Formula

Gui Zhi Tang

Cinnamon Twig Decoction | 桂枝汤

Also known as:

Ramulus Cinnamomi Decoction

Gui Zhi Tang

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Actions

Releases Wind-Cold from Exterior, Regulates and harmonizes the Nutritious and Defensive Qi.

Category

Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Key Ingredients

Gui Zhi

Formula Details

Learn more about Gui Zhi Tang's TCM properties

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$30.00 ($0.30/g)
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Product Overview

Detailed information about this formula product

Product Type

Granules

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Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

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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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Usage & Safety

How to use this formula and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This formula is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

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Instructions for safe storage and consumption

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Modern Usage

It is commonly used for various types of fever, common cold, influenza, upper respiratory tract infections, and respiratory system diseases, as well as dermatological conditions like urticaria and chronic eczema.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this formula is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Patients with external Heat disease, Yin Deficiency with Excessive Fire, or reckless movement of hot Blood, as well as pregnant women and those with excessive menstrual bleeding should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.

TCM Properties

Traditional Chinese Medicine characteristics and actions of this formula

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This formula is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

This is just partial information on the formula's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the formula's dedicated page

Formula Category

Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Main Actions

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

Formula Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Formula Description

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.