Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Star甘麦大枣汤 (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction)
Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction), from the Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Nourishes the Heart and calms the shen (spirit); Harmonizes the middle jiao and relieves acute conditions; Tonifies Spleen qi.
Presentation: Zang zao (restless organ) disorder: absent-mindedness, frequent feelings of extreme sadness with the urge to cry, inability to control one's emotions, restless sleep, abnormal speech or behavior, disorientation, frequent yawning, and a red tongue body with scanty coating.
Pharmacological effects reported:
- CNS: 2-4 g/kg/day for 7 days increased sleeping time; treated and prevented induced seizures in mice
- Musculoskeletal: inhibited contraction of intestinal and uterine smooth muscle in mice
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 731.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xiao Mai
dose printed as 9-15g; as printed: Xiao Mai (Fructus Tritici) 1 cup [9-15g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | nourishes the Heart and calms the shen |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 9g
|
9g | 100% | Chen (Deputy) | harmonizes the middle jiao and nourishes the Heart to relieve the acute condition |
|
Da Zao
dose printed as 5-7 pieces; as printed: Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) 10 pieces [5-7 pieces]
|
pieces | — | Chen (Deputy) | tonifies Spleen qi, relieves Liver qi stagnation, nourishes the Heart |
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net nature not shown: the chief herb (Xiao Mai) has no dose in grams.
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 100%.
Taste
- sweet 100%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Stomach 100%
- Spleen 100%
- Heart 100%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
2 herbs without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Xiao Mai, Da Zao.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Decoct in 6 cups [1,200 mL] water down to 3 cups [600 mL]; take warm, strained, in three equal doses daily. Today may use the bracketed doses.
Relationships
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Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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