Ganmai Dazao Decoction and Formulas for Nourishing Deficiency and Replenishing Losses in Middle-Aged Individuals

**Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (a traditional Chinese medicine soup) can improve the mood of men going through menopause.**

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Men with kidney deficiency may enter menopause earlier, around age 40. However, generally, men don't enter menopause until after age 50. During this time, a man's testicles begin to atrophy, and the level of testosterone secreted by the testicles-the most potent hormone in males-decreases. This is the root cause of male menopause, signifying that men who previously possessed abundant energy and good health are beginning to transition into another age group.

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This is like men initially riding in a fast yacht, but as the yacht runs out of fuel, they have to switch to a raft. However, switching boats isn't instantaneous; the process inevitably involves turbulence, which manifests physically as an imbalance in the flow of qi and blood. This is why previously good men sometimes exhibit inconsistent temperaments, making them difficult to accept.

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How can men shake off the label of "weird"? What should they do when their bodies become ill from being cooped up and their mood becomes uncontrollable and irritable?

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Don't worry, if you're also facing this problem, you can try "Gan Mai Da Zao Tang" (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction). The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber) states: "Women with visceral agitation, prone to sadness and crying, as if possessed by spirits, frequently yawning and stretching, should be treated with Gan Mai Da Zao Tang." Gan Mai Da Zao Tang not only treats visceral agitation in women but is also very suitable for most men who are deeply troubled by menopause.

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The composition of Ganmai Dazao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction) is very simple, consisting of licorice root, wheat, and jujubes. Some people might think these three ingredients are too common and inexpensive, so can they really be effective? To paraphrase an advertising slogan-don't choose the expensive, choose the right one. Don't underestimate these herbs; although they are common and inexpensive, their effects are truly remarkable. Of course, taking any one of the herbs alone might not be ideal, but combined, they can calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and replenish the spleen, which is very helpful in calming a man's restless emotions.

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This is how to make Ganmai Dazao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Soup):

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Prepare 15-30 grams of wheat, 9 grams of licorice root, and 5 jujubes. First, wash the wheat and remove any scum. Then, boil the wheat, licorice root, and jujubes in an appropriate amount of water. Simmer over low heat until boiling, then strain and drink. You can also eat the jujubes.

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When drinking soup, it's important not to gulp it down three times a day like taking medicine. Instead, take a few sips slowly whenever you have a spare moment. Also, wheat is more common in rural areas but less so in cities. You can use wheat flour instead of wheat flour when making it.

One tablespoon is sufficient for one serving. First, mix the flour with cooled boiled water to form a thick paste. After the licorice and jujubes are simmered, pour the mixture over them and mix well with the flour paste.

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**Replenishing deficiencies and repairing damage in middle age is the key to maintaining youthful vitality.**

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Middle-aged men often focus on nourishing their bodies and tend to choose medicinal supplements. However, supplements are not a panacea.

Generally, tonifying formulas have specific indications and clinical applications. Only by treating the specific symptoms can they be effective; otherwise, they may have the opposite effect and be harmful to the body. Tonifying formulas can be broadly categorized into four types: tonifying qi, tonifying blood, tonifying yang, and tonifying yin. Qi-tonifying formulas often consist of Astragalus membranaceus, ginseng (or Codonopsis pilosula), Atractylodes macrocephala, and licorice. Blood-tonifying formulas often consist of Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, and donkey-hide gelatin. Yang-tonifying formulas often consist of deer antler (or deer antler), cinnamon, Cistanche deserticola, and Lycium barbarum. Yin-tonifying formulas often consist of tortoise shell, Paeonia lactiflora, Asparagus cochinchinensis, and Ophiopogon japonicus. This classification is mainly based on the effects of the tonifying herbs. In practical application, there are also various categories that tonify the internal organs, such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, Polygala tenuifolia, Poria cocos, and Platycladus orientalis seeds for nourishing the heart; and Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, and licorice for strengthening the spleen.

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Below are some recommended tonics for middle-aged people who need them:

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**1. Sijunzi Decoction (or Pills)**

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> [Ingredients]12g ginseng (or codonopsis), 5g prepared licorice root, 9g poria cocos, 9g atractylodes macrocephala.

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[Usage]Equal parts of the original prescription are decocted in water and taken orally. Each dose is 6 grams, one dose per day; or it can be made into pills, 6-9 grams twice daily. (He's usage)

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[Efficacy]This formula is a Qi-tonifying formula, which has the effects of invigorating Qi, strengthening the spleen, and harmonizing the middle Jiao. It is suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach, insufficient Qi, weakness in the limbs, pale complexion, poor appetite, loose stools, and weak pulse.

It can be taken by people with weak constitution, post-illness recovery, shortness of breath, poor gastrointestinal function, and indigestion.

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**2. Gui Pi Tang**

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> [Ingredients]Ginseng (or Codonopsis pilosula) 9g, Astragalus membranaceus 9g, Atractylodes macrocephala 9g, Poria cocos 9g, Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa 9g, Longan pulp 9g, Aucklandia lappa 6g, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (processed) 5g, Angelica sinensis 9g, Polygala tenuifolia 6g, 3 slices of ginger, 5 red dates.

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[Usage]Decoct in water and take orally, one dose per day, divided into two administrations. (This formula is available as a commercially available medicine called Gui Pi Wan, taken twice daily, 6-9 grams each time.)

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[Efficacy]This formula is a blood-tonifying formula, which has the effects of nourishing blood and heart, strengthening spleen and replenishing qi. It can be taken by those with deficiency of both heart and spleen, insufficient qi and blood, excessive thinking, fatigue, lethargy and poor appetite, palpitations, night sweats, insomnia and forgetfulness, dreaminess and easy startling, sallow complexion, pale tongue with thin white coating, etc.

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3. Yougui Pill (or Decoction)

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> [Ingredients]240g Rehmannia glutinosa (processed), 120g Dioscorea opposita, 90g Cornus officinalis, 120g Lycium barbarum, 120g Eucommia ulmoides, 120g Cuscuta chinensis, 60-80g Aconitum carmichaelii (processed), 120g deer antler glue.

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> [Usage]Grind into powder and make into pills. Take 3-6 grams each time (this formula is available as a ready-made medicine in the market); the dosage can also be adjusted appropriately, decocted in water and taken in 2 divided doses.

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[Efficacy]This pill is a yang-tonifying formula, which warms and tonifies kidney yang, replenishes essence and blood. It can be taken by those with kidney yang deficiency, chronic illness, and symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, aversion to cold, cold limbs, impotence, spermatorrhea, and lower back and knee weakness. (This formula is one of the more potent yang-tonifying formulas for warming and tonifying kidney yang and replenishing essence.)

Generally, it is best to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for diagnosis before using this treatment. The patient should present with a pale tongue and a deep, thready pulse; only if this indicates kidney yang deficiency can the treatment be considered appropriate.