Shine™

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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 (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. (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,” 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; 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; 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); clinically with Shi Chang Pu and others: 33 patients with depression — 81.8% effective

— 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 — 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. 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. 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), iron supplements, and produce with pesticides. Avoid all sugar — damages the Spleen. Avoid raw or 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/aromatic vegetables (pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, thyme, saffron, mustard, chili, wasabi). Avoid artificial coloring and processed meats.

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. Massaging the nerves along the spine helps relieve tension associated with depression.

CASE STUDIES

— 31F (S.J.): Depression — no social desire, lack of energy in mornings, easily fatigued; qi stagnation and Kidney qi deficiency. Shine 3 caps 3x. Result: immediate more energy and elevated mood; most significant change was bouncing out of bed ready to start the day.

— 36F (J.M.): Depression — single mother, pending divorce; poor appetite, cravings for candy and alcohol; crying, unfocused, emotionally deflated; qi and blood stagnation with Liver and Spleen disharmony. Shine 4 caps 3x. Result within 24 hours: depression began lifting — felt more solid, grounded, and focused; more interested in moving physically. Dosage reduced progressively to once daily as symptoms resolved.

— 45F (W.P.): Pain in kidney and liver areas; history of kidney infection and pancreatitis; anxiety and depression from relationship issues; Liver qi stagnation with heat disturbing shen. Shine + Kidney DTX. Result after 4 weeks: mood stable, no longer experiencing pain in liver and kidney areas.

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

— 22F (A.B.): Anxiety, fear of failure, depression, insomnia; Liver qi stagnation and Spleen qi deficiency. Calm (ES) daytime + Calm ZZZ nighttime → Schisandra ZZZ nighttime + Shine daytime. Result after 1 month: insomnia resolved, depression lifted, major attitude and life changes.

— 26F: Chronic depression, possibly from not working for years; bipolar disorder; constant somnolence, lack of interest; phlegm stagnation. Shine. Result within 1 month: somnolence subsided, became more active during the day, less depressed.

— F (depression and irritability): Anxiety enhanced by impending Vicodin 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.

— 58M teacher: Palpitations for 1 year following death of significant other; mitral valve prolapse symptoms; Liver oppressing Heart with Liver yang rising. Shine 4 caps 3x + acupuncture for ~6 months. Result at 2 weeks: 75% subjective improvement — palpitations less frequent, stress reduced significantly. At 7 months: palpitations rare.

— 42F finance administrator: “Plum-pit” syndrome, belching, constipation, irritability; Liver qi stagnation with dampness attacking Stomach, phlegm congealing. Shine. Result after 1 bottle: significant improvement in plum-pit qi and constipation; belching relieved 90%. Noted positive mood change and more uplifted spirit.

— 20F (H.E.): Depression, difficulty concentrating, difficulty falling asleep, very active mind, short-temper; Liver qi stagnation and Gallbladder/Heart disharmony. Wen Dan Tang + Shine 2 caps each 3x. Result: much improvement in symptoms.

— 53F: Anxiety, depression, pale complexion; cyclical rage, fatigue, sleeplessness, severe depression; blood and yin deficiencies with Liver qi stagnation and Kidney yin/yang deficiencies. Shine + Nourish + iron supplement. Result within first 10 days: noticeable change — “felt as if a cloud had been lifted”; sleep much better.

— 57F (J.C.): Nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, night sweats; 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.

— 22M (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. Result at 28 days: acne completely gone; patient now socializes happily with family and friends.

Related Reading

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

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