Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
The "Licorice Wheat Jujube Decoction" — a 2,000-year-old formula for nourishing the heart and calming the spirit.
The Formula's Story
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (甘麦大枣汤) is one of the most elegant and gentle formulas in the Shang Han Lun — a foundational TCM text from the 2nd century CE. It contains only three ingredients: licorice (Gan Cao), wheat (Xiao Mai), and jujube (Da Zao).
Despite — or because of — its simplicity, this formula is remarkably effective for a specific pattern: heart and liver deficiency manifesting as anxiety, irritability, restless thoughts, occasional sadness with desire to cry, and insomnia. It's particularly beloved for easing emotional volatility during hormonal transitions.
In TCM:Licorice nourishes heart qi and moderates emotions. Wheat nourishes liver blood and clears heat. Jujube nourishes blood and calms the spirit. Together they form a balanced, gentle formula that can be taken long-term.
How to Prepare
Ingredients
- Gan Cao (licorice root) — 6-10g
- Xiao Mai (wheat grains) — 15-30g (or wheat bran)
- Da Zao (jujube, pitted) — 5-10 pieces
- Water — 600-800ml
Steps
- 1.Toast wheat grains lightly until fragrant (enhances flavor)
- 2.Rinse all ingredients
- 3.Simmer in water on low heat for 20-30 minutes
- 4.Strain the tea, drink warm
- 5.Can cook the herbs with a bit of rice for congee variation
When to Use This Formula
Emotional volatility and mood swings
Restless thoughts, overthinking
Feeling of wanting to cry without reason
Mild insomnia from emotional causes
Perimenopausal emotional changes
Anxiety with palpitations
Note on Licorice
This formula is safe for most people in moderation. However, those with high blood pressure should use licorice sparingly (or substitute with honey-fried licorice, Zhi Gan Cao, which is milder). The formula is gentle enough for daily use during stressful periods.