When frustrations settle in the belly

A belly that tightens as soon as the day gets busy, a feeling of fullness under the ribs and in the pit of the stomach, frequent sighing, an irregular appetite, digestion that slows down as soon as your mood tightens… In TCM, these signs may be associated with a disharmony between the Liver and the Stomach. The Liver ensures the free flow of Qi; under the effect of held-back emotions, it becomes blocked, and this constrained Qi disturbs the Stomach, whose natural movement is downward.

Shu Gan He Wei Wan is a modern preparation of the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Its name describes its method: shu gan, relaxing the Liver, and he wei, harmonising the Stomach. It shares four herbs with Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan: bupleurum, white peony, tangerine peel and cyperus. But it leans more towards the centre, with aromatic herbs that support the Spleen and Stomach.

Relaxing the Liver, getting the centre moving again

Buddha’s hand citron, by far the most highly dosed herb, sets the tone: fragrant and gentle, it moves Liver Qi without forcing and harmonises the Stomach. Tangerine peel, cyperus and lindera extend this movement; atractylodes, patchouli and radish seeds support the centre; white peony, licorice and a small dose of bupleurum soothe the Liver.

Helps promote the smooth flow of Liver Qi: Buddha’s hand and cyperus, two herbs that tradition associates with Liver Qi, loosen what tightens; bupleurum directs the whole towards the Liver.

Harmonises the Stomach: Aromatic tangerine peel and patchouli help the Stomach regain its downward movement and transform the Dampness that congests the centre.

Contributes to good digestion: Atractylodes supports the Spleen in transforming food, and radish seeds help move down what stagnates after meals.