Apart from the addition of one herb, Yu jin (Tumeric root tuber), Open the Liver Canals (Xiao Chai Hu Jia Yu Jin Tang) has the same composition as Harmonize the Qi (Xiao Chai Hu Tang), one of the world’s oldest, most important and widely used herbal formulas. In Open the Liver Canals, Bupleurum root and licorice cured Pinellia rhizome are decreased from their levels in the traditional version to allow relatively more Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome and Chinese skullcap root. High levels of Bupleurum root are not needed for a good effect, and the Phlegm addressed by the licorice cured Pinellia rhizome is not prominent in many animal cases. The higher levels of Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome, on the other hand, allow Open the Liver Canals to better address Qi deficiency, while added Chinese skullcap root increases the calming effects of the formula. The other modification is the inclusion of Turmeric root tuber, which provides an extra Qi- and Blood-moving effect to the formula, particularly in the vicinity of the Liver. Cool and pungent Bupleurum root expels invasions lodged in the Shao Yang. Bitter cold Chinese skullcap root descends Yang from the Upper Burner to where it can reintegrate with the Lower Burner. Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome, Red jujube fruit and Chinese licorice root and rhizome address any Qi deficiency that has occurred following the failure of Yang and Yin to merge; Licorice cured Pinellia rhizome transforms any Phlegm obstructions of the Triple Burner that have stopped this merging. Ginger rhizome harmonizes the Middle Burner, helping to direct rebellious Qi downward.
