Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang芍药甘草汤
Peony and Licorice Decoction
Ingredients2 herbs
Indications
Blood and yin insufficient so the sinews go unmoistened, with the Liver losing its softness. Pain of this pattern comes in gripping waves and releases as soon as the sinew lets go, unlike the fixed stabbing pain of stasis.
Clinical Manifestations
- Calf and foot cramps, especially at night
- Cramping abdominal pain
- Gripping period pain
- Muscle spasm and tightness
- A pulling, cramping pain in the ribs or upper abdomen
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Clear cold signs alongside the cramp — add Zhi Fu Zi Fu Zi (Zhi) — Shao Yao Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang
- Marked blood deficiency — combine with Dang Gui 当归 and Shu Di Huang 熟地黄, building toward Si Wu Tang
- Abdominal pain with a cold, weak middle — add Yi Tang 饴糖 and Gui Zhi 桂枝 — the Xiao Jian Zhong Tang direction
- A longer course is needed — reduce the Gan Cao 甘草 share and monitor blood pressure and potassium
Contraindications
The licorice dose is high. Prolonged use can cause fluid retention, raised blood pressure and low potassium, so this is not a formula for long unmonitored courses; use it cautiously in people with hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease or low potassium, or taking diuretics, corticosteroids or digoxin. Not for cramping that belongs to an acute exterior pattern or to damp-heat.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Commonly used under supervision for leg cramps in pregnancy, and neither herb is itself prohibited in pregnancy — but the licorice dose is high, so courses must be kept short and the decision left to the treating practitioner, particularly where blood pressure or swelling is a concern.
References
Source Shang Han Lun 《伤寒论》 · Eastern Han
「更作芍药甘草汤与之，其脚即伸。」
- Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.