Zhi Gan Cao Tang — Honey-Fried Licorice Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Zhi Gan Cao Tang — Honey-Fried Licorice Decoction — also known as Fu Mai Tang (Restore the Pulse Decoction), is the classical Chinese herbal formula for cardiac arrhythmia and irregular pulse from Qi and Blood deficiency of the Heart. Originating from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun, it comprehensively tonifies Qi, nourishes Blood and Yin, and warms Yang to restore a regular heartbeat and calm palpitations. It is closely related to Sheng Mai San but significantly more comprehensive, addressing the deeper layers of Heart Qi, Blood and Yin deficiency. Modern research has confirmed antiarrhythmic properties in its key herbs.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Heart Qi and Blood deficiency with irregular pulse, characterised by: irregular or intermittent pulse (knotted or slow-irregular Jie Mai or rapid-irregular Cu Mai), palpitations, shortness of breath on exertion, fatigue, insomnia, constipation from Yin and fluid deficiency, a pale or slightly red tongue, and a thin, weak pulse with irregular rhythm.

Key herbs

1. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza root) — the principal herb (used in a very large dose); tonifies Qi and nourishes the Heart; the most important herb for restoring the Heart rhythm in TCM
2. Sheng Di Huang (raw Rehmannia root) — nourishes Yin and Blood, cools Blood Heat (used in a large dose)
3. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root) — powerfully tonifies Yuan Qi and Heart Qi
4. E Jiao (Equus asinus hide gelatin) — nourishes Blood and Yin; a key Blood-tonifying substance
5. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus root) — nourishes Heart and Lung Yin and generates fluids
6. Huo Ma Ren (Cannabis sativa seed) — nourishes Yin and Blood and moistens the intestines
7. Gui Zhi (Cinnamomum cassia twigs) — warms and invigorates the Heart Yang and channels
8. Sheng Jiang (fresh Zingiber officinale rhizome) — warms the Middle and harmonises the formula
9. Da Zao (Ziziphus jujuba fruit) — nourishes Blood and Spleen Qi

Conditions treated

1. Cardiac arrhythmia — the formula’s classical and most evidence-based indication; used in integrative cardiology for irregular heartbeat from Qi and Blood deficiency
2. Palpitations from Heart Qi, Blood and Yin deficiency
3. Insomnia and restlessness from Heart Blood and Yin deficiency
4. Shortness of breath and fatigue from Heart Qi deficiency
5. Constipation from Yin and fluid deficiency accompanying the Heart pattern
6. Post-viral cardiac involvement with Qi and Blood depletion

Always used alongside, not instead of, conventional cardiac care. Inform your cardiologist of all herbal medicines.

Cautions

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