Zhang Zhongjing's formula from the Jin Gui Yao Lue: 'For consumptive vacuity with vexation and inability to sleep, Suan Zao Ren Tang governs.' The representative formula for Liver-blood insufficiency with vacuity-heat disturbing the spirit. Suan zao ren nourishes Liver blood as chief, zhi mu clears vacuity heat, fu ling calms the spirit, chuan xiong regulates blood and courses the Liver, and gan cao harmonizes. It nourishes within clearing and mobilizes within supplementing.
Nourish blood and quiet the spirit; clear heat and eliminate vexation
Formula Rhyme
酸枣仁汤治失眠，川芎知草茯苓煎。虚烦心悸头目眩，养血除烦安睡眠。
—— 方剂学 (中医药出版社)
Suan Zao Ren Tang treats insomnia: Chuan Xiong, Zhi Mu, Gan Cao, Fu Ling — decocted for deficient vexation, palpitations and dizziness; it nourishes blood, dispels vexation and settles sleep.
This prescription is provided only by the dispensing TCM practitioner. Take as directed; do not modify the dose or share it. If you experience any adverse effect, stop immediately and contact your practitioner. The content of this platform is educational reference, not medical advice. Bencao Dian · https://bencaodian.org · CC BY-SA 4.0
Permalink · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cite this entry
+
@misc{bencaodian-suan-zao-ren-tang,
author = {{Bencaodian Editorial}},
title = {Suān Zǎo Rén Tāng 酸枣仁汤 (Sour Jujube Decoction)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {Bencao Dian: A Bilingual Knowledge Graph of Traditional Chinese Medicine},
url = {https://bencaodian.org/en/formulas/suan-zao-ren-tang},
urldate = {2026-04-17},
note = {CC BY-SA 4.0}
}