Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Ingredients: Bupleurum root (chai hu), Pinellia root (zhi ban xia), Scute root (huang qin),Cinnamon twig (gui zhi), White peony root (bai shao), Jujube fruit (da zao), Oriental ginseng root (ren shen), Dry ginger root (gan jiang), Chinese licorice root (gan cao).
Mandarin: 柴胡桂枝湯 Pin-Yin: Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang English: Bupleurum & Cinnamon Combination Romaji: Saiko* Keishi To Kanji: 柴胡桂枝湯 Kampo: Yes |
Source:
- Discussion of Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)
How it works:
- Releases the exterior and muscle layer
- Harmonizes shao-yang
- Harmonizes liver, spleen, and intestines
- Eliminates water accumulation
Clinical Applications:
- Combined tai-yang and shao-yang patterns
- Alternating chills and fever
- Crackling of joints
- Deficient yang
- Liver and spleen not harmonized
This formula was developed about 2000 years ago by one of the most renowned physicians of that time, Zhang Zhongjing, to treat disturbance in taiyang and shaoyang. Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang is an ancient herbal formula developed to treat simultaneous tai-yang and shao-yang disturbance by releasing the exterior, harmonizing shao-yang, and harmonizing nutritive and protective qi.
English Name |
Pin-Yin Name |
Bupleurum |
Chai Hu |
Pinellia Rhizome |
Zhi Ban Xia |
Cinnamon Twigs |
Gui Zhi |
White Peony |
Bai Shao |
Scute |
Huang Qin |
Jujube |
Da Zao |
Ginseng |
Hong Shen |
Licorice |
Gan Cao |
Fresh Ginger |
Sheng Jiang |
Main Ingredient(s):
In this formula, Bupleurum resolves shao-yang, reduces fever, and spreads liver qi while Cinnamon Twigs release exterior, adjusts the liver and spleen, warms the channels, and facilitates qi flow.