Shao Yao Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang — Peony, Licorice & Aconite Decoction
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Overview
Shao Yao Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang is from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun. It is Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (the classical formula for muscle cramps) with the addition of Fu Zi (prepared aconite) to warm Yang. The combination addresses muscle cramps and spasm in a Yang-deficient patient who is cold and depleted.
I prescribe Shao Yao Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
TCM pattern
Shao Yao Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang is prescribed for muscle cramps with Yang deficiency:
- Severe muscle cramps — particularly calves, also other muscles
- Cold extremities
- Aversion to cold
- Fatigue, weakness
- Worse with cold weather
- Possible profuse sweating with weakness
- Tongue — pale, white moist coat
- Pulse — deep, weak, possibly slow
Key herbs
- Bai Shao (large dose) — nourishes Blood and softens the sinews; relieves cramping
- Zhi Gan Cao (large dose) — pairs with Bai Shao to relieve cramping; tonifies Qi
- Fu Zi (prepared aconite) — warms Yang
Formula actions
- Warms Yang
- Nourishes Blood and softens the sinews
- Relieves muscle cramping in Yang-deficient patients
Conditions treated
- Severe nocturnal leg cramps in older adults
- Restless legs syndrome with Yang-deficient pattern — see restless legs
- Calf cramps from cold exposure or fatigue
- Muscle spasm in chronic illness with cold pattern
- Multiple sclerosis with cold-deficient muscle spasm (alongside conventional care)
- Parkinson’s rigidity with cold pattern (alongside conventional care)
Cautions
Contains Fu Zi (prepared aconite). Use only properly processed pharmaceutical-grade preparations.
Not appropriate in pregnancy, Heat patterns or Yin deficiency.
Stop and seek advice if numbness around the mouth, palpitations or vertigo develop.
Sudden severe leg cramps with weakness or paralysis need urgent medical assessment to exclude electrolyte disturbance, nerve compression or vascular causes.
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
