Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang — Sedate the Liver and Extinguish Wind

On this page

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

What is Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang?

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang (“Sedate the Liver and Extinguish Wind Decoction”) is a relatively modern Chinese herbal formula devised by Zhang Xichun in the early 20th century. It targets the dangerous TCM pattern of Liver Yang rising with internal Wind — the pattern most associated in modern medicine with hypertension, hypertensive crises and the prodromal symptoms of cerebrovascular accident (stroke). The formula sedates rising Yang, extinguishes Wind, and nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin to address the underlying deficiency.

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency with Liver Yang rising and stirring of internal Wind, characterised by: dizziness or vertigo, distending headache, blurred vision, tinnitus, flushed face, irritability, palpitations, sensation of internal Heat, occasional numbness of the extremities or facial twitching, a red tongue and a wiry, long pulse. Often seen in hypertension, particularly with prodromal stroke symptoms.

Key herbs

1. Huai Niu Xi — directs the formula downward; nourishes Liver and Kidney
2. Dai Zhe Shi (haematite) — mineral; subdues rising Yang
3. Long Gu (dragon bone) — subdues rising Yang and calms the Shen
4. Mu Li (oyster shell) — subdues rising Yang, nourishes Yin
5. Bai Shao — nourishes Liver Yin and softens the Liver
6. Gui Ban (tortoise plastron) — anchors Yang, nourishes Yin
7. Xuan Shen — nourishes Yin, clears Heat
8. Tian Men Dong — nourishes Yin
9. Chuan Lian Zi, Mai Ya, Yin Chen — small additions to smooth Liver Qi (prevent the heavy sedating herbs from causing stagnation)
10. Gan Cao — harmonises

Formula actions

1. Sedates the Liver and subdues rising Yang
2. Extinguishes internal Wind
3. Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin

Conditions treated

1. Hypertension with Liver Yang rising pattern
2. Hypertensive headache and prodromal stroke symptoms
3. Vertigo and dizziness from Liver Yang
4. Recovery support after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke
5. Tinnitus and hearing changes from Yang rising
6. Some forms of essential tremor (Wind aspect)
7. Hypertensive nephrosclerosis

Cautions

Not a substitute for conventional blood pressure management — used alongside medical care, not instead. Stop and seek emergency care for sudden severe headache, vision changes, hemiparesis or speech difficulty — possible stroke. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM. Online herbal consultations are available.