylodes and poria support the Spleen, fresh ginger protects the Stomach from the coolness of the other herbs, and licorice, sweet, relaxes tension, following a precept from the Su Wen: when the Liver tenses, it needs sweetness.
