My first encapsulated formula is one that I have developed and used over many years, and often serves a base for individualized herb formulas that I prescribe to people for insomnia and interrupted sleep. It is the formula that we use at home for difficult sleep. It facilitates sound sleep and clear dreams, but does not create any groggy feeling or have any side effects.
The name of this sleep formula is based on two of the primary ingredients, lily bulb and amethyst. I have written about lily bulb here and here. Amethyst, or zi shi ying, is a spirit calming herb that is used in Chinese medicine to alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and feeling startled. The Peaceful Sleep Pill portion of the name is after the Chinese patent formula called An Mian Pian, which means peaceful sleep pills. Patent medicines in Chinese Medicine (see below for more) are the equivalent of our over-the-counter medicines in the United States. Sometimes the formulas are standardized and produced by different herbal pharmaceutical companies, and sometimes the exact formulations vary from company to company. An Mian Pian is one such remedy that varies from company to company.
Modern TCM formulas are formulated and prescribed according to the premise of “patterns of disharmony.” These represent physiological imbalances that are the mechanisms of disease of Chinese medicine. In modern times, these have become mistakenly associated with diagnoses. They reflect “how”, rather than “why” or “what”. Patent medicines are often described in relation to over-simplified patterns. To give examples of sleep formulas and their associated pattern disharmonies: suan zao ren tang (ziziphus soup) for Liver Yin and Heart Blood deficiency; gui pi wan (restore the Spleen pills) for Spleen Qi and Heart Blood deficiency; tian wang bu xin dan (heavenly emperor’s special pill to nourish the Heart) for Heart and Kidney Yin deficiency; chai hu long gu mu li tang (bupleurum with dragon bone and oyster shell) to sedate and calm the spirit.
These patterns are conceptual building blocks of diagnosis. Occasionally someone walks through the door who matches exactly with one of these simplified patterns; but this is rare. The patent medicine variety of these formulas are low dose, over the counter products that are intended to treat minor, self-limiting conditions. They have value in this regard. However, there are times when prepared medicines are useful, but a more complex approach is needed. This is the situation for which I have created this encapsulated product. You can read more about this in my article Chinese Patent Medicines.
Lily and Amethyst Peaceful Sleep Pills treats a variety of patterns, including some of those described above. But to describe it more broadly, this formula is for the patient who is burnt out, depleted, over-taxed, and over-stimulated. Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang have all become weakened. After a busy day, the person lies down to sleep, but their body and mind are too busy to rest. There is worry, interrupted sleep, and unclear dreams. As a result, the person is not rested in the morning. This formula is intended to be taken right before going to sleep. In conjunction with proper sleep hygiene, it will help to nourish the body, calm the spirit, settle the nervous system, and promote restful sleep.
This formula will be available at the office starting in early April, 2026.
Additional information regarding sleep and dreams can be found here:
Dreams and Dao in Chinese Medicine
Sleeping and Dreaming in Chinese Medicine
The Proper Position for Sleep
Dreams Helped Me with My Insomnia