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In my practice one of the most useful formulas has been Ease Plus (Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang). This formula, although very practically applied today, was developed approximately 1800 years ago. Typical modern applications include helping people get off drugs, alcohol, smoking; panic attacks, irritability, palpitations, epilepsy, gastritis, headaches including migraines, insomnia, acid regurgitation, and hypertension. Typically it is administered for clients who have wiry rapid pulse, with a red tongue. Clients may also report sensation of heaviness. In ancient times this formula was used for disease caused by cold with symptoms of fullness of chest, delirium, irritability, dysuria, heaviness of the extremities, and general malaise. Below is a discussion of the formula's constituents.

Bupleurum (Chai Hu) promotes healthy liver function. It is one of the most important ingredients in Japanese herbal as chronic hepatitis, as well as nephrotic syndrome and autoimmune diseases. An important, though overlooked usage of this herb is to "raise the Qi." Thus, it is combined with other herbs for hemorrhoids, anal or uterine prolapse. It may be combined with herbs such as Astragalus (Huang Qi), and Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) for chronic fatigue. Laboratory research has demonstrated liver restorative, fever reducing, sedative and anti inflammatory effects. Classically, Bupleurum is combined with other herbs for shao yang syndrome, which is characterized by alternating chills and fever, fullness of chest and ribcage area, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, and wiry of tight pulse.

Cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi) is a pain-relieving ingredient, which is said to promote the flow of Yang Qi. Scute (Huang Qin) is a heat-clearing herb, which possesses anti-bacterial effects. Rhubarb (Da Huang) has the property of relieving constipation and directing perverse energy downward, making Ease Plus effective for palpitations and headaches. It also possesses anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects. The special ingredients Dragonbone (Long Gu), which is fossilized bones, and Oystershell (Mu Li) have sedative properties. Because of the mineral content, these formulas tend, over time, to weaken the digestive system. Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Poria (Fu Ling) are included in this formula to strenghen digestive detoxification process. According to laboratory experiments it increases the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde demonstrated radio protective, improved resistance to disease, and anti-stress effects. The remaining herbs also support digestive funtions.

Case 1

Dan was a 45 year old computer programmer, who had frequent headaches and weekly migraines. He initially sought consultation as he was very stressed out, and wanted to reduce his nightly drinking. Dan's pulse was wiry and his tongue was red and dry. We recommended Ease Plus 3 tablets TID, along with a stress reduction and exercise program, and plenty of water. After one week Dan saw a reduction in his headaches, and said he felt calmer. His pulse and tongue were unchanged At this point we decided to add Calm Spirit containing: (Magnesium Aspartate, Taurine, Enzymes, Biota Bai Zi Ren, Peony Bai Shao, Tang-kuei Dang Gui, Fu-shen Fu Shen, Polygala Yuan Zhi, Zizyphus Suan Zao Ren, Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong, Codonopsis Dang Shen, Succinum Hu Po), to nourish yin and increase the calming effects of Ease Plus. Thus, his new dosage was 2 tablets of each formula QID. After three weeks, Dan was delighted with the results he had achieved. His headaches and drinking were reduced 80%. His pulse was less wiry and his tongue was less dry. Dan stayed on the herbal formulas for another month, and then used them only on an as needed basis.

Case 2

Al was a 39 year-old chemical engineer, whose complaints included constant headaches, low back, and sciatic pain. He was also very stressed as he had a full-time job, and also attended college at night. Al believed he may have been chemically exposed at work, although western tests were inconclusive. Al's pulse was fast and his tongue was pale. I recommended Ease Plus 2 tablets TID and Astra Essence which contains: (Astragalus root and seed Huang Qi and Sha Yuan Ji Zi, Ligustrum Nu Zhen Zi, Ho-shou-wu He ShouWu, Lycium fruit Gou Qi Zi, Rehmannia Shu Di Huang, Eucommia Du Zhong, Cuscuta Tu Si Zi, Ginseng Ren Shen, Tang-kuei Dang Gui, Cornus Shan Zhu Yu), 2 tablets TID. After two weeks Al reported a reduction in headaches, however he felt hot. His pulse and tongue were unchanged. At this point I recommended that he continue with Ease Plus, and we substituted Nine Flavor Tea containing: (Rehmannia Shu Di Huang & Sheng Di Huang, Dioscorea Shan Yao, Poria Fu Ling, Cornus Shan Zhu Yu, Moutan Mu Dan Pi, Alisma Ze Xie, Dendrobium Shi Hu, Scrophularia Xuan Shen, Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong) 2 tablets TID for Astra Essence. Nine Flavor Tea consists of yin tonics which have a cooling function, whereas Astra Essence is a balanced tonic. We also counseled Al to drink more water and eat more vegetables, which have cooling functions. After three weeks on the new protocol, Al's headaches were 90% improved, and he didn't feel as hot.