chai hu jia long gu mu li tang

Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤) is a classic multi-herb formula from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), first described in the Shang Han Lun by Zhang Zhong-Jing. It is a modification of Minor Bupleurum Decoction (Xiao Chai Hu Tang), with the addition of dragon bone (Long Gu) and oyster shell (Mu Li) to enhance its calming and grounding effects. The formula is traditionally used to harmonize the Shaoyang stage of disease, calm agitation or restlessness, anchor "floating Yang," and support emotional balance. Its main indications include palpitations, insomnia, irritability, emotional disorders such as anxiety or agitation, stress-induced hypertension, trauma recovery symptoms like nervous tension or dizziness, digestive disturbances including constipation due to emotional distress or internal heat patterns[1][2][3][4][5]. Mechanistically in TCM terms it calms the spirit by anchoring Yang and harmonizing Qi flow; from a biomedical perspective it may exert neuroprotective effects and modulate neurotransmitter activity[1]. The typical ingredients are bupleurum root (Chai Hu), pinellia rhizome (Ban Xia), poria mushroom (Fu Ling), cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), Chinese skullcap root (Huang Qin), jujube fruit (Da Zao), ginger rhizome (Sheng Jiang), ginseng root (Ren Shen/Bai Shen), dragon bone mineral fossilized bone material rich in calcium compounds(Long Gu), oyster shell mineral(Mu Li) and rhubarb root/rhizome(Da Huang)[3][6].

Brand names

Calm Dragon FormulaBupleurum plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell DecoctionBupleurum & D.B. Combination

Other names

柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤Chai-Hu-Jia-Long-Gu-Mu-Li-TangChai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang柴胡加龍骨牡蠣湯