Suan Zao Ren Tang
Star酸枣仁汤 (Sour Jujube Decoction)
Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue — Zhang Zhongjing (Han, 220)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction) is the primary TCM formula for insomnia due to Liver Blood deficiency with internal heat. When the Liver fails to store adequate Blood, the Heart is not nourished and the shen (spirit) becomes unsettled, causing difficulty falling asleep, dream-disturbed sleep, and palpitations. The formula nourishes Liver Blood, clears deficiency heat, and calms the mind.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suan Zao Ren | 15g | 35.71% | Jun (Chief) | Nourishes Liver Blood, calms the spirit, stops sweating. |
| Fu Ling | 9g | 21.43% | Chen (Deputy) | Calms the spirit, strengthens Spleen, assists Spirit calming. |
| Zhi Mu | 9g | 21.43% | Chen (Deputy) | Clears deficiency heat that disturbs spirit. |
| Chuan Xiong | 6g | 14.29% | Zuo (Assistant) | Invigorates Blood and Qi, prevents stagnation from tonic herbs, calms Liver. |
| Gan Cao | 3g | 7.14% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes all herbs. |
Total weight: 51g
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.
Nourishing Liver blood and calming the spirit combined with clearing deficiency heat and moistening, which relieves irritability and insomnia from Liver blood deficiency with heat.
Deficiency irritability with inability to sleep.
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 slightly cool (-0.29)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 21%, neutral 64%, warm 14%.
Taste
- pungent 14%
- sweet 46%
- sour 18%
- bitter 11%
- bland 11%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Heart 64%
- Lung 50%
- Gallbladder 50%
- Liver 50%
- Kidney 43%
- Stomach 29%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
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 all herbs in water 30 minutes. Strain and take warm about 1–2 hours before sleep.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day taken in evening. Best taken 1–2 hours before bedtime.
Conditions Addressed
Relationships
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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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