Shine (DS)™

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Overview

Shine (DS) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to help support emotional wellness for patterns of Liver qi stagnation and Heart fire, including occasional low mood, stress, and irritability. Shine (DS) is traditionally used to help spread Liver qi and clear Heart fire.

⚠️ Important: This formula is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care. Anyone experiencing persistent sadness, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm should seek help immediately from a physician, mental health professional, or a crisis line. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata) contains wheat — those with a wheat allergy should not take this product. Contains Dang Gui, which invigorates blood — use with caution, and only under physician guidance, if taking Coumadin (warfarin) or other anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy, due to a higher risk of bleeding and bruising. Always consult your prescribing physician before starting, stopping, or combining this formula with any antidepressant or other prescription medication — never adjust or discontinue a prescribed medication without your doctor's guidance.

Clinical Applications & Benefits

Shine (DS) is traditionally used to help support:

• Occasional low mood, stress, and irritability
• A sense of sadness or low interest
• Mild chest tightness or abdominal bloating associated with stress

Shine vs. Shine (DS): Shine is traditionally used for patterns involving stagnation of food, qi, blood, and phlegm, and contains St. John's Wort, so it should not be combined with prescribed emotional wellness medication without physician guidance. Shine (DS) is traditionally used for patterns of Liver qi stagnation and Heart fire and does not contain St. John's Wort — but any combination with prescribed psychiatric protocols should still be discussed with your physician first.

Key Herbs (TCM Data)

— Chai Hu (Bupleuri) and Xiang Fu (Cyperi): traditionally used to help activate qi circulation and relieve stagnation.

— Mu Dan Pi (Moutan) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia): traditionally used to help clear interior heat and Heart fire.

— Chuan Xiong and Dang Gui: traditionally used to help invigorate blood circulation.

— Bai Shao (White Peony): traditionally used to help nourish yin and blood.

— Bai Zhu, Cang Zhu, and Fu Ling: traditionally used to help strengthen the Spleen and clear dampness.

— He Huan Pi (Mimosa Bark) and Yuan Zhi (Polygala): traditionally used to help calm the shen (spirit) and support restful mood.

— Shen Qu: traditionally used to help support digestion.

Safety & Contraindications

1. Not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care. Seek help immediately from a physician, mental health professional, or crisis line for persistent sadness, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm.
2. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.
3. Shen Qu contains wheat — avoid if you have a wheat allergy.
4. Contains Dang Gui, which invigorates blood — use with caution, and only under physician guidance, if taking warfarin or other anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy.
5. Always consult your prescribing physician before starting, stopping, or combining this formula with any antidepressant or other prescription medication.
6. Never adjust or discontinue a prescribed medication without your physician's guidance.

Dosage & Directions

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach. May increase to 6–8 capsules every 4–6 hours as needed.

Supplementary formulas: For advanced nervous tension and restlessness, this formula is traditionally paired with Calm (ES). For sleep support, it is traditionally paired with Calm ZZZ. For indigestion and bloating, it is traditionally paired with GI Harmony. For a quick energy boost, it is traditionally paired with Vibrant.

Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Nutrition: A varied diet of fresh fruits and vegetables is traditionally encouraged. Whole grains and nuts are traditionally encouraged. Warm foods and beverages are traditionally preferred over cold or raw foods. Sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods are traditionally reduced.

Lifestyle: A short walk after meals is traditionally encouraged to support digestion. Regular physical activity and a consistent sleep schedule are traditionally recommended to support overall emotional wellness.

Related Reading

Also see: Shine – for stagnation patterns, Calm (ES) – for stress and restlessness, and the Relaxation, Emotional Grounding & Traditional Sleep Harmony Collection for related formulas.

Not sure if this is the right formula for you? Start with our Unified Search, browse by symptom with our Symptom & Formula Finder, or use our Lab Test & Formula Reference.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.