SPZM Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang by Health Concerns

Description

Therapeutic Actions

1. SPZM Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang treats muscle spasms, particularly due to injuries (such as whiplash) affecting the upper body. It may also be used for muscle cramps and restless leg syndrome
2. Useful for neuralgias of the upper body such as trigeminal, intercostal etc.; may be tried for sciatica, although this is mostly an upper body formula
3. Addresses contractions, numbness in the limbs; tremors or lack of strength in the limbs; wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome

Chinese Therapeutic Effects

Administration

Internal: 3 to 5 tablets BID to QID, between meals
90 tablets, 625mg, 15 day supply

Ingredients

White Peony root (bai shao), Pueraria root (ge gen), Clematis root (wei ling xian), Spatholobus stem (ji xue teng), Licorice root (gan cao), Calcium glycinate 84mg, Magnesium glycinate 41mg

Pinyin Reference: Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang

Formula

SPZM is an empirical formula from Shanghai with added calcium and magnesium.

White peony (bai shao) nourishes blood and alleviates pain. This herb also preserves yin and insures the smooth flow of Qi. If Qi is not flowing smoothly there will be emotional frustration, anger, abdominal distention, lump in the throat, and PMS in women. These factors can also cause Qi stagnation. Peony insures the sinews are moistened and nourished. Pueraria (ge gen), releases the muscle tension and clears heat. It is particularly useful for headache, stiff upper back and neck. Clematis (wei ling xian) dispels wind dampness, opens the channels, and alleviates pain. Spatholobus (ji xue teng) activates, and nourishes the blood. Licorice (gan cao) relieves spasms, particularly of the legs and abdomen, clears heat, and harmonizes the other ingredients. Magnesium is included as it calms spasms and muscles; calcium improves the uptake of magnesium and has a calming effect.

Clinical Notes

1. May be taken several times a day as needed to alleviate spasms. Better results may be seen taking 5 tablets BID rather than 3 tablets TID
2. See Health Concerns Newsletters: Vol. 6 No. 3 Herbal Protocols for Treating Pain Part 1: Injuries, Muscles & Joints(Gaeddert); Vol. 7 No. 1 Herbal Protocols for Treating Pain Part 2: Headache (Gaeddert); Vol. 7 No. 2 Herbal Protocols for Treating Pain Part 3: Repetitive Use & Other Types of Pain (Gaeddert); Vol. 15 No. 2 Silkworm Enzyme Treats Pain, Inflammation & Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders (Gaeddert)

Additional Information

• For increased pain relief combine with Resinall K, Resinall E, or Channel Flow
• Use with Flavonex or Mobility 2 for inflammation
• Combine with AC-Q if there is both upper and lower body pain
• For liver wind use Gastrodia Relieve Wind
• For long term spasms consider Marrow Plus to build blood
• Consider Mobility 2 for sciatica