Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Star镇肝熄风汤 (Sedate the Liver and Extinguish Wind Decoction)
Source: Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu (Records of Heart-Felt Experiences in Medicine) — Zhang Xichun (Qing-Contemporary, 1918)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang (Sedate the Liver and Extinguish Wind Decoction) treats Liver Wind arising from Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency with Yang rising. Developed by Zhang Xichun, it incorporates heavy, descending minerals and shells to anchor rising Yang, alongside Yin tonics to address the root cause. It is the standard formula for stroke (apoplexy) and hypertensive encephalopathy in TCM.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niu Xi | 30g | 17.39% | Jun (Chief) | Directs blood downward and nourishes the Liver and Kidney |
|
Dai Zhe Shi
Decoct first (crush).
|
30g | 17.39% | Chen (Deputy) | Heavy mineral; weighs down and descends rebellious qi and yang |
|
Long Gu
Decoct first (crush).
|
15g | 8.7% | Chen (Deputy) | Settles and anchors the yang, calms the spirit |
|
Mu Li
Decoct first (crush).
|
15g | 8.7% | Chen (Deputy) | Settles yang, softens hardness, anchors the spirit |
|
Gui Ban
Decoct first (crush).
|
15g | 8.7% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes yin and anchors ascendant yang |
| Bai Shao | 15g | 8.7% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes yin and blood, softens the Liver |
| Xuan Shen | 15g | 8.7% | Zuo (Assistant) | Nourishes yin and clears deficiency fire |
| Tian Men Dong | 15g | 8.7% | Zuo (Assistant) | Nourishes yin and moistens dryness |
| Chuan Lian Zi | 6g | 3.48% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains the Liver and moves constrained qi |
|
Mai Ya
Use raw (sheng) barley sprout.
|
6g | 3.48% | Zuo (Assistant) | Soothes the Liver and harmonizes the Stomach |
|
Yin Chen
corrective assistant; as printed: Yin Chen Hao (Artemisiae scopariae herba)
|
6g | 3.48% | Zuo (Assistant) | ascends Gall Bladder Qi to free constrained Liver-Qi |
| Gan Cao | 4.5g | 2.61% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the formula and protects the Stomach |
Total weight: 168g
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.
Together they draw blood and ascendant yang downward and anchor rebellious qi, lowering what has surged upward to the head.
Liver yang rising and internal wind with dizziness, headache and flushed face. Avoid in pregnancy.
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 cool (-1.06)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 38%, cool 30%, neutral 32%.
Small but decisive: Gui Ban 15g (cold, 9% of the grams), Tian Men Dong 15g (cold, 9% of the grams), Chuan Lian Zi 6g (cold, 4% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 2%
- sweet 32%
- sour 10%
- bitter 40%
- salty 16%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Liver 80%
- Kidney 61%
- Heart 46%
- Stomach 36%
- Lung 20%
- Spleen 18%
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 mineral and shell herbs first for 20–30 minutes before adding remaining herbs. Cook total 40–45 minutes. Take warm.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day in 2–3 doses. For acute conditions, may be taken every 6–8 hours.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
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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