Archive for the ‘Insomnia’ Category

Sleep disturbances can include difficulty falling asleep or difficulty in staying asleep.

Insomnia Formula Finder

 

Some Chinese medicine doctors say that if you can regulate one’s eating, pooping, and sleeping,  health is assured.

However chronic use of sleeping drugs can also adversely affect sleep patterns and become habit-forming. Herbs are not so strong that one feels groggy the next day, nor is there a risk of becoming addicted.

Herbal formulas are not heavy sedatives, but  regulate those underlying systems that give rise to:

  • difficulty in falling asleep
  • difficulty in staying asleep
  • sleep disturbed by intense dreams
  • fitful sleep
  • generalized anxiety

Because these formulas are not sedatives, they are often taken three times daily, just like any other chronic condition one would treat. The benefits of these formulas are cumulative over time. Improvement is seen after 2 weeks to a few months.

However, some still get great results from taking their herbs one hour before bed. People vary in that regard. Try both approaches.
More… »

 

Bupleurum, Cinnamon and Ginger Combination (chai hu gui jiang tang)

 

Details of Bupleurum, Cinnamon and Ginger Combination

Bupleurum is used when you're feeling all stuck in life.

Bupleurum is used when you're feeling all stuck in life.

Mentioned in these formula finders: chronic headaches, emotional distress, hot flashes (hot flushes), insomnia

Alternative Names:

  • chai hu gui jiang tang
  • Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig and Dried Ginger Decoction
  • chai hu kuei chih kan chiang tang

Other Signs: aggravated by stress or menstrual cycle, heart palpitations/increased startle response, thirst/mouth dryness
Notes: Extreme hot flashes or night sweats
Insomnia Type(s): difficulty falling asleep, poor quality of sleep,
Headache Type(s): Migraines (one sided, possible aura), Tension headache arising from neck and shoulder tension
Ingredients:
Chai Hu 柴胡 hare’s ear root, thorowax root, bupleurum Radix Bupleuri [caution]
Gui Zhi 桂枝 (Saigon) cinnamon twig, cassia twig Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Tian Hua Fen 天花粉 trichosanthes root Radix Trichosanthis Kirilowii
Huang Qin 黃苓 baical skullcap root, scutellaria, scute Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Mu Li 牡蠣 oyster shell Concha Ostreae
Gan Jiang 乾姜 dried ginger rhizome Zingiberis Rhizoma
Gan Cao 甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae [caution]

Recommended for these body types:

Balanced

Balanced

Slightly Delicate

Slightly Delicate

Delicate

Delicate

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Hot

Hot

Warm

Warm

Neutral

Neutral

Order Bupleurum, Cinnamon and Ginger Combination
Modify for Headache

Shipping Rate: A

 

Bupleurum and Chih-shih Formula (si ni san)

 

Details of Bupleurum and Chih-shih Formula
Bupleurum unsticks what is stuck.

Bupleurum unsticks what is stuck.

Mentioned in these formula finders: emotional distress, insomnia

Alternative Names:

  • Cold Limbs Powder
  • Cold Extremities Powder
  • Frigid Extremities Powder
  • si ni san
  • szu ni san
  • Counterflow Cold Powder
  • sigyaku san
  • shigyakusan

Abdominal Signs: tense abdominal muscles, dull pain or stuffiness beneath ribs
Insomnia Type(s): difficulty falling asleep, poor quality of sleep
Ingredients:
Chai Hu 柴胡 hare’s ear root, thorowax root, bupleurum Radix Bupleuri [caution]
Bai Shao 白芍 white peony root, peony Paeoniae Radix alba

  • These two herbs “spread the Liver qi (chai hu) and nourish the Liver (bai shao)” They’re often used together to harmonize the functions of the nervous system. As the name of this formula implies, it is for cold hands and feet. When the nervous system is harmonious (dare I say, less “nervous”), the blood can better circulate to the hands and feet.

Zhi Shi 枳實 unripe bitter orange, chih-shih Aurantii Fructus immaturus

  • This herb also helps with qi movement, but it is mostly focused on the abdomen for intestinal movements.

Zhi Gan Cao 炙甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae prep. [caution]

  • This herb helps soften the harsh properties of the other herbs in this formula to prevent side-effects.


Recommended for these body types:

Hearty

Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Balanced

Balanced

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Hot

Hot

Warm

Warm

Neutral

Neutral

Order Bupleurum and Chih-shih Formula

Shipping Rate: A

 

Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Combination (chai hu jia long gu mu li tang)

 

Details of Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Combination

Bupleurum, one of the great neurologically regulating herbs.

Bupleurum, one of the great neurologically regulating herbs.

Mentioned in these formula finders: cholesterol, emotional distress, hot flashes (hot flushes), insomnia

Alternative Names:

  • chai hu jia long gu mu li tang
  • Bupleurum Decoction Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell
  • Bupleurum plus Dragon’s Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction
  • chai hu chia lung ku mu li tang
  • siako ka ryukotu borei to
  • saikokaryukotsuboreito

Abdominal Signs: dull pain or stuffiness beneath ribs
Other Signs: aggravated by stress or menstrual cycle, heart palpitations/increased startle response, hot flashes
Insomnia Type(s): difficulty falling asleep, poor quality of sleep
Ingredients:
Gui Zhi 桂枝 (Saigon) cinnamon twig, cassia twig Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Chai Hu 柴胡 hare’s ear root, thorowax root, bupleurum Radix Bupleuri [caution]
Da Huang 大黄 rhubarb root and rhizome Radix et Rhizoma Rhei
Fu Ling 茯苓 sclerotium of tuckahoe, China root, hoelen, Indian bread Poria Cocos
Ban Xia 半夏 pinellia rhizome, pinellia tuber Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae
Ren Shen 人蔘 ginseng root Radix Panax Ginseng
Huang Qin 黃苓 baical skullcap root, scutellaria, scute Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Long Gu 龍骨 dragon bone; fossilized vertebrae Os Draconis
Mu Li 牡蠣 oyster shell Concha Ostreae
Qian Dan 鉛丹 minium, lead oxide Minium (not included in online purchase)
Sheng Jiang 生薑 fresh ginger rhizome Zingiberis Rhizoma
Da Zao 大棗 jujube, Chinese date Jujubae Fructus

Recommended for these body types:

Hearty

Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Balanced

Balanced

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Hot

Hot

Warm

Warm

Neutral

Neutral

Order Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Combination

Shipping Rate: A

 

Zizyphus Combination (suan zao ren tang)

 

Details of Zizyphus Combination

Sour date seed, crunchy, wholesome, helps you sleep.

Sour date seed, crunchy, wholesome, helps you sleep.

Mentioned in these formula finders: insomnia

Alternative Names:

  • suan zao ren tang
  • Spiny Jujube Decoction
  • Wild Jujube Seed Decoction
  • suan tsao jen tang
  • san so nin to

Other Signs: fatigue/lack of strength
Notes: Often results in awakening too early and being unable to fall back to sleep. Can also treat excessive need to sleep.
Insomnia Type(s): poor quality of sleep
Ingredients:
Suan Zao Ren 酸棗仁 sour jujube seed; zizyphus Semen Zizyphi Spinosae
Chuan Xiong 川芎 Sichuan lovage root, cnidium, chuanxiong root Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Zhi Mu 知母 anemarrhena rhizome Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Asphodeloidis
Fu Ling 茯苓 sclerotium of tuckahoe, China root, hoelen, Indian bread Poria Cocos
Gan Cao 甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae [caution]

Recommended for these body types:

Slightly Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Balanced

Balanced

Slightly Delicate

Slightly Delicate

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Hot

Hot

Warm

Warm

Neutral

Neutral

Order Zizyphus Combination

Shipping Rate: A

 

Licorice and Jujube Combination (gan mai da zao tang)

 

Details of Licorice and Jujube Combination

Licorice root is a great detoxifier.

Licorice root is a great detoxifier.

Mentioned in these formula finders: emotional distress, insomnia

Alternative Names:

  • gan mai da zao tang
  • Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction
  • kan mai ta tsao tang
  • kanbaku taiso to
  • kambakutaisoto

Other Signs: easily cries or becomes hysterical
Notes: Often presents with frequent yawning.
Insomnia Type(s): difficulty falling asleep, poor quality of sleep
Ingredients:
Xiao Mai 浮小麥 light wheat grain Tritici Fructus Levi
Da Zao 大棗 jujube, Chinese date Jujubae Fructus
Gan Cao 甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae [caution]

Recommended for these body types:

Slightly Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Balanced

Balanced

Slightly Delicate

Slightly Delicate

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Warm

Warm

Neutral

Neutral

Cool

Cool

Order Licorice and Jujube Combination

Shipping Rate: A

 

Pinellia and Licorice Combination (gan cao xie xin tang)

 

Details of Pinellia and Licorice Combination

Pinellia is a great drying herb that also addresses nausea.

Pinellia is a great drying herb that also addresses nausea.

Mentioned in these formula finders: insomnia

Alternative Names:

  • Licorice Heart-Draining Decoction
  • gan cao xie xin tang
  • kan tsao hsieh hsin tang

Other Signs: bloating, gurgling, gas, loose stools
Insomnia Type(s): difficulty falling asleep, poor quality of sleep
Ingredients:
Ban Xia 半夏 pinellia rhizome, pinellia tuber Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae
Gan Jiang 乾姜 dried ginger rhizome Zingiberis Rhizoma
Ren Shen 人蔘 ginseng root Radix Panax Ginseng
Da Zao 大棗 jujube, Chinese date Jujubae Fructus
Huang Qin 黃苓 baical skullcap root, scutellaria, scute Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Gan Cao 甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae [caution]
Huang Lian 黃蓮 coptis rhizome Rhizoma Coptidis

Recommended for these body types:

Slightly Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Balanced

Balanced

Slightly Delicate

Slightly Delicate

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Warm

Warm

Neutral

Neutral

Cool

Cool

Order Pinellia and Licorice Combination

Shipping Rate: A

 

Bupleurum Formula (yi gan san)

 

Details of Bupleurum Formula

Bupleurum unsticks what is stuck.

Bupleurum unsticks what is stuck.

Mentioned in these formula finders: emotional distress, insomnia

Alternative Names:

  • yi gan san
  • Liver-Repressing Powder
  • liver subduing formula
  • i kan san
  • i gan san
  • yoku kan san

Other Signs: impatience and frequent displays of temper
Insomnia Type(s): difficulty falling asleep, poor quality of sleep
Ingredients:
Chai Hu 柴胡 hare’s ear root, thorowax root, bupleurum Radix Bupleuri [caution]
Fu Ling 茯苓 sclerotium of tuckahoe, China root, hoelen, Indian bread Poria Cocos
Chuan Xiong 川芎 Sichuan lovage root, cnidium, chuanxiong root Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Gan Cao 甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae [caution]
Dang Gui 當歸 tangkuei, Chinese angelica root Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Gou Teng 芶藤 stems of gambir vine; gambir, uncaria vine Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis
Cang Zhu 蒼术 atractylodes rhizome, cang shu Atractylodis Rhizoma

Recommended for these body types:

Balanced

Balanced

Slightly Delicate

Slightly Delicate

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Hot

Hot

Warm

Warm

Neutral

Neutral

Order Bupleurum Formula

Shipping Rate: A

 

Coptis and Scute Combination (huang lian jie du tang)

 

Details of Coptis and Scute Combination

Antibiotic Coptis was used for ulcers long before bacterial causes were discovered.

Antibiotic Coptis was used for ulcers long before bacterial causes were discovered.

Mentioned in these formula finders: cholesterol, emotional distress, hot flashes (hot flushes), insomnia, women’s health

Alternative Names:

  • huang lian jie du tang
  • huang lien chieh tu tang
  • huang lian qie tu tang
  • oren gedoku to
  • Coptis Toxin-Resolving Decoction
  • Coptis Detoxificating Decoction

Other Signs: hot flashes, red face, restlessness, fever
Notes: Often associated with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hypertension.
Insomnia Type(s): difficulty falling asleep
Gynecological Applications: Irregular periods or spotting
Ingredients:
Huang Lian 黃蓮 coptis rhizome Rhizoma Coptidis
Huang Qin 黃苓 baical skullcap root, scutellaria, scute Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Zhi Zi 梔子 cape jasmine fruit, gardenia Gardeniae Fructus
Huang Bai 黃栢 amur cork tree bark, huang bo, phellodendron bark Cortex Phellodendri

Recommended for these body types:

Hearty

Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Slightly Hearty

Balanced

Balanced

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Hot

Hot

Warm

Warm

Neutral

Neutral

Order Coptis and Scute Combination

Shipping Rate: A

 

Ginseng and Longan Combination (gui pi tang)

 

Details of Ginseng and Longan Combination

Ren shen (ginseng) strengthens multiple organ systems.

Ren shen (ginseng) strengthens multiple organ systems.

Mentioned in these formula finders: insomnia, women’s health

Alternative Names:

  • Spleen-Returning Decoction
  • Back to the Spleen Decoction
  • gui pi tang
  • kuei pi tang
  • kihi to

Other Signs: bloating, gurgling, gas, loose stools, fatigue/lack of strength
Insomnia Type(s): difficulty falling asleep, poor quality of sleep
Gynecological Applications: Irregular periods or spotting
Ingredients:
Ren Shen 人蔘 ginseng root Radix Panax Ginseng
Huang Qi 黃耆 astragalus root, milk-vetch root, milkvetch root Astragali Radix
Bai Zhu 白术 , bai shu ovate atractylodes, (white) atractylodes rhizome
Zhi Gan Cao 炙甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae prep. [caution]
Fu Ling 茯苓 sclerotium of tuckahoe, China root, hoelen, Indian bread Poria Cocos
Dang Gui 當歸 tangkuei, Chinese angelica root Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Long Yan Rou 龍眼肉 flesh of the longan fruit, longan Longan Arillus
Suan Zao Ren 酸棗仁 sour jujube seed; zizyphus Semen Zizyphi Spinosae
Mu Xiang 木香 costus root, saussurea, auklandia Aucklandiae Radix
Sheng Jiang 生薑 fresh ginger rhizome Zingiberis Rhizoma
Da Zao 大棗 jujube, Chinese date Jujubae Fructus
Yuan Zhi 遠志 Chinese senega root; polygala Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae

Recommended for these body types:

Balanced

Balanced

Slightly Delicate

Slightly Delicate

Delicate

Delicate

Recommended for these thermal natures:

Neutral

Neutral

Cool

Cool

Cold

Cold

Order Ginseng and Longan Combination

Shipping Rate: A