Formula Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold

Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang

黄芪桂枝五物汤

Also known as:

Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five-Substance Decoctionm

Formula Composition

Huang Qi
Huang Qi
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Da Zao
Da Zao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Augments the Qi
  2. Warms and harmonizes the channels
  3. Unblocks painful obstruction

Patterns Treated

1. Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), 2. Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), 3. White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), 4. Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang), 5. Jujube Dates (Da Zao), Blood Stagnation

Historical Origin

Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang

Main Actions

Augments the Qi
Warms and harmonizes the channels
Unblocks painful obstruction

Key TCM Concepts

Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) and Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold. Its main actions are: 1) augments the Qi and 2) warms and harmonizes the channels.

 

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 Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as polyneuritis, scleroderma or dermatomyositis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • 1. Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi)
  • 2. Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi)
  • 3. White Peony Roots (Bai Shao)
  • 4. Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang)
  • 5. Jujube Dates (Da Zao)
  • Blood Stagnation

Common Applications

Polyneuritis Scleroderma Dermatomyositis Bell's palsy Common peroneal neuropathy Raynaud's disease Takayasu's arteritis Thromboangiitis obliterans Bedsore Urticaria Sciatica Rheumatic arthritis Periarthritis of the shoulder Sequelae of stroke Restless leg syndrome Coronary artery disease Diabetic neuropathy Lower extremity ulcers Idipathic thrombocytopenic purpura Cervical disc disease Focal seizures Facial tics Chronic prostatitis Nephritis Obesity Pneumonia Urinary retention

Ingredients in Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Huang Qi is sweet and warming. It strongly tonifies the original Qi, helping the normal Qi to expel pathogenic Qi while firming up the skin and Exterior. It also strengthens Cinnamon twigs' ability to augment the Qi and stimulate the protective Yang. In combination, the two key herbs synergistically augment the Qi , warm the Yang and harmonize the Blood.
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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 Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Gui Zhi warms the Nutritive Qi in the Channels and unblocks the Yang. In this formula, it is also helped by the other key herb Milkvetch root on augmenting the Qi and stimulating the protective Yang. On the other hand, it increases Milkvetch root's capacity of firming up the Exterior without retaining pathogenic Qi . In combination, the two key herbs synergistically augment the Qi , warm the Yang and harmonize the Blood.
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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 Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Bai Shao nourishes the Blood, harmonizes the nutritive Qi, and unblocks painful obstruction. In combination with Cinnamon twigs, it harmonizes the Nutritive and Protective Qi. In combination with Milkvetch root, it firms up the Exterior and nourishes the Yin.
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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 Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Sheng Jiang is acrid and warming. It opens the Interstices and pores, disperses Wind-Cold from the Exterior. When used together with Cinnamon twigs, It warms and moves the Blood vessels.
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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 Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Da Zao regulates the formula by means of its sweetness. It assists Cinnamon twigs, Fresh ginger, and White peony root in regulating the Nutritive and Protective Qi.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu 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.