Harmonise — herbs and formulas (和解剂)

Harmonising formulas resolve disharmony between organ pairs or between half-Exterior-half-Interior locations. The classical use is for Shao Yang disease, but the category extends to Liver-Spleen disharmony and Intestinal disharmony.

Sub-categories

1. Harmonise Shao Yang — Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Da Chai Hu Tang
2. Harmonise Liver and Spleen — Xiao Yao San, Tong Xie Yao Fang
3. Harmonise Intestines — Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

Herbs in this category

Harmonisation is primarily a formula-level strategy in classical Chinese herbal medicine — achieved through deliberate combinations of herbs from other categories rather than by a distinct group of "harmonising" individual herbs. The classical formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang, for example, harmonises the Shao Yang stage using Chai Hu (a Release-Exterior herb) paired with Huang Qin (a Clear-Heat herb) plus harmonising additions. Browse the herb directory for the individual herbs that combine into harmonising formulas.

Formulas in this category

The following classical and modern formulas in this category are detailed individually in the formula directory:

1. Xiao Chai Hu Tang — Shao Yang stage harmonisation
2. Da Chai Hu Tang — Shao Yang with Yang Ming Heat
3. Si Ni San — Liver-Spleen disharmony
4. Xiao Yao San — Liver Qi stagnation with Blood deficiency
5. Jia Wei Xiao Yao San — as above with Heat
6. Tong Xie Yao Fang — Liver-Spleen with painful diarrhoea
7. Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang — Shao Yang Damp-Heat

Browse the full formula directory for over 260 individual formula pages.

When this category is used

Formulas that Harmonise are typically prescribed for: IBS, stress-related digestive complaints, premenstrual tension, alternating chills and fever, gallbladder symptoms. The choice of specific formula within the category is determined by precise Eight Principles pattern differentiation in clinical consultation.

About prescribing

Chinese herbal formulas are dispensed by qualified practitioners following individual TCM diagnosis. The herbs I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.

Return to the Chinese herbal medicine main page or browse individual herbs.