Gui Zhi Tang
Star桂枝汤 (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhongjing (Han, 220)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is the foundational formula of the Shang Han Lun and one of the most versatile formulas in TCM. It treats Tai Yang Wind-Cold deficiency pattern with spontaneous sweating, fear of wind, and fever — working by harmonizing Ying and Wei Qi rather than forcing sweating. Its harmonizing principle makes it applicable across a wide range of conditions.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gui Zhi | 9g | 20% | Jun (Chief) | Warms and releases exterior, promotes Yang Qi and Wei Qi circulation. |
| Bai Shao | 9g | 20% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes Ying Qi, astringes fluids, moderates Gui Zhi. |
| Sheng Jiang | 9g | 20% | Zuo (Assistant) | Warms Stomach, assists Gui Zhi, stops nausea. |
| Da Zao | 12g | 26.67% | Zuo (Assistant) | Tonifies Spleen Qi, assists Bai Shao to nourish Ying Qi. |
| Gan Cao | 6g | 13.33% | Zuo (Assistant) | Harmonizes all herbs, moderates pungent heat. |
Total weight: 48g
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
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 warm (+0.47)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 20%, neutral 13%, warm 67%.
Taste
- pungent 30%
- sweet 50%
- sour 10%
- bitter 10%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 80%
- Stomach 60%
- Lung 53%
- Heart 33%
- Liver 20%
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
Decoct 20–25 minutes. Take warm with warm rice porridge. Avoid cold, raw, fatty, alcoholic foods.
Dosage
Take warm with warm rice porridge. Cover with blankets. Stop once gentle sweating occurs.
Conditions Addressed
Relationships
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Formula family
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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