Linking Decoction - Yi Guan Jian

Formula Type

Extract & Concentrate

TCM Pattern

This formula treats yin vacuity in patients who also display symptoms of binding depression of liver qi. Yin-vacuity symptoms include thirst, night sweating, dry mouth and a fine, rapid pulse. Depressed liver qi is characterized by irritability, flank pain and bitter taste. If liver qi invades the spleen-stomach, digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, acid reflux and bloating may present.

Therapeutic Functions

Nourishes yin and blood and courses the liver.*

Clinical Indications

Chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, pain in liver region due to liver cancer, essential hypertension, hypertension during pregnancy, Addison’s disease, thrombocytopenic purpura, pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), restless leg syndrome, chronic ulcers in stomach or duodenum and intercostal neuralgia.

Symptoms & Signs

The patient for whom this formula is suited presents with signs of liver and kidney yin vacuity that coexists with binding depression of liver qi. This pattern is characterized by yin vacuity signs such as thirst, dry throat and mouth, and symptoms of depressed liver qi such as pain in the abdomen, thorax, or flank, irritability and menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea or irregular menstruation.

Precautions

The cloying nature of this formula contraindicates it for abdominal pain and distention that result from dampness or phlegm.

Pulse Quality

Fine and rapid.

Tongue Appearance

Red with a scant fur.