Formula Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders

Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang

柴胡桂枝汤

Also known as:

Bupleurum & Cinnamon Twig Decoction , Bupleurum and Cinnamon Combination

Formula Composition

Chai Hu
Chai Hu
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Da Zao
Da Zao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Harmonizes the Lessor Yang and Greater Yang Stage
  2. Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
  3. Harmonizes the Liver, Spleen and Intestines
  4. Dispels Water Accumulation

Patterns Treated

Lesser Yang stage

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang

Main Actions

Harmonizes the Lessor Yang and Greater Yang Stage
Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
Harmonizes the Liver, Spleen and Intestines
Dispels Water Accumulation

Key TCM Concepts

Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) and Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders. Its main actions are: 1) harmonizes the Lessor Yang and Greater Yang Stage and 2) releases the Exterior and muscle layer.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lesser Yang stage. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as common cold, influenza or pancreatitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lesser Yang stage

Common Applications

Common cold Influenza Pancreatitis Acute gastritis Chronic gastritis Chronic hepatitis Edema Gallstones Epilepsy Intercostal neuralgia Gastric ulcers Duodenal ulcers Malaria Neuralgia Pediatric anorexia Fever of unknown origin Postpartum fever

Ingredients in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Chai Hu disperses and releases the pathogenic factors from the Lesser Yang Stage (according to the 6 Stage Theory of Zhang Zhong Jing) to Exterior. It also remove the Qi Stagnation.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Gui Zhi , together with Bai Shao (white peony root), releases the Exterior without damaging Yin (the cooling elements) and consolidate Yin to harmonize the Nutritive Level. Additionally, the pairing of Bai Shao and Gan Cao allows the sour and sweet flavors to generate Yin, thereby assisting in nourishing Yin. Gui Zhi combined with Gan Cao uses the pungent and sweet flavors to generate Yang (warming energy), thereby assisting in nourishing Yang. The combination of Bai Shao and Da Zao (jujube) benefits Yin and consolidates the Nutritive Level for harmonious Ying. Gui Zhi paired with Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger) allows for pungent dispersion to release the muscles and regulate the Defensive (wei) level.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
In general Bai Shao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain."
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Huang Qin
Huang Qin

Baikal skullcap roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Huang Qin assists Chai Hu in clearing the pathogenic Heat from the Shao Yang (Lesser Yang). Chai Hu ascends and disperses, and with Huang Qin descending and purging, it prevents the adverse effect of raising Yang and depleting Yin.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Ban Xia warms and transforms Phlegm and turbidity in the Middle Burner. When combined with another assistant herb in this formula, Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang), it harmonizes the Middle Burner, directs Rebellious Qi downward, and stops nausea and vomiting.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."

In the context of Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the Middle Burner, directs Rebellious Qi downward, and stops nausea and vomiting.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Ren Shen works together with Liquorice (Gan Cao) and Jujube dates (Da Zao) to support the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Gan Cao , together with Da Zao, supports the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior. Gao Cao and Da Zao also moderates the acrid, dry properties of Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Da Zao supports the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior. The combination of Sheng Jiang and Da Zao mildly regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi, and assists Chai Hu in releasing the half-Exterior aspects of this condition. Da Zhao helps Bai Shao nourish and harmonize the Nutritive Qi and the Blood.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

This formula is used used when the external pathogenic factors are between the Interior and Exterior. For external pathogenic diseases that are either at the surface or have already entered the interior, this formula is generally not recommended. If it must be used, appropriate modifications should be made. When treating malaria with this formula, it is advisable to add antimalarial medications for concurrent use.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.