Zhi Zi Bai Pi Tang
Star栀子柏皮汤 (Gardenia and Phellodendron Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Zhi Zi Bai Pi Tang (Gardenia and Phellodendron Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing — a variation of Yin Chen Hao Tang.
Actions: Clears heat; Dispels dampness.
Presentation: Recent exterior syndrome transformed into interior heat: fever, yellow skin, irritability, heartburn, thirst, yellow tongue coating.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1089.
Composition
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 cold (-1.67)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 83%, neutral 17%.
Taste
- sweet 17%
- bitter 83%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 67%
- Heart 67%
- Large intestine 33%
- Bladder 33%
- Kidney 33%
- Stomach 17%
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
Cook in 4 cups [800 mL] water down to 1.5 cups [300 mL]; take warm.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- Shen Xian Huo Ming Tang = this formula + Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang + Ban Lan Gen, Gua Lou, Long Dan Cao, Ma Dou Ling, Sheng Di Huang, Shi Gao and Xuan Shen
- Yi Yang Jiu Lian San = this formula + Huang Lian Jie Du Tang + Bai Zhi, Du Huo, Fang Feng, Han Fang Ji, Han Shui Shi, Man Jing Zi, Qian Hu, Qiang Huo, Sheng Di Huang and Zhi Mu
- Long Dan Jie Du Tang = this formula + Huang Lian Jie Du Tang + Chi Shao, Chong Lou, Jiang Huang, Jin Qian Cao, Jin Yin Hua, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Long Dan Cao, Mu Dan Pi, Niu Bang Zi, Pu Gong Ying, Sheng Di Huang and Zi Hua Di Ding
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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