Zhi Zi Gan Jiang Tang
Star栀子干姜汤 (Gardenia and Ginger Decoction)
Source: Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Zhi Zi Gan Jiang Tang (Gardenia and Ginger Decoction), from Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220).
Associated formula of Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
Actions: Clears heat; Harmonizes the middle burner
Indications: Fever, slight irritability, abdominal pain, borborygmus, and diarrhea due to improper purging
Pattern: Heat harassing the upper burner with cold congealing in the middle
Usage: For fever and diarrhea after wrongful purging, or yang-deficient patients who contract a qi-level warm pathogen.
Category: Formulas that Clear Qi-Level Heat.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 160.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zhi Zi
as printed: Gardeniae Fructus (zhi zi) 9g
|
9g | 100% | — |
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 (-2.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 100%.
Taste
- bitter 100%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Heart 100%
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.
Relationships
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Formula Network
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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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