Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang
Star甘草附子汤 (Licorice and Aconite Accessory Root Decoction)
Source: Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang (Licorice and Aconite Accessory Root Decoction), from Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220).
Associated formula of Fu Zi Tang.
Usage: Deep-seated bone and joint pain from wind-cold-dampness with restricted movement and pain on pressure, sweating, shortness of breath, reduced urination, aversion to wind, slight edema and sluggish (not dry) stools; used for severe inflammatory joint and nerve pain.
Category: Formulas that Warm and Transform Water and Dampness.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 749.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata (zhi gan cao) 6g
|
6g | 25% | — | |
|
Zhi Fu Zi
(12-15g); as printed: Aconiti Radix lateralis preparata (zhi fu zi) 2 pieces (12-15g)
|
2pieces | 100% | — | |
|
Bai Zhu
as printed: Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma (bai zhu) 6g
|
6g | 25% | — | |
|
Gui Zhi
as printed: Cinnamomi Ramulus (gui zhi) 12g
|
12g | 50% | — |
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 warm (+0.75)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 25%, warm 75%.
Taste
- pungent 25%
- sweet 63%
- bitter 13%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 75%
- Heart 75%
- Stomach 50%
- Spleen 50%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
1 herb without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Zhi Fu Zi.
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
Decoction taken in three doses over the day; a mild sweat indicates resolution.
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Formula family
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
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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