Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang — Bupleurum with Dragon Bone & Oyster Shell

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

What is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang?

Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang — Bupleurum with Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell — is a classical Shang Han Lun formula that builds on Xiao Chai Hu Tang by adding heavy mineral substances to anchor a disturbed Shen. It is one of the most useful formulas in Chinese herbal medicine for anxiety, palpitations, irritability and insomnia rooted in Liver-Gallbladder constraint and stuck heat.

I prescribe Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for Shao Yang disharmony with disturbed Shen and stuck heat: irritability, anxiety, palpitations, easy startling, broken sleep, chest oppression, restlessness, possible mild fever or hot flushes, a sticky white or yellow tongue coat and a wiry pulse.

Key herbs

1. Chai Hu, Huang Qin — release Shao Yang and clear heat
2. Long Gu, Mu Li — anchor the Shen and settle the Liver Yang
3. Gui Zhi — warms the channels and supports the harmonisation
4. Ren Shen — tonifies Qi and steadies the upright
5. Ban Xia — transforms phlegm and descends rebellious Qi
6. Fu Ling — quietens the Heart and drains Damp
7. Da Huang, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao — drain stuck heat and harmonise

Formula actions

1. Harmonises Shao Yang and clears stuck heat
2. Calms the Shen and settles palpitations
3. Transforms Phlegm and unblocks the Gallbladder

Conditions treated

1. Anxiety with palpitations, easy startling and disturbed sleep
2. Stress-related insomnia with irritability and a wiry pulse
3. Tinnitus and dizziness from Liver-Gallbladder constraint
4. Tic disorders, hyperthyroid jitter and panic-style presentations
5. Selected presentations of epilepsy, ADHD and chronic stress-driven cardiovascular irritability

Cautions

Use with caution in pregnancy (Da Huang) and in patients with marked Yin deficiency without constraint. Long Gu and Mu Li are best taken in granule form to ensure even extraction.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available.

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