Zhi Zi Chi Tang
Star栀子豉汤 (Gardenia and Soja Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Zhi Zi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Soja Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Clears heat and relieves irritability; Resolves congestion in the chest and epigastrium.
Presentation: A general feeling of weakness and deficiency, irritability, insomnia, fullness and congestion in the chest and epigastrium, lack of appetite, and a yellow tongue coating.
Cautions:
- Use with caution in diarrhea from Spleen/Stomach deficiency and cold
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 370.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zhi Zi
as printed: Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) 14 pieces [9g]
|
9g | 50% | Jun (Chief) | Clears Heart heat and relieves irritability |
|
Dan Dou Chi
as printed: Dan Dou Chi (Semen Sojae Praeparatum) 0.4 cup [9g]
|
9g | 50% | Chen (Deputy) | Purges residual heat from chest and diaphragm |
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.
Clearing heat through the three burners is combined with gently dispersing and lifting, releasing constrained heat in the chest and relieving irritability.
Restlessness, irritability and chest oppression with insomnia after a febrile illness.
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 (-1.50)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 50%, cool 50%.
Taste
- pungent 17%
- sweet 17%
- bitter 67%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Stomach 50%
- Heart 50%
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 Zhi Zi in 4 cups [800 mL] water down to 2.5 cups [500 mL]; add Dan Dou Chi and reduce to 1.5 cups [300 mL]; take warm in two equal doses.
Relationships
Full-screen graph →Click a node for details · double-click to expand it · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll or two fingers to zoom and pan.
Formula family
Full herb lists
- Lian Po Yin = this formula + Hou Po, Huang Lian, Ban Xia, Shi Chang Pu and Lu Gen
- Sang Xing Tang = this formula + Sang Ye, Xing Ren, Bei Sha Shen, Chuan Bei Mu and Li Pi
- Xi Di Tou Ying Tang = this formula + Deng Xin Cao, Lian Qiao, Lu Gen, Mu Dan Pi, Sheng Di Huang and Shui Niu Jiao
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.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
No notes yet.