Back to previous page Search again ↑

Source: Shāng Hán Lùn 伤寒论

Ingredients:

• Guì zhī (桂枝 Cinnamomi Ramulus, cinnamon twig) 15g
• Sháo yào (芍药 Paeoniae Radix, peony [root]) 9g
• Gān cǎo (甘草 Glycyrrhizae Radix, licorice [root]) (mix-fried) 6g
• Shēng jiāng (生姜 Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, fresh ginger) 9g
• Dà zǎo (大枣 Jujubae Fructus, jujube) 12 pieces

Action: Frees yáng and disperses cold; calms surging and downbears counterflow.

Indication: Running piglet qì due to upsurge of cold from the lower burner after contraction of external cold in patients suffering from preexisting lower burner cold, and characterized by palpitation below the umbilicus with sensation of upsurging qì, abdominal pain, retching counterflow, and physical cold (general, objective signs of cold) and fear of cold. Tongue fur: White and slimy. Pulse: Stringlike and tight.

Category:

Method: Decoct with water.

Rationale: Guì zhī serves to disperse cold and resolve the exterior. It also helps to downbear counterflow. For this reason, it is the sovereign agent. Bái sháo harmonizes provisioning and defense when combined with cinnamon and helps the cinnamon resolve the exterior. When combined with Gān cǎo, it also helps to relieve tension and pain and prevents cross counterflow of liver qì. Shēng jiāng helps the cinnamon to disperse cold and resolve the exterior and to downbear counterflow. With Dà zǎo, it not only enhances the harmonization of provisioning and defense, but also warms and moves the spleen and stomach. Gān cǎo and cinnamon work together to reduce heart palpitation.

Notes: This is Guì zhī tāng (桂枝汤 Cinnamon Twig Decoction) with extra guizhi or rougui.

Similar: Guì zhī tāng (桂枝汤 Cinnamon Twig Decoction)

Back to previous page Search again