The Efficacy and Function of Chaihu Shugan Pills

Chaihu Shugan Pills generally have functions of soothing the liver and resolving stagnation, regulating qi to relieve pain, harmonizing the spleen and stomach, promoting blood circulation to regulate menstruation, and calming the mind. It is recommended to use this medication under the guidance of a physician. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is advised.

1. Soothe the Liver and Resolve Stagnation

Bupleurum and Cyperus in Chaihu Shugan Pills have the effect of soothing the liver and resolving stagnation, effectively alleviating symptoms such as low mood and irritability caused by liver qi stagnation. It helps regulate emotional stress and liver qi stagnation resulting from high-pressure work and life tensions.

2. Regulate Qi and Relieve Pain

Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chenpi) and Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Zhike) in the formula regulate and widen the middle jiao, relieving chest and hypochondriac distension caused by qi stagnation. Aucklandia Root (Muxiang) effectively regulates qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach, relieving abdominal distension and pain. Paeoniae Radicis Alba (Baishao) soothes the liver and alleviates acute pain; combined with Licorice Root (Gancao), it has a sour-sweet flavor that nourishes yin and alleviates spasms and pain. The entire formula promotes qi circulation and blood movement, unblocking meridian obstructions, thus relieving hypochondriac stabbing pain and epigastric fullness caused by liver qi stagnation and qi blockage.

3. Harmonize the Spleen and Stomach

Chaihu Shugan Pills indirectly regulate spleen and stomach functions through liver soothing and qi regulation. Poria (Fuling) and Atractylodes (Baizhu) strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, preventing excessive wood element from overwhelming the earth element. Amomi Fructus Rotundus (Sharen) warms the middle jiao and promotes qi circulation, resolving dampness stagnation. When used together, these herbs restore coordination between the liver and spleen, improving symptoms of disharmony between liver and stomach, such as poor appetite, belching with acid regurgitation, and irregular bowel movements caused by liver qi stagnation.

4. Promote Blood Circulation and Regulate Menstruation

Ligusticum (Chuanxiong) and Cyperus (Xiangfu) promote blood circulation and regulate qi, improving menstrual irregularities caused by liver stagnation and blood stasis. Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) nourishes and activates blood circulation, while Paeoniae Radicis Alba (Baishao) nourishes blood and soothes the liver, together achieving the effect of nourishing blood and regulating menstruation. This formula helps regulate delayed menstruation, dark menstrual blood with clots, and breast distension caused by emotional disharmony.

5. Calm the Mind and Stabilize Emotions

Bupleurum soothes the liver and resolves stagnation, while Poria (Fuling) calms the heart and stabilizes the spirit, alleviating insomnia and vivid dreams caused by liver stagnation transforming into fire disturbing the mind. Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren) nourishes liver blood and calms the spirit, while Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi) connects the heart and kidney energies, together exerting the effect of calming the mind and stabilizing emotions. For individuals with liver qi stagnation accompanied by mental restlessness, it can improve symptoms such as irritability, palpitations, and forgetfulness.

Avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, or hard-to-digest foods during the course of treatment, and maintain a positive emotional state, avoiding anger and emotional upset.