This formula was recorded by Xue Kai (a.k.a. Xue Liang-wu) in the 'Bao Ying Cuo Yao' (Synopsis of Caring for Infants), 1555. It was originally intended for pediatric use in cases with interior Wind due to Liver deficiency, disharmony between the Liver Qi and the Liver Blood, as well as cases with Liver-Spleen disharmony. This commonly manifests in spasms, feverishness, bruxism, anxiety with palpitations, and restless sleep with terrifying nightmares. In contemporary practice it is also used in adults with a similar clinical presentation.
In recent years this formula has been the subject of considerable clinical research in Japan, centered on its application in patients with dementia. There is a growing body of evidence confirming its efficacy in the treatment of the extreme emotional symptoms exhibited by dementia patients, including anxiety, hostility, and disorientation. It appears to be one of the few available treatments (both Western and traditional) that is able to provide clinically significant results for these patients.
TCM ACTIONS
Calms and nourishes the Liver to extinguish Interior Wind, harmonizes the Liver Qi and Blood, resolves Phlegm.
TCM SYNDROMES
- Interior Wind
- Liver Qi and Blood deficiency
- Phlegm retention
INDICATIONS
Emotional instability with dementia, night terrors in children, bruxism, seizures.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
(Key clinical features in bold)
-
Anxiety, irritability
-
Restless sleep or night terrors, insomnia, bruxism
- Muscular spasms
- Chills and fever
- Palpitations
- Distension of the abdomen
- Hysteria
- Poor appetite, belching, nausea
- Tongue is pale, possibly with a red tip or edges
- Pulse is wiry and weak-thready and may also be rapid
