Gui Zhi Tang 桂枝汤
Cinnamon Twig 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)

Latin


Cinnamomum cassia
Paeonia lacti
flora
Zingiber o
fficinale
Ziziphus jujuba
Glycyrrhiza uralensis honey-fried

Amount




9 grams ea.
12 pieces
6 grams


Preparation:


Decoct for 20 minutes in 6 cups of water

Function:


Clears Wind and Cold

Use:


1. Fever and Chills, headache, stiff neck, blocked nose, thin moist tongue coating, floating pulse.
2. Used for In
fluenza, 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:


1. Cough or shortness of breath add Apricot kernel Xing Ren
2. Profuse sweating, increase Peony Bai Shao, and reduce Cinnamon twig and fresh Ginger

Similar Formulas:
More severe Cold and pain, add Aconitum Fu Zi. This makes  Gui Zhi Fu Zi Tang

This is for exterior Cold with Sweating and Chills, Ma Huang Tang is for a similar presentation but with no sweating. Gui Zhi Fu Zi Tang is for similar uses to Gui Zhi Tang, but with more severe Cold with marked body pain.

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