Suanzaoren-Tang Treats Insomnia Due to Heart Yin Deficiency

Also Effective for Frequent Awakenings and Persistent Dreaming

By Jubong Kang, KMD

[Acts & Diagnosis]

This prescription treats insomnia, forgetfulness, and heart palpitations caused by deficiency of heart-qi and yin-blood due to excessive thinking or consumptive disorders. It is not indicated for extreme insomnia or panic disorder, but is effective for difficulty falling asleep, frequent night awakenings, or continuous dreaming without deep sleep.

Suanzaoren-Tang is often modified depending on symptoms or combined with other prescriptions. For example, add Banxia if hypersensitivity with phlegm retention and borborygmus is present; add Zhizi or combine with Zhizichi-Tang if heat in the hands and feet occurs; add Shudihuang when abdominal weakness is severe; and add Huangqi when the pulse is weak and sunken. For epigastric hardness with insomnia, combine with Chaihu-Longu-Muli-Tang; for left abdominal palpitations with neurosis, use with Yigan-San.

[Constituents & Functions]

Suanzaoren (monarch): Moistens Lung, nourishes Yin, calms spirit, arrests sweating, benefits ears and eyes. Relieves vexation, deficiency heat, sweating, palpitations, anxiety, forgetfulness, difficulty sleeping, frequent awakenings, and vivid dreams.

Fuling & Zhimu (minister): Transform phlegm, promote diuresis, clear deficiency heat, nourish Yin, and strengthen the tranquilizing effect.

Chuanxiong (assistant): Moves Liver-qi, relieves chest fullness and constraint. Studies show CNS stabilization, mind-calming, improved cerebral blood flow, vasodilation, and lowered blood pressure.

Gancao (adjuvant): Tonifies qi and harmonizes the formula.

Patients suited to Suanzaoren-Tang typically show uneasiness with palpitations (tachycardia or abdominal pulsation), a soft abdomen, and weak pulse. They often complain of fatigue, forgetfulness, night sweats, dizziness, and neurosis-like anxiety.

Source Text: “If a consumptive disease causes uneasiness and sleeplessness, Suanzaoren-Tang treats it.” 『Jin Gui Yao Lue』

[Application]

Used for deficiency heat, uneasiness, palpitations, insomnia with excessive dreaming, frequent awakenings, night sweats, forgetfulness, vertigo, and mild forms of narcolepsy.

[Distinction]

Guipi-Tang: Unlike Suanzaoren-Tang patients, these individuals have weakened digestion and nutrition, yellowish complexion, and weak pulse due to nervous overconsumption.

Reduo-Hanshao-Tang: Suited for those who eat meat and spicy food, digest well, but avoid fruits and vegetables. Often applied in insomnia with hypertension or diabetes; adding Dahuang (4–8g) enhances effects. When Dahuang is added, it becomes Qingfei-Xiegan-Tang.

                [Ingredients]