Gui Zhi Fu Zi Tang 桂枝附子汤
Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Decoction

Tradition:


TCM

Source / Author:


Discussion of Cold Induced Disorders (Shang Han Lun) C.220

Herb Name

Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twig)
Bai Shao
(White Peony)
Sheng Jiang (fresh Ginger)
Da Zao
(jujube fruit)
Zhi Gan Cao
(Fried Licorice)
Zhi Fu Zi (Processed Aconite)

Latin


Cinnamomum cassia
Paeonia lacti
flora
Zingiber o
fficinale
Ziziphus jujuba
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Aconitum carmichaeli

Amount




6–9 grams ea.
12 pieces
6 grams
6–9 grams


Preparation:


Decoct the Aconite for 45–60 minutes, add the remaining herbs and cook for a furtehr 20 minutes

Function:


Clears Wind and Cold

Use:


1. Fever and Chills, headache, stiff neck, blocked nose, thin moist tongue coating, floating pulse. Compared to Gui Zhi Tang, this is for more severe Wind-Cold pain with body aches and pains and stiffness.
2. Used for Influenza, Cold, Hayfever with the above symptoms
3. Also used for Eczema and Urticaria


Dose:


a cupful, then cover up to induce sweating. If needed, a second cup can be taken an hour later, but stop once sweating is induced.

Cautions:


1. Not used for exterior Wind-Cold with Interior Heat (Fever, sore throat and rapid pulse)

Modifications:



Similar Formula:
This is Gui Zhi Tang with Aconite added.

This is for exterior Cold with Sweating and Chills and body aches and pains from Wind and Cold; Gui Zhi Tang is for similar presentation but without as severe Cold or body aches; Ma Huang Tang is for a similar presentation but with no sweating.

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