Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang
Star栀子厚朴汤 (Gardenia and Magnolia Bark Decoction)
Source: Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang (Gardenia and Magnolia Bark Decoction), from Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220).
Associated formula of Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
Actions: Clears heat; Alleviates irritability; Reduces fullness and distention
Indications: Irritability and abdominal distention after purging; sensation of incomplete emptying, nausea, fullness, belching
Pattern: Heat constraint with abdominal distention from qi stagnation
Usage: For heat constraint where abdominal distention from qi stagnation is the key sign.
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
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 warm (+1.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: warm 100%.
Taste
- pungent 50%
- bitter 50%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Large intestine 100%
- Stomach 100%
- Spleen 100%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
2 herbs without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Zhi Zi, Zhi Shi.
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
Full-screen graph →Click a node for details · double-click to expand it · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll or two fingers to zoom and pan.
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 Hou Po Tang.
No notes yet.