Happy Tea: Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

HAPPY TEA: Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction) is a classic herbal formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often used to improve sleep, reduce stress, and calm anxiety. In TCM theory, it does this by nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. Gan Mai Da Zao Tang is referred to as the “Happy Tea” because of these calming effects. This formula is also an example of “kitchen medicine” due to its three simple ingredients which also happen to be food and can be easily brewed as a tea:

• Licorice (Gan Cao) -

Gan Cao nourishes the heart and harmonizes the stomach. It also strengthens the Qi of the Spleen and Heart. Gan Cao is sweet and harmonious and can tonify the Qi of the whole body.

• Wheat (Fu Xiao Mai) -

Fu Xiao Mai is sweet, slightly cool, and salty in nature. It is a gentle herb that benefits Qi and has a protective quality over the Heart.

• Date/Jujube (Da Zao) -

Da Zao nourishes the blood and calms the spirit. It also strengthens the Spleen (digestion) and reinforces Qi. Da Zao’s sweet, moistening, and harmonious nature allows it to nourish both the Qi and blood of the body and generate fluids.

Together these three simple herbs create a synergistic effect that can harmonize and calm one’s spirit. Enjoy and be happy!

(Source text: Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica and Formulas & Strategies)

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Gan Mai Da Zao Tang will be served as a simple tea as part of our refreshments at the Laurel Healing Arts Mixer (courtesy of Feel Well Acupuncture). Come by, say hi, and sample this tea for a taste of Chinese Herbal Medicine. All are welcome to attend! Here are the details for the mixer:

What: Laurel Healing Arts Mixer

When: Thursday, August 26, 2010 (today!)

Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Where: Inside Laurel Acupuncture: Clinic of Functional Medicine

239 Laurel St. Suite 102

San Diego, CA 92102

Hope to see you there!