Formula Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Gui Zhi Tang

桂枝汤

Also known as:

Cinnamon Twig Decoction , Ramulus Cinnamomi Decoction

Formula Composition

Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Da Zao
Da Zao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Releases pathogens from the muscle layer
  2. Regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi

Patterns Treated

Greater Yang Attack of Wind, Exterior-Cold, Exterior-Empty

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 Gui Zhi Tang

Main Actions

Releases pathogens from the muscle layer
Regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Gui Zhi Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Wind-Cold. Its main actions are: 1) releases pathogens from the muscle layer and 2) regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi.

 

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 Gui Zhi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Greater Yang Attack of Wind, Exterior-Cold or Exterior-Empty. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as common cold, influenza or myocarditis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Greater Yang Attack of Wind
  • Exterior-Cold
  • Exterior-Empty

Common Applications

Common cold Influenza Myocarditis Allergic rhinitis Allergic purpura Asthma Chronic urticaria Eczema

Ingredients in Gui Zhi Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Gui Zhi Tang
In general Gui Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Adjusts the nutritive Ying and defensive Wei Qi. Relieves the Exterior through sweating. Warms and disperses Cold. Removes obstruction of Yang. Promotes the circulation of Yang Qi in the chest. Regulates and moves blood."

In the context of Gui Zhi Tang, it is used because it releases externally-contracted Wind-Cold from the muscle layer.
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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 Gui Zhi Tang
Bai Shao benefits the Yin and contains the weak nutritive Qi. Together with Gui Zhi it enhances the ability of the Protective Qi to dispel pathogens while strengthening the Nutritive Qi.
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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 Gui Zhi Tang
Sheng Jiang helps Gui Zhi release the Exterior while also treating the nausea and vomiting by warming the Middle and directing Qi downward.
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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 Gui Zhi Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."

In the context of Gui Zhi Tang, it is used because it helps Bai Shao nourish and harmonize the Nutritive Qi and the Blood. .
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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 Gui Zhi Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Gui Zhi Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the actions of the other ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Gui Zhi Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated in cases with Exterior Cold and Interior Heat, characterized by fever and thirst or sore throat with a rapid pulse. It should not be given to patients with Internal Heat, as nosebleeds may result. It is also contraindicated in patients with internal Damp-Heat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, 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.