Gui Zhi Tang
桂枝汤 (Gui Zhi Tang)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhongjing (Han, 220)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes all herbs, moderates pungent heat. |
| Gui Zhi | 9g | 20% | Jun (Chief) | Warms and releases exterior, promotes Yang Qi and Wei Qi circulation. |
Total weight: 48g
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.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).