Gou Teng San: A Classic Formula for Calming the Liver and Relieving Stress
- Hongji Medical
- May 20
- 3 min read
Gou Teng San comes from the Song Dynasty physician Sun Simiao’s Ben Shi Fang (Personal Experience Formulas). It is used to treat symptoms caused by liver channel heat and internal tension, such as dizziness, chest tightness or pain, stifling sensations, irritability, and excessive thirst.
In ancient times, stress and environmental factors often triggered these liver-related issues, causing discomfort.
Sun Simiao detailed the formula’s composition and uses in Ben Shi Fang, emphasizing its effectiveness in calming the liver, relieving tension, clearing heat, and soothing the mind.
Formula Explanation of Gou Teng San
Gou Teng San consists of 12 herbs: Gou Teng, Chen Pi, Ban Xia, Mai Men Dong, Fu Ling, Fu Shen, Ren Shen, Ju Hua, Fang Feng, Zhi Gan Cao, Shi Gao, and Sheng Jiang. These are organized according to the Chinese medicine principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy”:
Monarch Herb: Gou Teng. Cool in nature, Gou Teng calms the liver and clears heat. It is ideal for relieving dizziness, chest tightness, and stifling sensations caused by liver channel heat.
Supporting Herbs: Ju Hua, Fang Feng, Shi Gao. Ju Hua (sweet, slightly cold, and bitter) calms the liver and enhances Gou Teng’s liver-soothing effects. Fang Feng (pungent, warm, and moist) helps expel wind. Shi Gao (pungent and cold) clears heat and fire, working with Ju Hua to boost detoxification.
Assistant/Envoy Herbs: Chen Pi, Ban Xia, Mai Men Dong, Fu Ling, Fu Shen, Ren Shen, Zhi Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang. Chen Pi and Ban Xia strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and clear phlegm to prevent its formation. Mai Men Dong nourishes yin and calms the mind. Fu Ling and Fu Shen soothe the heart and mind. Ren Shen and Fu Ling boost qi, strengthen the spleen, and clear dampness. Zhi Gan Cao and Sheng Jiang harmonize the stomach and spleen, enhancing overall balance.
Pathogenesis Analysis of Gou Teng San
Gou Teng San targets symptoms from liver channel heat and internal tension, including dizziness, chest tightness or pain, stifling sensations, irritability, and excessive thirst.
In Chinese medicine, the liver is a firm organ, yin in essence but yang in function.
When liver yin is deficient, liver yang becomes overactive, stirring internal wind and causing dizziness. Liver channel heat occurs when heat pathogens disrupt the liver, leading to dysfunction and related symptoms. These issues are often tied to excessive liver yang and heat, which Gou Teng San addresses.
Main Effects of Gou Teng San
Gou Teng San’s primary effects are calming the liver, relieving tension, clearing heat, and soothing the mind. It works through:
Calming liver heat to ease dizziness, chest tightness, and stifling sensations.
Relieving tension and calming the mind to reduce irritability and thirst.
Strengthening the spleen and clearing phlegm to prevent further issues.
Nourishing yin and boosting qi to support vitality.
Harmonizing the spleen and stomach for overall balance.
The herbs work together: Gou Teng clears liver heat; Ju Hua and Fang Feng calm the liver; Shi Gao clears heat; Chen Pi and Ban Xia clear phlegm; Mai Men Dong, Fu Ling, and Fu Shen soothe the mind; Ren Shen and Fu Ling boost qi; and Zhi Gan Cao and Sheng Jiang harmonize the formula.
Modern Applications
In modern medicine, Gou Teng San is widely used for conditions linked to liver channel heat and excessive liver yang:
Hypertension: Relieves dizziness and chest tightness by calming the liver and clearing heat.
Migraines: Eases headache and stifling sensations through liver-soothing and tension-relieving effects.
Neurosis: Reduces irritability and chest tightness by calming the mind.
Meniere’s Syndrome: Improves dizziness and stifling sensations with its liver-calming properties.
Shoulder Pain: Relieves shoulder soreness and tension by clearing liver heat.
Menopause Syndrome: Eases irritability and stifling sensations through heat-clearing and mind-soothing effects.
Arteriosclerosis: Improves dizziness and chest tightness by calming the liver.
Precautions
When using Gou Teng San, keep the following in mind:
Pattern Differentiation: It targets liver channel heat with symptoms like dizziness, chest tightness, irritability, and a strong, wiry pulse. Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner to confirm suitability based on symptoms and constitution.
Contraindications: Not suitable for liver channel cold or deficient-cold conditions, as its heat-clearing nature may worsen these.
Conclusion
Gou Teng San, a time-honored formula from Ben Shi Fang, is a classic remedy for liver channel heat and related symptoms. Its unique composition excels at calming the liver, relieving tension, clearing heat, and soothing the mind.
By understanding its origins, composition, indications, effects, and modern applications, we see its value in improving health and quality of life, blending traditional wisdom with modern therapeutic benefits.
