What are the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for treating insomnia?

Traditional Chinese herbal formulas commonly used to treat insomnia include Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Seed Decoction), Gui Pi Tang (Tonify the Spleen Decoction), Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor’s Heart-Nourishing Pill), Jiao Tai Wan (Harmonizing Heart and Kidney Pill), and An Shen Ding Zhi Wan (Calming the Spirit and Stabilizing the Will Pill).

1. Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Seed Decoction)

This formula consists of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Sour Jujube Seed), Glycyrrhizae Radix (Licorice Root), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Poria (Hoelen), and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Ligusticum Rhizome). It nourishes blood, calms the spirit, clears heat, and dispels irritability. It is primarily indicated for patterns of liver blood deficiency with internal disturbance by deficient heat, effectively alleviating symptoms such as restless insomnia due to deficiency-heat, palpitations, dizziness, vertigo, dry throat, and parched mouth—thereby improving insomnia.

2. Gui Pi Tang (Tonify the Spleen Decoction)

This formula comprises Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (White Atractylodes Rhizome), Poria Cocos (Poria with Spirit), Astragali Radix (Astragalus Root), Dimocarpi Fructus (Longan Aril), Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Sour Jujube Seed), Ginseng Radix (Ginseng Root), and other herbs. It tonifies qi and blood, strengthens the spleen, and nourishes the heart. It is indicated for patterns of combined heart-spleen qi and blood deficiency, effectively relieving symptoms including palpitations, mental restlessness, forgetfulness, insomnia, night sweats, fatigue, poor appetite, and sallow complexion.

3. Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor’s Heart-Nourishing Pill)

This formula contains Ginseng Radix (Ginseng Root), Poria Cocos (Poria), Scrophulariae Radix (Figwort Root), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (Danshen), Platycodonis Radix (Balloon Flower Root), Polygalae Radix (Yuan Zhi), and other ingredients. It nourishes yin, clears heat, nourishes blood, and calms the spirit. It is indicated for patterns of yin deficiency and blood insufficiency with disturbed shen (spirit), effectively alleviating symptoms such as restless insomnia due to deficiency-heat, mental fatigue, forgetfulness, heat sensation in palms and soles, oral ulcers, and constipation.

4. Jiao Tai Wan (Harmonizing Heart and Kidney Pill)

This formula consists of Coptidis Rhizoma (Coptis Rhizome) and Cinnamomi Cortex (Cinnamon Bark). It harmonizes the heart and kidney, and is indicated for patterns of disharmony between heart and kidney. It helps alleviate symptoms including irritability and insomnia, palpitations, dizziness, tinnitus, forgetfulness, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, and nocturnal emission.

5. An Shen Ding Zhi Wan (Calming the Spirit and Stabilizing the Will Pill)

This formula includes Poria Cocos (Poria), Poria Cocos with Spirit (Fu Shen), Ginseng Radix (Ginseng Root), Polygalae Radix (Yuan Zhi), and other herbs. It calms fright, soothes the spirit, tonifies qi, and quiets the heart. It is indicated for patterns of heart-gallbladder qi deficiency, effectively relieving symptoms such as irritability and insomnia, frequent dreaming with easy awakening, timidity, palpitations, startle response to minor stimuli, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, fatigue, and general lassitude.

It is strongly recommended that these herbal formulas be used only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Self-medication is not advised. During treatment, maintain a balanced diet and avoid spicy, stimulating foods such as hotpot and chili peppers, which may interfere with therapeutic efficacy.