TCM herbs herbal formula for Insomnia


When insomnia rears its restless head, it can have many different faces. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine recognizes several different patterns of insomnia, and treats them according to their specificities. Here we walk you through four common types of insomnia and the herbal formulas used to address them. But broadly speaking, Chinese herbal formulas treat insomnia by:
  • calming the mind,
  • settling the nervous system,
  • building the resources that the body needs for deep rest and relaxation.

Insomnia due to indigestion

For many people, eating a big meal—especially rich, heavy and spicy foods—too soon before bed can undermine quality of sleep or cause insomnia. Not surprisingly, when the digestive system is very active, the body will be restless and it will be hard to fall asleep. In this case, the best remedy is fairly obvious:
  • avoid eating too late
  • make your last meal of the day light and avoid spicy foods.
But Chinese Medicine also has a traditional herbal formula for insomnia due to indigestion, called Bao He Wan. It’s used on an “as needed” rather than an ongoing therapeutic basis.

The Bao He Wan formula:

  • Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus) – Hawthorn Fruit
  • Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) – Medicated Leaven
  • Lai Fu Zi (Raphani Semen) – Radish Seed
  • Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) – Aged Citrus Peel
  • Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) – Honey Fried Pinellia Rhizome
  • Fu Ling (Poria) – Hoelen
  • Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) – Forsythia Fruit
Although this formula is composed of digestives, like radish seed and citrus peel, there are a few herbs in here that also help the heart and calm the mind:
  • Shan Zha is a Chinese hawthorn berry which is very beneficial for circulation within the heart.
  • Fu Ling is also a heart tonic (tonic meaning something that imparts energy, strength or vitality) with sedating and tranquilizing effects. In Chinese Medicine, the heart is responsible for the mind and mental agitation, and insomnia is typically attributed to the heart.

Insomnia due to Blood Deficiency

Insomnia due to indigestion usually occurs in isolated incidents and doesn’t tend to be a chronic problem. However, there is a diagnosis pattern that links
  • digestive discomfort,
  • fatigue,
  • poor memory and
  • insomnia.
In this case, the digestive system is deficient. The result is an inability to properly digest food and produce enough healthy blood. In Chinese medicine, quality of the blood is key. Memory and mental activity is closely linked to the state and quality of the blood. For example, the more blood and nutrients available, and the better the cerebral circulation, the better the memory.
The quality of the blood is also important for the heart and mind to be able to settle into sleep. With insomnia due to blood deficiency, it may be hard to fall or stay asleep, and the cause is typically due to worry or rumination. From the Chinese herbalist’s perspective, the excessive worry is closely linked to a deficiency in the digestive system, and the traditional remedy to this type of insomnia is a formula called Gui Pi Tang.

The Gui Pi Tang formula:

  • Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng) – Chinese Ginseng Root
  • Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) – Astragalus Root
  • Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma) – White Atractylodes Root
  • Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) – Licorice Root
  • Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) – Chinese Angelica Root
  • Long Yan Rou (Longan Arillus) – Longan Fruit
  • Suan Zao Ren (Zizyphi Spinosae Semen) – Sour Jujube Seed
  • Fu Ling (Poria) – Hoelen
  • Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) – Polygala Root
  • Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix) – Costus Root
  • Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) – Fresh Ginger Root
  • Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus) – Chinese Date
As in the previous formula, Gui Pi Tang contains a few digestives in it such as Sheng Jiang , Zhi Gan Cao, and Mu Xiang. We see Fu Ling again in this formula as it both helps digestion and nourishes the spleen and the heart. Other active ingredients in this formula that specifically calm the mind are Long Yan Rou, Suan Zao Ren, and Yuan Zhi. Blood nourishers in the formula include Long Yan Rou fruit and Suan Zao Ren—the seed of the Chinese red date. These ingredients have been widely used in Chinese herbal formulas to:
  • reduce time necessary to fall asleep,
  • help stay asleep and
  • improve sleep quality.
Finally, Yuan Zhi is classically used to dispel brain fog and rumination and help the mind settle into sleep. Research on the active constituents of Yuan Zhi has found that it is nature’s helping hand for the stressed among us. A triterpenoid saponin from the roots, named Yuanzhi-1, shows potent antidepressant effects. Another Yuan Zhi constituent, 3,6′-disinapoyl, has been shown to:
  • block stress-induced elevations of plasma cortisol,
  • improved hippocampal-dependent learning and memory,
  • rescue stress-induced deficits in hippocampal neuronal plasticity and neurogenesis.

Insomnia due to Yin Deficiency

Insomnia due to yin deficiency is the classic case of burnout. The yin is the body’s cooling system. The yin, or yin fluids, refer to the protective lining of all body tissues and nerves—it is a measure of the proper hydration of your body tissues. If yin “runs out,” the body overheats, leading to symptoms like afternoon fever, night sweats, and insomnia.



The kidneys are the body’s natural reserves of cooling fluids and are depleted after long hours of work and standing for long periods. If those fluids run low, the heat can go unchecked and rise, agitating the heart and the mind. This is a recipe for bad sleep, manifesting primarily as difficulty staying asleep and night sweats. The traditional remedy for yin deficiency-type insomnia is the formula Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.

The Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan formula:

  • Sheng Di Huang (Rhemanniae Radix) – Rhemannia Root
  • Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng) – Chinese Ginseng Root
  • Tian Men Dong (Asparagi Radix) – Asparagus Tuber
  • Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) – Ophiopogon Tuber
  • Dan Shen (Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix) – Salvia Root
  • Fu Ling (Poria) – Hoelen
  • Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) – Chinese Angelica Root
  • Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix)  – Scrophularia
  • Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) – Polygala Root
  • Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus) – Schisandra Fruit
  • Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) – Biota Seed
  • Suan Zao Ren (Zizyphi Spinosae Semen) – Sour Jujube Seed
  • Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix) – Balloon Flower Root
This formula contains many herbs called yin tonics, such as Sheng Di Huang, Mai Men Dong and Tian Men Dong. These herbs replenish the body’s cooling system and fluids. We also find Xuan Shen, clears what we call ‘deficiency heat.’ In other words, it helps quell the internal fire that happens as a result of the cooling system being out of order.
We see some herbs from the previous formula such as Suan Zao Ren, which nourishes the blood as well as helps astringe fluids to keep the body hydrated, and Yuan Zhi which works on brain fog, calms the mind and has antidepressant properties.
Finally, Wu Wei Zi offers a host of benefits, as it:
  • is both sweet and nourishing for the blood, and sour to astringe fluids,
  • helps strengthen the kidneys and calm the mind.
  • is a dual direction herb, meaning that it can be used both to stimulate or sedate the central nervous system (CNS).
As a nervous system stimulant, it increases reflex responses and improves mental alertness. In this formula, Chinese herbalists harness its inhibitory effects on the CNS. Based on evaluations, this CNS inhibition mechanism may be related to an effect on dopaminergic receptors.

Insomnia due to Liver Stagnation and Heat

The final pattern of insomnia that we will explore is insomnia due to too much stress. In this situation, there will be a constant exposure to stress, which will then cause agitation in the nervous system, leading to heat in both the liver and the heart. Patients exhibit irritability, anxiety and have difficulty falling asleep.
The way that the body adapts and responds to stress is closely related to the way that qi moves through the body, so high stress would be diagnosed as qi stagnation.
In Chinese medicine, the Liver is the primary organ that works on the smooth flow of qi throughout the body, so this type of insomnia is identified as a type of liver qi stagnation. Additionally, irritability is often a sign of heat in the liver, or an agitated nervous system. Finally, anxiety is often attributed to heat in the heart and in this case there is excess heat both in the liver and the heart. The classic remedy for this situation is the formula known as Suan Zao Ren Tang.

The Suan Zao Ren Tang formula:

  • Suan Zao Ren (Zizyphi Spinosae Semen) – Sour Jujube Seed
  • Fu Ling (Poria) – Hoelen
  • Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) – Szechuan Lovage Root
  • Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) – Anemarrhena Root
  • Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) – Licorice Root
In this formula, Suan Zao Ren is the key ingredient to nourish the Heart and the Liver and give the nervous system more resources to deal with stress and relax into sleep.
Chuan Xiong is traditionally used to invigorate the blood but here plays a key role in pacifying the liver and enhancing cerebral circulation. Zhi Mu is a great herb to clear the heat associated with anxiety and irritability. Fu Ling and Gan Cao are tonic herbs for the Heart.
Chuan Xiong is widely used to regulate blood flow in the body and has an active constituent called Ligustrazine which can:
  • dilate cerebral blood vessels,
  • reduce vascular resistance,
  • significantly increase blood flow to the brain and body, and
  • improve microcirculation
Chuan Xiong and other herbs that invigorate circulation are particularly helpful for patients who have trouble falling asleep because of headaches, muscle tension or jaw tension.
This simple Suan Zao Ren Tang formula also combines well with other relaxation and stress relief herbs, both Eastern and Western.

Want better sleep?

If you’re:
  • having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep,
  • not feeling fully rested upon waking,
  • interested in alternatives to pharmaceutical sleep aids, then
… consider Chinese herbal medicine. Our clinic includes a full Chinese herbal pharmacy and our licensed herbalist prepare custom herbal formulations for your particular combination of symptoms and conditions.



Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today at 416-800-3978

to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.

So you can experience greater health and well-being!

With our Therapists 25+ years clinical experience,
you will feel the difference.


Acupuncture and Herbs for Menopausal Syndrome

Menopause is one of the most significant events in a woman's life and brings in a number of physiological changes that affect the life of a woman, menopause bleeding, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, tingling, nausea, pain, anxiety, depression etc. Women between 45 to 55 years old might experience these health conditions or issues.


Many people are not aware that acupuncture and Oriental medicine have enjoyed a rich and extensive history in treating the gamut of female health concerns, from PMS to dysmenorrhea to infertility to postpartum issues. Menopause is another dimension of female health that can be extremely difficult for women, as hot flashes and night sweats can cause unbearable discomfort. 

Fortunately, acupuncture and herbs are an excellent options for menopausal women, as they offer safe, noninvasive, and effective treatment for these often debilitating symptoms. Menopause is a time where many women become yin deficient, meaning that the cooling, moistening, and calming aspects of their physiology are weakening. As a result, they often get hot, irritated, anxious, and can’t sleep as well. The main treatment principle for menopausal women involves nourishing yin with acupuncture and herbs.

Acupuncture is considered to be a cooling therapy. The stainless steel needles that are used during treatment are said to disperse Qi. This means that they are unblocking energy that has become blocked or stuck. When energy gets blocked for too long, it generates heat which will burn yin and lead to yin deficiency. Many women patients said that they felt cooler right after the needles were put in. The needles are actually deflating certain areas that have become overheated and compressed. Certain points are also used that have a direct effect on nourishing yin, thereby rejuvenating the cooling aspects of one’s physiology.
Chinese herbs work synergistically with acupuncture to create a state of continuity in clearing heat and nourishing yin between treatments. We would highly recommend committing to this approach before using hormone therapy, as these natural options are free of side effects. Hormone therapy is quite controversial in terms of its long-term effects. While it has worked wonders for many women in the short-term, when I hear references to increased incidence of ovarian cancer, fibrocystic breasts, and emotional fluctuations, we cannot give it a raving endorsement.

 Below is a list of several Chinese herbal formulas that are used to treat hot flashes and night sweats:

Zhi bai di huang wan/temper fire: This is probably the most popular Chinese herbal formula for hot flashes. It is considered a kidney yin tonic that clears fire from the kidneys. Other symptoms would be low back pain, scanty dark urine, and low energy. It is safe, gentle, and can work miracles if it matches well with the patient’s constitution.

Jia wei xiao yao wan/free and easy wanderer plus: This formula addresses hot flashes that are due to a liver depressive heat pattern which would include symptoms such as irritability, high stress, red eyes, headaches, and indigestion.


Da bu yin wan: This formula is for a pattern called ‘steaming bone syndrome’ in which the hot flashes feel as if they are penetrating into the depths of one’s bones. It is a kidney yin tonic that utilizes herbs that penetrate deep into the body to clear heat.

Tian wan bu xin dan/celestial emperor’s teapill: This formula is for a combination of heart and kidney yin deficiency, which will manifest with symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, thirst, and malar flush.

Er xian tang: This formula is for a mixed pattern of kidney yin and yang deficiency. Symptoms include a history of feeling cold with recent onset of hot flashes, low libido, fatigue, and low back pain.


Hot flashes and night sweats tend to respond very well to treatment with acupuncture and herbs. It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms often have an underlying emotional component that needs to be addressed before they will disappear. It is natural to feel heightened emotions as you go about healing this condition with acupuncture and herbs. We highly recommend seeking out the help of a qualified healthcare professional if you are interested in using herbs for hot flashes and night sweats. Many patients have said things like, ‘I heard that black cohosh is good for hot flashes, but it never worked for me.’ It is important to keep in mind that herbs will only work if they address your specific constitutional needs. These needs are assessed by examining the tongue, palpating the pulse, and matching these findings with one’s symptoms. In this way, a much more specific and accurate diagnosis and treatment is formulated that will more likely optimize the benefits for the patient. The licensed and experienced Traditional Chinese Practitioner(R.TCMP) at Oriental Acupuncture Clinic will customize the herbal formula which is tailored for your unique needs.
Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today 
at 416-800-3978 to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, 
beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience 
greater health and well-being!