TCMIO

Suan Zao Ren Tang

酸枣仁汤suān zǎo rén tāng

In traditional TCM context, Suan Zao Ren Tang (酸枣仁汤) is a classic herbal formula. It is traditionally used to nourishes Liver Blood, clears deficiency Heat, calms the Shen. Treats insomnia with irritability, dizziness, palpitations, and night sweats.

Traditional TCM ContextClassic FormulaSafety info limited
3 herbs2 references

At a Glance

Traditional TCM Context

Classic formula · 3 ingredients

Nourishes Liver Blood, clears deficiency Heat, calms the Shen. Treats insomnia with irritability, dizziness, palpitations, and night sweats.

Heart Blood DeficiencyYin Deficiency

Direct Modern Evidence

0 exact formula papers

Exact formula human clinical studies0
Exact formula systematic reviews0

No direct research on this exact formula is currently linked in this library.

Safety Notes

Formula-specific safety information is limited

Formula-specific safety information is limited. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Traditional TCM Perspective

Traditional Formula Role

A classic formula from Jin Gui Yao Lue for insomnia due to Liver Blood Deficiency with internal Heat. Nourishes the Liver, calms the spirit, and clears deficiency Heat. One of the most widely used TCM formulas for sleep disorders.

Core TCM Functions

Nourishes Liver Blood, clears deficiency Heat, calms the Shen. Treats insomnia with irritability, dizziness, palpitations, and night sweats.

Core TCM Patterns

Heart Blood Deficiency心血虚Yin Deficiency阴虚

What Current Research Does—and Does Not—Show

A systematic review in the current TCMIO reference set examined Chinese herbal formulae containing Suanzaoren for insomnia. This review covers a family of related formulas, not the exact Suan Zao Ren Tang composition, and is presented as background context only. No direct research on the complete Suan Zao Ren Tang formula is currently linked.

Research is classified by how closely it matches this formula. Only studies that explicitly name and evaluate the exact formula composition are presented as direct evidence. Variant formulas, family-related formulas, and single-ingredient studies are shown separately.

Formula-Family Research

(1)

Studies on related formulas from the same family or historical source. Presented as background context only.

Evidence scope: Formula family

Suanzaoren Formulae for Insomnia: Updated Clinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms

Frontiers in Pharmacology2018

The abstract states it assessed "formulae containing Suanzaoren" (plural), covering multiple formulas in the Suanzaoren family rather than the exact classic Suan Zao Ren Tang composition.

Safety & Boundaries

Formula-Specific Safety Notes

Formula-specific safety information is limited. Consult a qualified professional before use.

General Safety Boundary

  • TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
  • Formula-level safety profiles may differ from individual herb profiles. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner for individualized guidance.
  • For herb-specific safety information, see the individual herb profiles: Suan Zao Ren, He Huan Pi, Long Yan Rou.

Formula Composition

The following herbs compose Suan Zao Ren Tang according to traditional formula structure. Roles are labeled in Traditional Formula Context.

Click any herb to view its full detail page.

Suan Zao Ren

酸枣仁

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen

ChiefTraditional Formula Context

Nourishes Heart Blood, calms the Shen (spirit), arrests sweating. Primary herb for insomnia.

View herb detail

He Huan Pi

合欢皮

Albizia julibrissin

AdjuvantTraditional Formula Context

Calms the Shen, resolves depression, harmonizes the Blood, reduces swelling. Used for insomnia caused by emotional distress.

View herb detail

Long Yan Rou

龙眼肉

Longan Arillus

AdjuvantTraditional Formula Context

Tonifies Heart and Spleen Blood, nourishes the Blood, calms the Shen. Key herb in Gui Pi Tang.

View herb detail

Traditional Formula Context: Ingredient roles (Chief/Deputy/Assistant/Envoy) reflect traditional TCM formulary theory. These classifications are educational and do not constitute modern pharmacological ranking.

Related Knowledge

Related Symptoms(5)

Insomnia失眠Difficulty Falling Asleep入睡困难Early Morning Waking早醒Night Sweats盗汗Restless Sleep睡眠不安

Related TCM Patterns(2)

Heart Blood Deficiency心血虚Yin Deficiency阴虚

Related Herbs(3)

Suan Zao Ren酸枣仁He Huan Pi合欢皮Long Yan Rou龙眼肉

Related Conditions(2)

Insomnia Disorder失眠症Stress-Related Sleep Difficulty压力性睡眠障碍

Related Questions(5)

Suan Zao Ren Tang vs Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan: How Do They Differ?How does Suan Zao Ren help with sleep?Are TCM sleep herbs safe for long-term use?Can I combine TCM sleep herbs with my prescription sleep medication?What TCM lifestyle tips can improve my sleep?

Sources(2)

  1. 1.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition — Suan Zao Ren Tang. Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020, Vol. I. 2020.

    Bibliographic details

    Reliability: official

    Source type: official_compendium

  2. 2.

    Zhou QH, Zhou XL, Xu MB, Jin TY, Rong PQ, Zheng GQ, Lin Y. Suanzaoren Formulae for Insomnia: Updated Clinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018.

    DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00076
    Bibliographic details

    Reliability: High

    Source type: Systematic Review

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.