Herbs that tranquilize the mind are used for deficient Heart-Qi, deficient blood in the heart, or flaring-up of fire in the heart, which are manifested as restlessness, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, convulsions, epilepsy, and manic–psychotic disorders. The selection of herbs should follow the pathological condition. For example, when accompanied by deficient yin and blood, herbs that replenish blood and nourish Yin are added to the combination. If the condition is due to hyperactivity of Liver-Yang, herbs that pacify the liver and subdue yang are added to the combination. If these conditions are complicated by flaring-up of heart fire, herbs that clear heart fire are added. In cases of epilepsy and convulsions, herbs that resolve phlegm and open the orifices, or pacify the liver and subdue endogenous wind, are selected as the main herbs. Tranquilizing herbs, in these cases, are added as supplemental herbs.
“Sedative Prescriptions” refer to those mainly composed of sedative and tranquilizing herbs with the effect of tranquilizing the mind for the treatment of mental disorders. The basic pathology of mental disorders may be either pathogenic heat disturbing the mind or failure of the blood to nourish the heart. Accordingly, these prescriptions are subdivided into two categories:
(1)Prescriptions with heavy sedatives: They tranquilize the mind, suppress Yang and purge fire, and are used to treat restlessness of the mind. The chief pathologic changes are yang hyperactivity of the heart and liver, as well as mental disturbance due to heat and fire. This group of Prescriptions is composed of toxic minerals and should not be taken for a long time.
(2)Prescriptions with tonic sedatives: They nourish the blood and soothe the mind. These prescriptions are suitable for irritability arising from malnourishment of the heart and liver in cases of blood deficiency.
Chinese Herbs
(i) Dragon bone (Long Gu, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Os draconis
Part Used: Fossilized vertebrae and other bones of large ancient mammals, such as the Rhinoceros or prehistoric reptiles
Properties: Sweet, astringent, and slightly cold
Meridians: Heart and liver
| Functions: | (a) | To pacify the liver and subdue Yang; |
| (b) | To calm the heart and soothe the mind; | |
| (c) | To relieve leukorrhea and arrest seminal emissions or sweating. |
Applications:
(a)Deficient Yin of the liver and kidneys with hyperactive Liver-Yang, manifested as dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, or irritability. Dragon bone (Long Gu) is used with Oyster shell (Mu Li), Red ochre (Dai Zhe Shi), and White peony root (Bai Shao).
(b)Seminal emissions due to deficient kidneys. Dragon bone (Long Gu) is used with Oyster shell (Mu Li), Flattened milkvetch seed (Sha Yuan Zi), and Euryale seed (Qian Shi).
(c)Palpitations and insomnia. Dragon bone (Long Gu) is used with Oyster shell (Mu Li), Polygala root (Yuan Zhi), and Wild jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren).
(d)Leukorrhea due to deficient kidneys. Dragon bone (Long Gu) is used with Oyster shell (Mu Li), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), and Cuttlefish bone (Wu Zei Gu).
(e)Spontaneous sweating and night sweats. Dragon bone (Long Gu) is used with Oyster shell (Mu Li) and Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi).
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb should be cooked before adding other herbs.
(ii) Wild jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Zizyphi spinosae
Part Used: Seeds
Properties: Sweet and neutral
Meridians: Heart and liver
| Functions: | (a) | To nourish the blood and tranquilize the mind; |
| (b) | To stop sweating. |
Applications:
(a)Deficient blood in the heart and liver, manifested as irritability, insomnia, palpitations, and forgetfulness. Wild jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren) is used with Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui), Polygala root (Yuan Zhi), White peony root (Bai Shao), Fleeceflower root (He Shou Wu), and Longan aril (Long Yan Rou).
(b)Spontaneous sweating and night sweats due to weakness of the body. Wild jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren) is used with Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi) and Ginseng (Ren Shen).
(iii) Arborvitae seed (Bai Zi Ren, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Biotae
Part Used: Seeds
Properties: Sweet and neutral
Meridians: Heart, kidney, and large intestine
| Functions: | (a) | To nourish the blood and tranquilize the mind; |
| (b) | To moisten the intestines and move feces. |
Applications:
(a)Deficient blood of the heart, manifested as irritability, insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety. Arborvitae seed (Bai Zi Ren) is used with Wild jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren) and Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi).
(b)Night sweats due to Yin deficiency. Arborvitae seed (Bai Zi Ren) is used with Ginseng (Ren Shen), Oyster shells (Mu Li) and Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi).
(c)Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Arborvitae seed (Bai Zi Ren) is used with Apricot seed (Xing Ren), Bush-cherry seed (Yu Li Ren), and Peach seed (Tao Ren).
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with loose stools or excessive phlegm.
(iv) Polygala root (Yuan Zhi,
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Polygalae Part Used: Root
Properties: Pungent, bitter, and slightly warm Meridians: Lung and heart
| Functions: | (a) | To calm the heart and soothe the mind; |
| (b) | To resolve phlegm and clear the orifices. |
Applications:
(a)Insomnia and forgetfulness. Polygala root (Yuan Zhi) is used with Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Grass-leaved sweetflag (Shi Chang Pu).
(b)Palpitations and restlessness. Polygala root (Yuan Zhi) is used with Wild jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren) and Dragon bone (Long Gu).
(c)Turbid phlegm disturbing the heart, manifested as mental disorders and unconsciousness. Polygala root (Yuan Zhi) is used with Grass-leaved sweetflag (Shi Chang Pu) and Curcuma root (Yu Jin).
(d)Cough with excessive thick sputum or sputum that is difficult to expectorate. Polygala root (Yuan Zhi) is used with Apricot seed (Xing Ren), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), and Licorice root (Gan Cao).
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution in cases with gastric ulcer or gastritis.
(v) Albizia bark (He Huan Pi, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Cortex Albiziae
Part Used: Bark
Properties: Sweet and neutral
Meridians: Heart and liver
| Functions: | (a) | To tranquilize the mind and relieve depression; |
| (b) | To invigorate the blood and reduce swelling. |
Applications:
(a)Insomnia, forgetfulness, and irritability due to depression or anger. Albizia bark (He Huan Pi) is used with Arborvitae seed (Bai Zi Ren) and Multiflower knotweed (Ye Jiao Teng).
(b)Swelling and pain due to external injury. Albizia bark (He Huan Pi) is used with Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui) and Chuan Xiong rhizome (Chuan Xiong).
(c)Carbuncles and furuncles. Albizia bark (He Huan Pi) is used with Wild chrysanthemum flower (Ye Ju Hua), Dandelion herb (Pu Gong Ying), and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao).
Prescriptions
Prescriptions with Heavy Sedatives
(i) Zhusha Anshi Wan 
(Cinnabar Mind-Soothing Pill)
| Composition: | Cinnabar (Zhu Sha,  ) |
15 g |
Coptis (Huang Lian,  ) |
18 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
16 g | |
Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang,  ) |
8 g | |
Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui,  ) |
8 g |
Administration: The herbs and substances are ground into a fine powder, then mixed and made into pills with honey. Take 6–9 g each time with warm boiled water before going to bed.
Function: To tranquilize the mind and purge fire from the heart.
Indications: Disturbance of the mind by the flaring-up of heart fire due to deficient Yin and blood, marked by insomnia, dreaminess, severe palpitations with fright, irritability, a reddened tongue, and a thready rapid pulse.
Formula Analysis: The syndrome results from hyperactivity of heart fire, which impairs Yin blood and causes malnourishment of the heart. It should be treated with heavy sedatives which purge heart fire. In the formula, Zhu Sha’s heavy and cold nature directly affects the Heart Meridian. It acts as the monarch herb, easing the mind and purging fire from the heart. Huang Lian functions as the minister herb, enhancing the effects of the monarch herb. The combination of these two herbs achieves the remarkable effect of clearing away heat from the heart and relieving irritability. Dang Gui and Sheng Di Huang have the respective effects of nourishing blood and tonifying yin and are used as the adjuvant herbs. Serving as the guiding herb, Gan Cao supplements Qi and regulates the middle Jiao. It prevents the very powerful Zhu Sha from impairing the stomach and also mediates the properties of the other herbs.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Palpitations, amnesia, and insomnia induced by neurosis, or mental dullness, distraction and lack of focus induced by mental depression and other conditions which relate to the flaring-up of heart fire and deficiency of Yin and blood.
Modifications:
(a)For chest distress and a greasy tongue coating caused by phlegm-heat, add Whole Trichosanthes fruit (Quan Gua Lou) and Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru).
(b)For severe palpitations and insomnia, add Dragon bone (Long Gu), Oyster shell (Mu Li), and Magnetite (Cishi).
Cautions: Zhu Sha is toxic, so large dosages or prolonged use of the pills is not recommended. This formula is also contraindicated for those with general debility or weakness of the spleen and stomach.
Prescriptions with Tonic Sedatives
(i) Suanzaoren Tang 
(Wild Jujube Decoction)
| Composition: | Wild jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren,  ) |
15–18 g |
Licorice (Sheng Gan Cao,  ) |
3 g | |
Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu,  ) |
8–10 g | |
Rhizome (Chuan Xiong,  ) |
3–5 g | |
Poria (Fu Ling,  ) |
10 g |
Administration: Suan Zao Ren is baked after cracking and crushing, then decocted with the other herbs in water for drinking.
| Functions: | (a) | To nourish the blood and soothe the mind; |
| (b) | To clear heat and relieve irritability. |
Indications: Disturbance of the mind due to deficiency conditions, marked by insomnia, palpitations, irritability, vertigo, dry throat and mouth, a reddened tongue, and a taut thready pulse.
Formula Analysis: The syndrome is caused by liver blood deficiency, disturbance of deficiency heat in the interior, and mental irritability. It should be treated by nourishing the blood and clearing heat to restore a peaceful mental state and relieve dysphoria. The largest component, Suan Zao Ren, acts as the monarch herb with its actions of nourishing the blood and reinforcing the liver to tranquilize the mind. Fu Ling eases the mind and Zhi Mu nourishes yin and clears heat. This combination of minister herbs enhances the function of the monarch herb in relieving dysphoria and tranquilizing the mind. Chuan Xiong regulates Qi and releases stagnated Liver-Qi, and is used as the adjuvant herb. Suan Zao Ren and Chuan Xiong are opposite in property yet complementary to each other, one being sour with an astringent action and the other pungent with a diaphoretic effect. Both invigorate the liver, but the former does so by nourishing liver blood while the latter does so by dispersing stagnated Liver-Qi. Sheng Gan Cao serves as the guiding herb, clearing heat, regulating the middle Jiao and mediating the effects of the other herbs.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Neurosis, cardiac neurosis, and menopausal syndrome with the above symptoms.
Modifications:
(a)For severe Yin deficiency and internal heat, add White peony roots (Bai Shao) and Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang).
(b)For severe night sweats, add Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi).
(c)For severe palpitations and anxiety, add Dragon bone (Long Gu) and Oyster shell (Mu Li).
(ii) Tianwang Buxin Dan 
(Heavenly King Heart Tonic Pills)
| Composition: | Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang,  ) |
12 g |
Ginseng (Ren Shen,  ) |
15 g | |
Scrophularia (Xuan Shen,  ) |
15 g | |
Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi,  ) |
15 g | |
Platycodon root (Jie Geng,  ) |
15 g | |
Asparagus root (Tian Men Dong,  ) |
60 g | |
Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong,  ) |
60 g | |
Wild jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren,  ) |
60 g | |
Red sage root (Dan Shen,  ) |
15 g | |
Poria (Fu Ling,  ) |
15 g | |
Polygala root (Yuan Zhi,  ) |
15 g | |
Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui,  ) |
60 g | |
Biota seed (Bai Zi Ren,  ) |
60 g |
Administration: Grind the above herbs into fine powder, and mix this with honey to form pills. The pills are then coated with 5–15 g of Cinnabar (Zhu Sha). Take 6–9 g twice daily with warm boiled water or with the decoction of Longan aril (Long Yan Rou).
| Functions: | (a) | To replenish Yin and nourish blood; |
| (b) | To tonify the heart and soothe the mind. |
Indications: Mental derangement due to Yin deficiency and interior heat, marked by palpitations, insomnia, restlessness due to deficiency, mental fatigue, nocturnal emissions, amnesia, a feverish sensation in the heart, palms and soles, orolingual boils, a reddened tongue with little coating, and a thready rapid pulse.
Formula Analysis: The syndrome is caused by deficiency of the heart and kidney, Yin and blood deficiency, failure of Yin to restrict Yang, and the stirring-up of deficiency fire in the interior. It should be treated by supplementing Heart-Qi to ease the mind, and nourishing Yin to clear heat. Moist in nature and having a tonic action, Suan Zao Ren, Bai Zi Ren, Wu Wei Zi, and Yuan Zhi all nourish the heart and tranquilize the mind. Additionally, Suan Zao Ren and Wu Wei Zi, both of which are sour in flavor and have an astringent action, are the main components of this formula. They restrain the loss and consumption of Heart-Qi. Dan Shen clears heat from the blood, relieves dysphoria and restlessness, and enhances the effect of restoring a peaceful state of mind. Sheng Di Huang, Xuan Shen, Tian Men Dong, and Mai Dong nourish Yin and clear heat so as to restrain Yang and relieve dysphoria. Ren Shen and Fu Ling replenish Heart-Qi; Dang Gui nourishes the heart blood to promote the tonic action of the other sedative herbs. Jie Geng has the property of guiding the other herbs to exert their effects on the Heart Meridian and remain in the upper Jiao. Zhu Sha is meant to further strengthen the effect of tranquilizing the mind.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Neurosis, schizophrenia, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and other conditions whose chief symptoms are mental derangement with a feverish sensation in the heart region and the palms and soles, a reddened tongue with little coating, and a thready rapid pulse.