Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang
Star柴胡桂枝干姜汤 (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig, and Ginger Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig, and Ginger Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Harmonizes shaoyang; Warms interior and dispels water accumulation.
Presentation: Shaoyang disorder with water accumulation in the interior: a feeling of fullness and clumping in the chest and hypochondrium, dysuria, thirst, absence of vomiting, perspiration of the head, alternating spells of chills and fever, and irritability.
Toxicology: One case of interstitial pneumonia in a 57-year-old man after a month of this formula (plus two weeks of Lycium halimifolium); lymphocyte stimulation, skin, and challenge tests were positive.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 304.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chai Hu
as printed: Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) 24g [15g]
|
15g | 19.48% | Jun (Chief) | harmonizes the half-exterior half-interior shaoyang condition; relieves alternating fever/chills and fullness |
|
Gui Zhi
as printed: Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 9g [12g]
|
12g | 15.58% | Jun (Chief) | eliminates lingering exterior pathogens; with Gan Jiang warms yang to eliminate water |
|
Huang Qin
as printed: Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 9g
|
9g | 11.69% | Chen (Deputy) | clears damp-heat and relieves fullness and clumping |
|
Mu Li
as printed: Mu Li (Concha Ostreae, ao (simmered)) 6g [20g]
|
20g | 25.97% | Chen (Deputy) | resolves phlegm and disperses clumps |
|
Tian Hua Fen
as printed: Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis) 12g
|
12g | 15.58% | Zuo (Assistant) | generates fluids; relieves thirst, dry mouth, dysuria |
|
Gan Jiang
as printed: Gan Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis) 6g
|
6g | 7.79% | Zuo (Assistant) | warms the interior to dispel cold; with Gui Zhi eliminates water accumulation |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 6g [3g]
|
3g | 3.9% | Shi (Envoy) | harmonizes the formula |
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly cool (-0.53)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 12%, cool 61%, neutral 4%, warm 16%, hot 8%.
Small but decisive: Gan Jiang 6g (hot, 8% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 25%
- sweet 20%
- bitter 29%
- salty 26%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Heart 65%
- Gallbladder 57%
- Lung 55%
- Liver 46%
- Stomach 39%
- Kidney 26%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Source: cook in 12 cups [2,400 mL] water to 6 cups [1,200 mL]; discard dregs, reduce to 3 cups [600 mL]; take 1 cup [200 mL] warm three times daily. Mild irritability after the first dose is possible; sweating after the second dose signals resolution. Today decocted at bracketed doses.
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Formula Network
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Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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