Gui Zhi Gan Cao Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Star桂枝甘草龙骨牡蛎汤 (Cinnamon Twig, Licorice, Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Gui Zhi Gan Cao Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Licorice, Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun, is used to tonify Heart-Yang; calm the mind.
Presentation: palpitations; restlessness; anxiety; shortness of breath; cold limbs; pale complexion; tongue: pale; pulse: weak, restless.
Syndrome: Syndrome of Heart-Yang deficiency.
Composition strategy:
- Small formula with each substance strongly acting; typical of Zhang Zhong Jing's style
Source: Yang Y. Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2010, p. 187.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gui Zhi
as printed: Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi cassiae ramulus)
|
6g | 14.29% | Jun (Chief) | tonify and spread Heart-Yang, promote blood circulation |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae radix)
|
12g | 28.57% | Jun (Chief) | tonify Heart-Yang |
|
Long Gu
as printed: Long Gu (Mastodi fossilium ossis)
|
12g | 28.57% | Zuo (Assistant) | descend Qi and Yang, calm the mind |
|
Mu Li
as printed: Mu Li (Ostrea concha)
|
12g | 28.57% | Zuo (Assistant) | descend Qi and Yang, calm the mind |
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 neutral (-0.14)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 29%, neutral 57%, warm 14%.
Taste
- pungent 7%
- sweet 64%
- salty 29%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Heart 100%
- Kidney 57%
- Liver 57%
- Lung 43%
- Stomach 29%
- Spleen 29%
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
Decoction; minerals now usually increased to about 15-30g.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 441.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- Feng Yin Tang = this formula + Liu Yi San + Da Huang Gan Cao Tang + Bai Shi Zhi, Chi Shi Zhi, Gan Jiang, Han Shui Shi, Shi Gao and Zi Shi Ying
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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