Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang
Star桂枝加葛根汤 (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Kudzu)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Kudzu), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing — a variation of Gui Zhi Tang.
Actions: Releases the exterior and muscle layer; Relieves neck stiffness.
Presentation: Taiyang wind syndrome with severe neck stiffness, perspiration and aversion to wind.
Composition: Gui Zhi Tang (Gui Zhi and Bai Shao reduced to 6g) plus Ge Gen
Cautions:
- Same contraindications as Gui Zhi Tang.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 55.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gui Zhi
as printed: Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 6g
|
6g | 15.38% | — | |
|
Bai Shao
as printed: Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 6g
|
6g | 15.38% | — | |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 6g
|
6g | 15.38% | — | |
|
Sheng Jiang
as printed: Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, qie (sliced)) 9g
|
9g | 23.08% | — | |
|
Da Zao
as printed: Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae, bo (opened)) 12 pieces [3 pieces]
|
3pieces | 100% | — | |
|
Ge Gen
as printed: Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae) 12g
|
12g | 30.77% | Relieves muscle tension and neck stiffness |
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 (-0.08)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 46%, neutral 15%, warm 39%.
Pairs warm and cool. 39% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 46% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Taste
- pungent 46%
- sweet 39%
- sour 8%
- bitter 8%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 85%
- Stomach 69%
- Lung 54%
- Heart 31%
- Liver 15%
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: Da Zao.
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
Cook in 8 cups [1,600 mL] water to 3 cups [600 mL]; take 1 cup [200 mL] warm and cover with blankets for mild sweating; porridge not needed. See Gui Zhi Tang for administration and contraindications.
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- You Bi Tang = this formula + Ge Gen Tang + Da Huang Gan Cao Tang + Jie Geng Tang + Bai Zhi, Chuan Xiong, Huang Qin, Shi Gao and Xin Yi (Hua)
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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