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Si Ni San (四逆散) spreads constrained Liver qi and harmonises the Liver and Spleen; for cold extremities caused not by yang deficiency but by qi constraint keeping the yang from reaching the limbs.
English Name
Frigid Extremities Powder
Classical Source
Shang Han Lun, c. 220 CE
Ingredients
Actions & Functions
- Spreads constrained Liver qi and releases constraint
- Harmonises the Liver and Spleen
Indications
Liver qi constraint: cold fingers and toes (with a warm body), hypochondriac and epigastric distension, irritability, and possibly abdominal pain or diarrhoea.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: pale-red. Pulse: wiry.
Modifications
The base of Chai Hu Shu Gan San (add Xiang Fu, Chuan Xiong, Chen Pi) for stronger qi-moving.
Cautions & Contraindications
For cold limbs from constraint, not from true yang collapse (use Si Ni Tang for that).
