What Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Be Taken for Anxiety in the Elderly?
Disease description:
My grandfather has been living alone, and when I visited him recently, his mental state was not very good—he seemed somewhat depressed. I suspect this might be caused by anxiety. I would like to ask what traditional Chinese herbs would be suitable for调理 (regulating) this kind of condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Traditional Chinese Medicines that help alleviate anxiety in the elderly:
1. Suanzaoren Tang (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae Decoction): Composed of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Anemarrhena rhizome, Chuanxiong rhizome, Licorice, etc., it calms the heart and relieves irritability, particularly suitable for elderly patients with insomnia symptoms.
2. Wendan Tang (Warm Gallbladder Decoction): For elderly patients who are easily startled, sensitive, or have deficiency of heart and gallbladder qi, Wendan Tang has a significant effect in calming the mind and stabilizing resolve.
3. Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction): Suitable for elderly patients with deficiency of spleen and kidney yang, Guipi Tang invigorates qi, nourishes blood, strengthens the spleen, and calms the heart, particularly for those exhibiting symptoms such as anxiety accompanied by poor appetite and bowel dysfunction.
4. Zhusa Anshen Wan (Cinnabar Pacifying the Heart Pills): Composed of Cinnabar, Coptis, Chinese Angelica, and other herbs, this formula nourishes blood and vital energy, and has a calming effect to relieve restlessness. It is used to treat symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, insomnia, and vivid dreams.
5. Tianwang Buxin Dan (Heavenly King Heart-Nourishing Pills): This formula nourishes yin and blood, and calms the heart and mind. It is mainly used to treat symptoms such as mental fatigue, forgetfulness, insomnia, and vivid dreams caused by yin and blood deficiency.
6. Anshen Wendan Wan (Calming the Mind Warm Gallbladder Pills): Composed of Pinellia, Licorice, Poria, and other herbs, this formula calms the mind, stabilizes resolve, harmonizes the stomach, and resolves phlegm. It is suitable for symptoms such as deficiency cold of heart and gallbladder, insomnia, and excessive dreaming.
7. Zhibai Dihuang Wan (Cortex Phellodendri and Rehmannia Pills): Suitable for elderly patients with anxiety due to liver and kidney yin deficiency, this formula nourishes kidney yin, clears heat, and alleviates symptoms such as insomnia, excessive dreaming, and difficulty falling asleep.
Medication should be taken under the guidance of a qualified physician. Patients should also maintain a positive mindset and healthy lifestyle habits to support treatment.
