Actions

Harmonizes the Ying and Wei Qi, releases the muscle layer

Indications

Deficient Wind Cold condition
Chills and fever that are not alleviated by sweating
Stiff neck
Headache
Aversion to wind

Western Uses:

Common Cold
Influenza
Postpartum Care
Morning Sickness
Skin Diseases such as Frostbite, Eczema, and Tinea

Ingredients

5 substances in Gui Zhi Tang — each links to its full herb monograph.

Bai Shao9 gTonify Blood

Da Zao5-12 piecesTonify Qi

Gui Zhi9 gWarm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

Sheng Jiang9 gWarm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

Zhi Gan Cao6 gTonify Qi

Safety — read before use

Not for exterior excess Wind Cold patterns or Wind Heat patterns

Not for damp heat or internal heat patterns.

Do not use while consuming alcohol.

Originally Appeared In:

On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Notes:

This formula is best used when there is sweating with an exterior cold condition, the Wei (protective) Qi is unable to protect the exterior and the Ying (nutritive) Qi can not nurture the interior.

Sources & References

Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus

The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.

Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.

Chinese Formulas Books & References

https://amzn.to/4fYI3f8
Dan Bensky
https://amzn.to/4j55NRA
Volker Scheid, Andrew Ellis
https://amzn.to/4gMROyv
Him Che. Yeung
https://amzn.to/4h7msSK
Qiao Yi

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