Shine™

TCM herbal formula for depression, low energy, prolonged sadness, and lack of interest — antidepressant; relieves food, qi, blood, and phlegm stagnation; promotes movement of qi; releases constraint; elevates mood and energy; contains St. John's Wort (Guan Ye Jin Si Tao)

⚠️ Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Guan Ye Jin Si Tao (Herba Hyperici Perforati / St. John's Wort) may cause increased photosensitivity — avoid excessive exposure to UV irradiation (sunlight, tanning) while taking this formula. Do NOT use Guan Ye Jin Si Tao with prescription drugs without advice of your prescribing physician. Two critical herb-drug interactions: (1) Do NOT use concurrently with antidepressant drugs (MAOI, TCA, SSRI) — the combination may lead to serotonin syndrome, as Guan Ye Jin Si Tao inhibits uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in vitro at high concentrations. (2) Guan Ye Jin Si Tao may induce the cytochrome P450 system of the liver, leading to increased metabolism and decreased plasma concentration of cyclosporine (Sandimmune/Neoral), combined oral contraceptives (ethinylestradiol/desogestrel), theophylline (Theo-Dur), digoxin (Lanoxin), and indinavir (Crixivan). Allergy warning: Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata) contains wheat — persons with wheat allergy should not take this product. Shine should NOT be used until antidepressant drugs have been discontinued for two weeks — use Shine (DS) concurrently with antidepressants or during the tapering process instead. Discontinuation of antidepressants, particularly abruptly, may cause withdrawal symptoms such as "brain zaps" (electric shock sensations), dizziness, acute depression, and irritability — taper off slowly and offer herbal treatment simultaneously.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Depression with low energy, prolonged sadness or irritability, and lack of interest in daily activities

Shine vs. Shine (DS):

— Shine is more effective for depression characterized by stagnation (food, qi, blood, and phlegm). Should NOT be used concurrently with antidepressant drugs.

— Shine (DS) is more effective for depression with stress characterized by Liver qi stagnation and Heart fire. May be used concurrently with antidepressant drugs — no known interactions.

Background: Depression is a mood disorder characterized by severe or prolonged sadness that interferes with energy levels, daily functions, and quality of life — symptoms include fatigue, poor concentration, loss of interest and pleasure, and absence of sexual desire. In TCM, depression is caused by prolonged stagnation of qi, blood, dampness, and/or food. Optimal treatment requires breaking up all stagnation and nourishing the internal organs.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Guan Ye Jin Si Tao (Herba Hyperici Perforati / St. John's Wort): primary antidepressant herb — increases serotonin levels and inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO); hyperforin inhibits reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine; clinically: Hamilton Depression Scale — ~70% treatment response; 517 patients over 1 year — safe and effective for mild to moderate depression, especially suitable for relapse prevention; vs. Prozac (fluoxetine): randomized double-blind trial of 149 patients — equivalent therapeutic effect (800mg extract vs. 20mg fluoxetine, 6 weeks); 1,757 patients — significantly superior to placebo and "similarly effective" to antidepressant drugs; therapeutically equivalent to Prozac in mild to moderate depression; side effects rare — rash and photosensitivity most common

— Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae): calms the shen; relieves depression; marked antidepressant effect — reverses harmful effects of chronic mild stress on mood and behaviors via neuroendocrine and neuroprotective activities and involvement of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system; sedative effect for insomnia

— He Huan Pi (Cortex Albiziae): antidepressant via 5-HT1A receptor system — therapeutic effect comparable to Tofranil (imipramine), a tricyclic antidepressant; clinically with Shi Chang Pu and others: 33 patients with depression — 81.8% effective (12 recovery, 15 improvement, 6 no effect)

— Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii): opens the orifices; eliminates phlegm; increases alertness; calms the shen

— Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi): promotes flow of Liver qi; reduces hypochondriac distension; calms and alleviates depression

— Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri): promotes flow of Liver qi; calms and alleviates depression

— Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae): invigorates blood; relieves stagnation and depression

— Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong): invigorates blood; relieves stagnation; calms and alleviates depression; anti-inflammatory via TNF-alpha inhibition; treats headache

— Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata): removes food stagnation; improves digestion and absorption of nutrients; increases energy

— Cha Ye (Folium Camelliae / Green Tea): lifts the mood; gently stimulates the central nervous system; increases body metabolism

— Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae): sedates heat in the Heart; relieves irritability; antihypertensive

— Long Gu (Os Draconis) + Mu Li (Concha Ostreae): tranquilizing — alleviate insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep

— Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae): nourishes the Heart; moistens internal dryness; calms and alleviates depression

— Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae): nourishes the Heart; moistens internal dryness; calms and alleviates depression; positive cognitive effect — improves memory

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antidepressant — Guan Ye Jin Si Tao (serotonin↑, MAO inhibition, hyperforin, equivalent to Prozac); Yuan Zhi (HPA axis, neuroendocrine, neuroprotective); He Huan Pi (5-HT1A receptor, comparable to imipramine)

* Mood elevation / CNS stimulation — Cha Ye (CNS stimulation, metabolism↑); Guan Ye Jin Si Tao (serotonin↑)

* Sedative / hypnotic — Yuan Zhi (sedative, insomnia); Long Gu + Mu Li (tranquilizing, dream-disturbed sleep)

* Digestive / energy support — Shen Qu (food stagnation↓, digestion↑, nutrient absorption↑)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Relieves food, qi, blood, and phlegm stagnation (Xiang Fu, Chai Hu, Yu Jin, Chuan Xiong, Shen Qu, Shi Chang Pu)

* Promotes movement of Liver qi; releases constraint (Xiang Fu, Chai Hu)

* Calms the shen; relieves depression (Yuan Zhi, He Huan Pi, Shi Chang Pu, Long Gu, Mu Li)

* Nourishes the Heart; moistens internal dryness (Gan Cao, Da Zao)

* Sedates Heart heat; relieves irritability (Zhi Zi)

* Lifts mood; increases energy (Guan Ye Jin Si Tao, Cha Ye)

DOSAGE

Standard: 4 capsules three times daily with warm water on an empty stomach. May increase to 5–7 capsules for severe conditions.

Supplementary formulas: Vegetative depression with withdrawal, no desire to speak, poor appetite, and insomnia — combine with Schisandra ZZZ. Depression with stress, anxiety, restlessness (manic-depressives) — add Calm (ES). Chronic depressive patients who do not respond to treatment — add Circulation (SJ). Quick boost of energy and vitality — combine with Vibrant. Post-partum or constant fatigue and lack of energy — combine with Imperial Tonic. Constitutional weakness and deficiency — use with Cordyceps 3. Loss of sexual desire — combine with Vitality. Overweight or excessive weight gain — combine with Herbalite. Burned out with adrenal insufficiency — use with Adrenal+. Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, or forgetfulness — use with Enhance Memory. Insomnia with excessive worry or anemia — add Schisandra ZZZ. Insomnia with stress in deficiency patients — add Calm ZZZ. Pre-menopausal and menopausal depression — add Balance (Heat). Headache — add Corydalin (AC). Heat sensations, irritability, or nightmares from excess fire — add Gardenia Complex.

Nutrition: Depression may be due in part to nutritional deficiency — avoid white bread, flour, saturated animal fats, hydrogenated vegetable oils, sweets, soft drinks, and canned goods as they deplete B vitamins and increase depression risk. Avoid a diet too low in complex carbohydrates as it may cause serotonin depletion and depression. Eat a variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables of all colors. Incorporate more high-fiber whole grains and nuts. Drink warm or hot liquids with meals — cold or iced drinks hinder natural peristaltic movements of the digestive system. Foods with antioxidant effects (vitamins A, C, E) are beneficial: citrus fruits, carrots, green leafy vegetables, and green tea. Chew food completely and thoroughly. Always eat breakfast — in TCM, 8–10 a.m. is the optimal time for the digestive system. Allow 2–3 hours between the last meal and bedtime. Avoid fast food, processed foods, junk food, artificial sugars, carbonated drinks, meat, greasy food, alcohol, caffeine, dairy (except unsweetened low-fat yogurt), tap water, iron supplements, and produce with pesticides. Avoid all sugar (cake, dessert, candy, chocolate, canned juice, soft drinks, stevia, corn syrup) — damages the Spleen. Avoid raw or uncooked meats and cooling foods (tofu, tomato, celery, asparagus, bamboo, seaweed, bitter melon, cucumber, watermelon, citrus, banana, papaya) — add ~20 pieces of Gou Qi Zi when cooking these to neutralize their cold property. Avoid warm/hot foods that damage qi and yin: heat-producing fruits (mango, durian), stimulants (coffee, alcohol, energy drinks), and spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables (pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili, wasabi). Avoid artificial coloring and processed meats (lunch meats, hot dogs, sausages) — nitrites are linked to inflammation and chronic disease.

Lifestyle: Exercise outdoors and under the sun — exercise helps people who are depressed by making them more energetic and stress-tolerant. A balanced lifestyle of work, rest, and exercise is extremely important for better mental and physical health. Massaging the nerves along the spine helps relieve tension associated with depression.

CASE STUDIES

— 31-year-old female (S.J.): Depression — no social desire, lack of energy in mornings, easily fatigued; black circles under eyes, no shine to eyes, overweight; qi stagnation and Kidney qi deficiency. Shine 3 capsules 3x/day. Result: immediate more energy and elevated mood; most significant change was bouncing out of bed ready to start the day.

— 36-year-old female (J.M.): Depression — single mother, pending divorce, psychologist wanted her on medication; poor appetite, cravings for candy, carbohydrates, and alcohol; crying, unfocused, scattered emotionally, deflated energetically; BP 118/72 mmHg, HR 78 bpm; qi and blood stagnation with Liver and Spleen disharmony. Shine 4 capsules 3x/day. Result within 24 hours: depression began lifting the next day — felt more solid, grounded, and focused; more interested in moving physically; emotionally more stable. Dosage reduced progressively to once daily as symptoms resolved. Patient noted dramatic difference vs. previous herbal formula from another company where she felt "stuck."

— 45-year-old female (W.P.): Pain in kidney and liver areas; history of kidney infection and pancreatitis; anxiety and depression from relationship issues; weak slightly slippery pulse, pale tongue with long center fissure; Liver qi stagnation with heat disturbing shen, toxins in kidney. Shine + Kidney DTX. Result after 4 weeks: mood stable, no longer experiencing pain in liver and kidney areas; also made lifestyle and dietary changes and received weekly acupuncture.

— 33-year-old female (S.F.): Premenstrual fatigue and depression 3 days before cycle; qi deficiency with shen disturbance. Imperial Tonic + Calm + Shine 2–3 capsules each 3x/day. Result after 3 weeks: increased energy and more positive attitude. Continued Calm + Shine for 3 months, then Imperial Tonic only — felt recovered from depression.

— 22-year-old female (A.B.): Anxiety, fear of failure, depression, insomnia, poor eating habits; shen not settled, dysglycemia; Liver qi stagnation and Spleen qi deficiency. Calm (ES) daytime + Calm ZZZ nighttime → Schisandra ZZZ nighttime + Shine daytime + Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. Result after 1 month: insomnia resolved, depression lifted, major attitude and life changes. At 6 weeks: maintained with Calm; anxiety reduced; regular eating habits, improved energy, regular painless menses.

— 26-year-old female: Chronic depression, possibly from not working for years; bipolar disorder; constant somnolence, lack of interest in any activity; puffy tongue with thick white coating, rolling pulse; phlegm stagnation. Shine. Result within 1 month: somnolence subsided, became more active during the day, less depressed.

— Female (depression and irritability): Anxiety enhanced by impending Vicodin (APAP/hydrocodone) discontinuation; hepatitis C, fibromyalgia, Liver qi stagnation. Shine prescribed. During a serious altercation with spouse that led to suicidal ideation — immediate administration of Shine. Result within 30 minutes: thoughts of suicide dismissed; felt much calmer. Practitioner concluded Shine was quite effective for similar conditions.

— 58-year-old male teacher: Palpitations for 1 year following death of significant other; stress or jogging exacerbated condition; mitral valve prolapse symptoms; Liver oppressing Heart and Liver yang rising; pink tongue with red tip, wiry pounding pulse. Shine 4 capsules 3x/day + acupuncture for ~6 months. Result at 2 weeks: 75% subjective improvement — palpitations less frequent, stress reduced significantly, milder chest pounding. At 6 weeks: pulse lost wiry quality; diagnosis changed to Heart qi and blood deficiency. At 10 weeks: pulse slow and leisurely. At 7 months: palpitations rare. Herbs discontinued with acupuncture maintenance every 3–4 weeks.

— 42-year-old female finance administrator: "Plum-pit" syndrome, belching, constipation, irritability when angered; pale tongue, wiry pulse; always uptight, tense, short-tempered; Liver qi stagnation with dampness in middle and lower jiao attacking Stomach, phlegm congealing, Large Intestine stagnation. Shine. Result after 1 bottle: significant improvement in plum-pit qi elimination and constipation; belching relieved 90%. After 2nd bottle: felt queasy and edgy — stopped herbs. Noted positive mood change and more uplifted spirit. Practitioner noted possible deficient constitution as cause of side effects.

— 20-year-old female (H.E.): Depression, difficulty concentrating, difficulty falling asleep, very active mind, short-temper, easily startled; dry tongue with white coating, wiry pulse; Liver qi stagnation and Gallbladder/Heart disharmony. Wen Dan Tang + Shine 2 capsules each 3x/day. Result: much improvement in symptoms; symptoms returned after stopping herbs.

— 53-year-old female: Anxiety, depression, pale complexion; thin weak deep pulse in all positions; cyclical rage, fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, severe depression; irregular periods; puffy pale tongue; blood and yin deficiencies with Liver qi stagnation, Kidney yin and yang deficiencies. Shine + Nourish + iron supplement. Result within first 10 days: noticeable change, especially around cycle — "felt as if a cloud had been lifted"; smiling more; sleep much better; restlessness still present but improving.

— 57-year-old female (J.C.): Nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, desire to stop smoking, night sweats; red tongue with no coating; Kidney yin deficiency with heat and Liver qi stagnation; Western diagnosis: menopause and hypothyroidism. Nourish daily + Shine + Calm as needed. Result after 6 months: improved sleep; calmer and more balanced overall with positive attitude.

— 22-year-old male (L.W.): Septic facial acne — very depressed, did not want to be seen in public; damp-heat with Liver qi stagnation. Dermatrol (PS) + Shine for 1 week: acne 80% resolved and depression improving. Topical Yin Care diluted with tea tree oil applied after washing. Result at 28 days: acne completely gone; patient now socializes happily with family and friends.

Related Reading

Also see: Shine (DS) – for depression with stress and Liver qi stagnation; safe with antidepressant drugs | Schisandra ZZZ – for vegetative depression with insomnia | Calm (ES) – for depression with stress and anxiety | Circulation (SJ) – for chronic non-responsive depression | Vibrant – for quick energy boost | Imperial Tonic – for post-partum or chronic fatigue | Cordyceps 3 – for constitutional weakness | Vitality – for loss of sexual desire | Adrenal+ – for adrenal burnout | Enhance Memory – for poor concentration and memory | Calm ZZZ – for insomnia with stress and deficiency | Balance (Heat) – for menopausal depression | Corydalin (AC) – for headache | Gardenia Complex – for excess fire, irritability, nightmares | Nourish – for yin deficiency | Stress & Sleep Collection.