论曰恚怒气逆，上而不下则伤肝，肝劳则面目干黑、口苦，精神不守，恐畏不能独卧，
甚则筋急而爪枯，目盲无所见，毛悴色夭者难治。
治肝劳胁痛气急，忧恚不常，面青肌瘦，筋脉拘急，补肝汤方
天门冬（去心焙） 酸枣仁（微炒） 柴胡（去苗） 当归（切焙） 羌活（去芦头） 防
风（去
叉） 桂（去粗皮） 细辛（去苗叶） 赤茯苓（去黑皮） 升麻 秦艽（去苗土） 黄
（锉） 杜
仲（去粗皮炙锉） 鳖甲（去裙 醋炙锉） 鹿茸（去毛酥炙） 牛膝（酒浸切焙） 天麻 黄
明胶
（炙燥） 山茱萸
上一十九味，等分，粗捣筛，每服三钱匕，水一盏，入生姜二片，枣一枚劈，煎至七分，
去滓温服食前。
治肝劳关格不通，精神不守，气逆上冲，胸中烦闷，调气下热，柴胡汤方
柴胡（去苗） 黄芩（去黑心） 泽泻 葛根（炙锉） 升麻（各一两半） 玄参（三
两） 生干
地黄（切焙二两）
上七味，粗捣筛，每用五钱匕，水一盏半，入竹叶七片，煎至一盏，去滓下芒硝一钱匕，
分为二服，空心食后各一。
治肝劳虚寒，两胁满，筋脉急，关格不通，毛悴少色，猪膏酒方
猪膏（二两） 生姜汁（三合）
上二味，同用慢火煎候减半，入酒一升相和，滤过分温三服，空腹日午夜卧各一。
治肝劳寒胁下痛，胀满气急，眼昏视物不明，槟榔汤方
槟榔 附子（炮裂去皮脐各一两） 白茯苓（去黑皮） 桔梗（炒） 陈橘皮（汤浸去
白焙）
桂（去粗皮各半两） 吴茱萸（汤浸焙炒一两） 白术（三分）
上八味，锉如麻豆，每五钱匕，水一盏半，入生姜一分拍碎，煎至一盏，去滓分温二服，
空腹食后各一，若气喘加芎 三分，半夏一两汤洗炒，甘草半两炙。
治肝劳实热，闷怒精神不守，恐畏不能独卧，目视不明，气逆不下，胸中满塞，下气除
热，半夏汤方
半夏（汤洗七遍切焙二两） 麻黄（去节煎掠去沫焙） 杜蘅 芍药 枳实（去瓤麸炒）
细
辛（去苗叶） 杏仁（汤浸去皮尖双仁炒） 乌梅肉（炒各三分） 松萝（半两） 淡竹叶
（切三两）
空腹食后各一。
治肝劳不足、补虚，芍药饮方
芍药 牡丹皮（各三分） 熟干地黄（炮） 黄 甘草（炙） 白茯苓（去黑皮） 青
葙子
白附子 防风（去叉） 山栀子仁（炒各一两半） 细辛（去苗叶半两） 枳实（去瓤麸炒）
荆芥
穗（各三分）
上一十三味，锉如麻豆大，每服五钱匕，水一盏半，入竹叶七片，煎至八分，去滓空腹
温服，食后夜卧再服。
治肝劳虚寒，目眩喜忘，咳唾痰涎，忧恚内伤，面青少色，硫黄丸方
硫黄（研） 干姜（炮） 吴茱萸（汤浸焙干炒） 人参 当归（切焙） 防风（去叉
各一两）
白矾（熬令汁枯） 乌头（炮裂去皮脐各一两一分） 桂（去粗皮） 天雄（炮裂去皮脐） 甘
草（
炙锉各三分） 蜀椒（去目并闭口者炒出汗） 皂荚（酥炙去皮子） 枳实（去瓤麸炒各半
两）
细辛（去苗叶） 甘菊花（各一分）
上一十六味，捣研为末，再同研匀，炼蜜和丸，如梧桐子大，每服二十丸，空腹温酒下，
夜卧再服，渐加至三十丸。
治肝劳虚热，目赤难开，烦闷宛转，热气上冲，泻肝除热，前胡汤方
前胡（去芦头） 干姜（炮） 大青 细辛（去苗叶） 秦皮（锉） 决明子 栀子仁 黄
芩（
各一两） 车前子（一合） 石膏（二两） 淡竹叶（细切三两）
上一十一味，粗捣筛，每五钱匕，水一盏半，煎至一盏，去滓分温二服，空腹食后各一，
欲利加芒硝一两研。
治肝劳虚寒，胁痛胀满，气闷目昏，不思饮食，赤茯苓汤方
赤茯苓（去黑皮一两半） 桔梗（炒） 陈橘皮（汤浸去白焙各一两） 白术（半两） 鳖
甲（
去裙 醋炙二两） 桂（去粗皮三分）
上六味，粗捣筛，每服三钱匕，水一盏，入生姜三片，同煎至七分，去滓食前温服。
治肝劳热，恐畏不安，精神闷怒，不能独卧，志气错越，茯苓丸方
白茯苓（去黑皮） 远志（去心） 防风（去叉） 人参 柏子仁（微炒研） 牡蛎（烧
令赤）
甘草（炙锉各半两） 龙骨（三分）
上八味，捣罗为末，炼蜜并煮枣肉同和丸，如梧桐子大，每服空腹温酒下二十丸，渐加
至三十丸，夜卧再服。
治肝虚劳损口苦，关节疼痛，筋脉挛缩，虎骨酒方
虎骨（涂酥炙三两） 干姜（炮） 芎 地骨皮（各二两） 白术 猪椒根 五加皮
（各二
两半） 枳壳（去瓤麸炒一两半） 丹参（四两） 熟干地黄（焙一两）
上一十味，锉如麻豆大，用生绢袋子贮，以清酒三斗浸四宿，每日空腹温服半盏，渐加
至一盏。
治肝伤健忘，目视不明，面色青白，常多恐惧，青龙丸方
龙骨（研） 羌活（去芦头） 秦艽（去苗土各一两） 茯神（去木） 羚羊角（镑） 青
葙子
甘菊花 白附子（炮） 丹砂（研如粉各三分）
上九味，捣研为末，炼蜜和丸，如梧桐子大，每服三十丸，食后人参汤下。
Commentary states: Anger causes Qi to reverse and ascend without descending, thereby damaging the Liver. In cases of Liver Exhaustion (Gan Lao), symptoms include dry and dark complexion, bitter taste in the mouth, inability of the spirit to remain settled, fearfulness preventing solitary sleep; in severe cases, there is tendon tension with withered nails, blindness, emaciated hair and sallow complexion, which are difficult to treat.
For treating Liver Exhaustion presenting with hypochondriac pain,急促 breathing, frequent sorrow and anger, blueish complexion, emaciation, and tense tendons and vessels, use the Bu Gan Tang (Tonify the Liver Decoction):
Tian Dong Men Dong (Asparagi Radix, processed by removing heart and roasted) Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, lightly fried) Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix, removed sprouts) Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, sliced and roasted) Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, removed rhizome head) Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, removed forked parts) Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, removed coarse bark) Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma, removed sprouts and leaves) Chi Fu Ling (Poria Cocos with Red Skin, removed black skin) Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) Qin Jiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, removed sprouts and soil) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, chopped) Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex, removed coarse bark, processed with heat and chopped) Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum, removed skirt, vinegar-processed and chopped) Lu Rong (Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum, de-haired and processed with butter) Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, soaked in wine, sliced and roasted) Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) Huang Ming Jiao (Colla Corii Asini, processed until dry) Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus).
The above nineteen ingredients are weighed equally, coarsely crushed and sifted. Each dose consists of three qian bi (approx. 9g), boiled in one sheng (approx. 200ml) of water with two slices of fresh ginger and one split jujube. Decoct until three-tenths remains, remove dregs, and take warm before meals.
For treating Liver Exhaustion characterized by Guan Ge obstruction (blockage of upper and lower pathways), unsettled spirit, rebellious Qi rushing upward, and chest oppression, aiming to regulate Qi and clear deficient heat, use the Chai Hu Tang (Bupleurum Decoction):
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix, removed sprouts) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, removed blackened center) Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix, processed with heat and chopped) Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, each 1.5 liang) Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix, 3 liang) Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix, sliced and roasted, 2 liang).
The above seven ingredients are coarsely crushed and sifted. Use five qian bi per dose, boil in one and a half sheng of water with seven bamboo leaves. Decoct until one sheng remains, remove dregs, add Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas, approx. 3g), and divide into two doses. Take once on an empty stomach and once after meals.
For treating Liver Exhaustion with deficiency-cold, fullness in both hypochondria, tense tendons and vessels, Guan Ge obstruction, emaciated hair, and lackluster complexion, use the Zhu Gao Jiu (Pig Fat Wine):
Zhu Gao (Suillae Adeps, 2 liang) Sheng Jiang Zhi (Fresh Ginger Juice, 3 he).
The above two ingredients are slowly simmered together until reduced by half, then mixed with one sheng of wine. Filter and divide into three warm doses. Take once on an empty stomach, once at midnight, and once before retiring.
For treating Liver Exhaustion with cold causing hypochondriac pain, distension,急促 breathing, blurred vision, use the Bing Lang Tang (Areca Seed Decoction):
Bing Lang (Arecae Semen) Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, cracked, peeled, navel removed, each 1 liang) Bai Fu Ling (Poria Cocos, removed black skin) Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix, stir-fried) Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, soaked in water, white pith removed, roasted) Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, removed coarse bark, each 0.5 liang) Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus, soaked in water, roasted and stir-fried, 1 liang) Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 3 fen).
The above eight ingredients are chopped like hemp seeds. Use five qian bi per dose, boil in one and a half sheng of water with one part crushed fresh ginger. Decoct until one sheng remains, remove dregs, and divide into two warm doses. Take once on an empty stomach and once after meals. If asthma/wheezing worsens, add Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 3 fen), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, 1 liang, washed in water and stir-fried), and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 0.5 liang, processed with heat).
For treating Liver Exhaustion with excess-heat, leading to depression, anger, unsettled spirit, fearfulness preventing solitary sleep, unclear vision, rebellious Qi failing to descend, and chest fullness, aiming to direct Qi downward and eliminate heat, use the Ban Xia Tang (Pinellia Decoction):
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, washed in water seven times, sliced and roasted, 2 liang) Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba, nodes removed, boiled to skim foam, then roasted) Du Heng (Dysosma Versipellis Rhizoma) Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba or Rubra) Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, pulp removed, bran-fried) Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma, removed sprouts and leaves) Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, soaked in water, skin and tip removed, double-kernel ones stir-fried) Wu Mei Rou (Mume Fructus Flesh, stir-fried, each 3 fen) Song Luo (Usnea, 0.5 liang) Dan Zhu Ye (Phyllostachys Viridis Folium, cut, 3 liang).
Take once on an empty stomach and once after meals.
For treating Liver Exhaustion insufficiency and tonifying deficiency, use the Shao Yao Yin (Peony Drink):
Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba or Rubra) Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex, each 3 fen) Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, processed) Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, processed with heat) Bai Fu Ling (Poria Cocos, removed black skin) Qing Xiang Zi (Celosiae Semen) Bai Fu Zi (Typhonii Rhizoma) Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, removed forked parts) Shan Zhi Zi Ren (Gardeniae Semen, stir-fried, each 1.5 liang) Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma, removed sprouts and leaves, 0.5 liang) Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, pulp removed, bran-fried) Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepetae Spica, each 3 fen).
The above thirteen ingredients are chopped like hemp seeds. Use five qian bi per dose, boil in one and a half sheng of water with seven bamboo leaves. Decoct until eight-tenths remains, remove dregs, and take warm on an empty stomach. Take again after meals and before retiring.
For treating Liver Exhaustion with deficiency-cold, vertigo, forgetfulness, coughing up phlegm-saliva, internal injury from sorrow and anger, blueish complexion with lackluster color, use the Liu Huang Wan (Sulfur Pill):
Liu Huang (Sulfur, ground) Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, processed) Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus, soaked in water, dried and stir-fried) Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, sliced and roasted) Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, removed forked parts, each 1 liang) Bai Fan (Alumen, boiled until juice is dry) Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix, cracked, peeled, navel removed, each 1.1 liang) Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, removed coarse bark) Tian Xiong (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Preparata, cracked, peeled, navel removed) Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, processed with heat and chopped, each 3 fen) Shu Jiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, remove eyes and closed-mouth ones, stir-fried until sweat appears) Zao Jiao (Gleditsiae Fructus, processed with butter, skin and seeds removed) Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, pulp removed, bran-fried, each 0.5 liang) Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma, removed sprouts and leaves) Gan Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos, each 1 fen).
The above sixteen ingredients are crushed and ground into powder, mixed evenly, and bound with refined honey into pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take twenty pills per dose, wash down with warm wine on an empty stomach, and take again before retiring. Gradually increase to thirty pills.
For treating Liver Exhaustion with deficiency-heat, red eyes difficult to open, restlessness, rebellious hot Qi rushing upward, aiming to drain the Liver and eliminate heat, use the Qian Hu Tang (Peucedani Radix Decoction):
Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix, removed rhizome head) Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, processed) Da Qing (Indici Folium) Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma, removed sprouts and leaves) Qin Pi (Fraxini Cortex, chopped) Jue Ming Zi (Cassiae Semen) Zhi Zi Ren (Gardeniae Semen) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, each 1 liang) Che Qian Zi (Plantaginis Semen, 1 he) Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 2 liang) Dan Zhu Ye (Phyllostachys Viridis Folium, finely cut, 3 liang).
The above eleven ingredients are coarsely crushed and sifted. Use five qian bi per dose, boil in one and a half sheng of water. Decoct until one sheng remains, remove dregs, and divide into two warm doses. Take once on an empty stomach and once after meals. To promote bowel movement, add Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas, 1 liang, ground).
For treating Liver Exhaustion with deficiency-cold, hypochondriac pain and distension, chest stuffiness, blurred vision, and loss of appetite, use the Chi Fu Ling Tang (Red Poria Decoction):
Chi Fu Ling (Poria Cocos with Red Skin, removed black skin, 1.5 liang) Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix, stir-fried) Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, soaked in water, white pith removed, roasted, each 1 liang) Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 0.5 liang) Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum, removed skirt, vinegar-processed, 2 liang) Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, removed coarse bark, 3 fen).
The above six ingredients are coarsely crushed and sifted. Use three qian bi per dose, boil in one sheng of water with three slices of fresh ginger. Decoct until three-tenths remains, remove dregs, and take warm before meals.
For treating Liver Exhaustion with heat, fearfulness and unease, depressed and angry spirit, inability to sleep alone, and disordered willpower, use the Fu Ling Wan (Poria Pill):
Bai Fu Ling (Poria Cocos, removed black skin) Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix, removed heart) Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, removed forked parts) Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) Bai Zi Ren (Biota Semen, lightly fried and ground) Mu Li (Concha Ostreae, burned until red) Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, processed with heat and chopped, each 0.5 liang) Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, 3 fen).
The above eight ingredients are pounded and sieved into powder. Bind with refined honey and cooked jujube flesh into pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take twenty pills per dose, wash down with warm wine on an empty stomach. Gradually increase to thirty pills, and take again before retiring.
For treating Liver deficiency exhaustion with bitter taste, joint pain, and tendon contraction, use the Hu Gu Jiu (Tiger Bone Wine):
Hu Gu (Ossis Tigridis, coated with butter and roasted, 3 liang) Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, processed) Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) Di Gu Pi (Lycii Cortex, each 2 liang) Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) Zhu Jiao Gen (Root of unknown species, likely related to Piper or similar) Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanacis Cortex, each 2.5 liang) Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, pulp removed, bran-fried, 1.5 liang) Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, 4 liang) Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, roasted, 1 liang).
The above ten ingredients are chopped like hemp seeds, stored in a raw silk bag, and soaked in three dou (approx. 6 liters) of clear wine for four nights. Take half a zhan (approx. 50ml) warm on an empty stomach daily, gradually increasing to one zhan.
For treating Liver injury with forgetfulness, unclear vision, blueish-white complexion, and frequent fear, use the Qing Long Wan (Green Dragon Pill):
Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, ground) Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, removed rhizome head) Qin Jiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, removed sprouts and soil, each 1 liang) Fu Shen (Poria Cocos with Pine Root, removed wood) Ling Yang Jiao (Capricornis Cornu, shaved) Qing Xiang Zi (Celosiae Semen) Gan Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos) Bai Fu Zi (Typhonii Rhizoma, processed) Dan Sha (Cinnabaris, ground to powder, each 3 fen).
The above nine ingredients are crushed and ground into powder. Bind with refined honey into pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take thirty pills per dose, wash down with Ren Shen Tang (Ginseng Decoction) after meals.