Guì Zhī Tāng (桂枝汤, Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Release exterior category, with Guì Zhī as chief herb. It contains Guì Zhī, Bái Sháo, Zhì Gān Cǎo, Shēng Jiāng and Dà Zǎo. Actions: releases Wind-Cold exterior deficiency; harmonises Ying and Wei.
| Pinyin | Guì Zhī Tāng (Gui Zhi Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 桂枝汤 |
| English | Cinnamon Twig Decoction |
| Category | Release exterior |
| Chief | Guì Zhī |
| Tongue | Thin white coat |
| Pulse | Floating, moderate (huan) |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Guì Zhī | 9g |
| Bái Sháo | 9g |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 6g |
| Shēng Jiāng | 9g |
| Dà Zǎo | 12pc |
Actions
Releases Wind-Cold exterior deficiency; harmonises Ying and Wei
Indications
Wind-Cold exterior deficiency: fever with sweating, aversion to wind, floating moderate pulse
Formulas with similar ingredients
- Dāng Guī Sì Nì Tāng shares Guì Zhī, Bái Sháo, Zhì Gān Cǎo and Dà Zǎo. Only Guì Zhī Tāng has Shēng Jiāng; only Dāng Guī Sì Nì Tāng has Dāng Guī, Xì Xīn and Mù Tōng.
- Zhì Gān Cǎo Tāng shares Guì Zhī, Zhì Gān Cǎo, Shēng Jiāng and Dà Zǎo. Only Guì Zhī Tāng has Bái Sháo; only Zhì Gān Cǎo Tāng has Rén Shēn, Shēng Dì Huáng, Ē Jiāo, Mài Mén Dōng and Huǒ Má Rén.
Test yourself
What herbs are in Guì Zhī Tāng?
Guì Zhī Tāng contains Guì Zhī 9g, Bái Sháo 9g, Zhì Gān Cǎo 6g, Shēng Jiāng 9g and Dà Zǎo 12pc.
What is Guì Zhī Tāng used for?
Wind-Cold exterior deficiency: fever with sweating, aversion to wind, floating moderate pulse.
What are the actions of Guì Zhī Tāng?
Releases Wind-Cold exterior deficiency; harmonises Ying and Wei.
What tongue and pulse go with Guì Zhī Tāng?
Tongue: Thin white coat. Pulse: Floating, moderate (huan).
Use Guì Zhī Tāng in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.