Si Mo Tang (Four Milled-Herb Decoction)

Four Milled-Herb Decoction

Ji Sheng Fang, 1253

• Wu Yao, Chen Xiang (move/descend qi); Bing Lang (direct down)
• Ren Shen (support qi) – the four are milled and steeped

• Promotes the movement of qi and descends rebellious qi
• Supports the normal qi (so moving does not deplete)

Liver qi constraint with rebellious qi: wheezing, shortness of breath, a stifling chest and epigastrium, and irritability, often triggered by emotional upset.

Tongue: thin white coat. Pulse: wiry.

Add Mu Xiang and Zhi Shi (Wu Mo Yin Zi) for stronger qi-moving.

For qi constraint with some deficiency; use with caution in marked deficiency or yin deficiency.