Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (甘麦大枣汤) — Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is a classical Chinese herbal formula used primarily for depression^[1] — particularly the tearful, emotionally exhausted type with frequent crying and lability. It is prescribed for Heart and Spleen deficiency with loss of nourishment of the Heart-Mind (Shen), characterised by: frequent crying without clear reason, emotional lability, restlessness, insomnia^[8], inability to control speech or behaviour in emotional states, occasional yawning, a pale tongue, and a thin pulse.

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions
7. Frequently asked questions

Overview

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang — Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction — is composed of only three ingredients, yet it is one of the most clinically effective formulas for emotional and psychological distress. It originates from Zhang Zhongjing’s Jin Gui Yao Lue and was specifically described for “Zang Zao” — “visceral agitation” — a condition of emotional instability, crying spells and restlessness that modern practitioners recognise in states of intense emotional exhaustion, grief and severe anxiety^[4]. It is gentle enough to use in children.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Heart and Spleen deficiency with loss of nourishment of the Heart-Mind (Shen), characterised by: frequent crying without clear reason, emotional lability, restlessness, insomnia, inability to control speech or behaviour in emotional states, occasional yawning, a pale tongue, and a thin pulse.

Key herbs

1. Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root, 6-20g) — tonifies Qi and nourishes the Heart; the principal herb and the largest component of the formula
2. Xiao Mai (Triticum aestivum wheat grain, 9-60g) — nourishes the Heart Yin and calms the Shen; a food-medicine with specific affinity for the Heart
3. Da Zao (Ziziphus jujuba fruit, 10-30g) — nourishes Blood and Spleen Qi, calms the Shen and harmonises the formula

Formula actions

1. Nourishes Heart and calms the spirit
2. Harmonises the Middle Jiao
3. Alleviates spasm

Conditions treated

1. Depression — particularly the tearful, emotionally exhausted type with frequent crying and lability
2. Postnatal depression and emotional instability after childbirth
3. Grief and bereavement reactions with uncontrolled crying
4. Anxiety and panic with emotional volatility from Heart Yin and Blood deficiency
5. Menopausal emotional instability and mood swings
6. Insomnia with vivid dreams and restless sleep from Heart Yin deficiency

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.

Frequently asked questions about Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

What is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang used for?

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is used for depression — particularly the tearful, emotionally exhausted type with frequent crying and lability, postnatal depression^[7] and emotional instability after childbirth, grief and bereavement reactions with uncontrolled crying, anxiety and panic with emotional volatility from heart yin and blood deficiency, menopausal emotional instability and mood swings. The formula targets the underlying TCM pattern producing these symptoms rather than the symptom in isolation, which is why pattern diagnosis by a qualified herbalist is essential.

How does Gan Mai Da Zao Tang work?

The herbs in Gan Mai Da Zao Tang work together: Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root, 6 20g) — tonifies qi and nourishes the heart; the principal herb and the largest component of the formula; Xiao Mai (Triticum aestivum wheat grain, 9 60g) — nourishes the heart yin and calms the shen; a food-medicine with specific affinity for the heart; Da Zao (Ziziphus jujuba fruit, 10 30g) — nourishes blood and spleen qi, calms the shen and harmonises the formula. The synergy of these actions addresses the underlying TCM pattern.

How long does Gan Mai Da Zao Tang take to work?

For most patients, an improvement is typically noticed within 2–4 weeks of daily granule treatment. Full benefit usually requires 6–12 weeks, depending on how long-standing the underlying pattern is. Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is typically prescribed as part of an individualised treatment plan that may include other herbs or adjustments over time.

Is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang safe in pregnancy?

Use of Gan Mai Da Zao Tang in pregnancy should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified RCHM herbalist with pregnancy training, and only when the TCM pattern specifically calls for it.

Who should not take Gan Mai Da Zao Tang?

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs. Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door. Gan Mai Da Zao Tang must be prescribed only after full pattern diagnosis by a qualified RCHM herbalist; self-prescription is not appropriate.

References

[1] Butler L, Pilkington K. Chinese herbal medicine and depression: the research evidence. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:739716. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/739716. PMID: 23476690.

[4] Lin Y, Cai S, Wang T, Zhuang T, Huang T, Yu X, et al. Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Xiao Yao San as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:1319592. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1319592. PMID: 35432568.

[7] Li Y, Chen Z, Yu N, Yao K, Che Y, Xi Y, Hai S. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:5284234. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5284234. PMID: 27774110.

[8] Hu J, Teng J, Wang W, Yang N, Tian H, Zhang W, Peng X, Zhang J. Clinical efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine Xiao Yao San in insomnia combined with anxiety. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Oct 29;100(43):e27608. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000027608. PMID: 34713840.