"Suanzaoren Tang" is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that contains ingredients such as sour jujube seed, Chuanxiong (ligusticum), licorice, and other Chinese herbs. The components in the formula can be appropriately added or reduced according to each person's condition. So, when is it best to take this formula, and how should one take it? Here, the editor has summarized a few points for everyone.
I. Take it when unable to sleep at night
The liver houses the ethereal soul (Hun). If the soul is not settled, it can lead to symptoms like insomnia at night and heart palpitations. If this happens frequently, over a long period, it can result in physical fatigue and other health problems. Suanzaoren Tang can alleviate these symptoms. It helps the liver return to a normal state, allowing it to function properly and enabling good sleep. Using traditional Chinese medicine to treat this type of insomnia has fewer side effects, is less likely to recur, and places a smaller burden on the body.
It is recommended that if you frequently experience symptoms like night sweats, inability to sleep at night, excessive dreaming, and a dry mouth and tongue, you can consider taking a traditional Chinese medicine like Suanzaoren Tang under a doctor's guidance. This can effectively relieve insomnia and excessive dreaming, and improve your sleep quality.
II. Modify it according to different symptoms
Because each person's condition is different, the ingredients added to the formula also vary. Sour jujube seed nourishes the blood, Poria (Fuling) calms the spirit, Zhimu (anemarrhena) nourishes yin, Chuanxiong (ligusticum) moves qi, and licorice clears heat.
If a patient has severe neurasthenia, herbs such as Liancao (Eclipta prostrata), Nüzhenzi (ligustrum lucidum), Baishao (white peony root), and Shengdi (rehmannia root) can be added to clear heat and detoxify, and to alleviate symptoms of liver fire flaring up. If a patient has severe night sweats, herbs such as Baiziren (platyseed) and Wuweizi (schisandra) can be added to calm the spirit. If a patient has severe heart palpitations, Longchi (dragon's teeth) can be added to calm the spirit and tranquilize the mind.
III. Take it for insufficient liver blood
In daily life, poor diet and habits can lead to an excess of liver fire and insufficient liver blood. In such cases, a doctor can prescribe Suanzaoren Tang to treat and regulate the condition. Sour jujube seed is mild and neutral, suitable for astringing and supplementing, and can promote heart function and blood circulation, thereby nourishing the liver blood. Chuanxiong is pungent in nature, so after nourishing the liver blood, it helps to move the liver qi, ensuring its smooth flow. Licorice is mild and used to protect qi; after Chuanxiong has opened up the liver qi, licorice is added to prevent the dissipation of qi, ensuring the liver functions normally. Depending on the individual's symptoms, other herbs like Poria and Zhimu are also added for treatment.
IV. Take it for dizziness and vertigo
Because the liver houses the ethereal soul (Hun), when liver fire is excessive, it can cause symptoms of dizziness and vertigo, leading to an unsettled mind. Drinking a little Suanzaoren Tang at this time can alleviate these symptoms of dizziness, preventing the disturbance of deficient yang and the internal lodging of ministerial fire. Of course, it is still necessary to determine whether the cause of the dizziness is indeed excessive liver fire, in order to prescribe the right medicine for the condition and achieve a cure.
IV. Take it under a doctor's guidance
Because each person's condition is different, the amounts of the herbs in the formula will also vary. Patients must not prepare Suanzaoren Tang themselves, as this will not lead to a cure. On the contrary, it may place a burden on the body. After all, only a doctor can effectively diagnose your condition, apply treatment based on syndrome differentiation, and achieve a cure.
Additionally, when using traditional Chinese medicine like Suanzaoren Tang to treat insomnia, patients should also consider appropriate psychological therapy, as insomnia can also be caused by mental stress.