Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
柴胡桂枝干姜汤 · Chái Hú Guì Zhī Gān Jiāng Tāng
A Shang Han Lun formula for Shaoyang disorder with fluid accumulation, presenting with alternating chills and fever, chest fullness, urinary difficulty, thirst without much drinking, and sweating of the head.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Harmonising Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Stagnation
- Primary Function
- Harmonise Shaoyang, warm and transform fluids
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Harmonise the pivot and warm the Middle to transform thin mucus
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A Shang Han Lun formula for Shaoyang disorder with fluid accumulation, presenting with alternating chills and fever, chest fullness, urinary difficulty, thirst without much drinking, and sweating of the head.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Shaoyang with clear fluid accumulation signs — thirst with urinary difficulty and head sweat — rather than pure harmonising or purging Chai Hu formulas.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
瓜蔞根Gua Lou Gen12g
Trichosanthes Root- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
黃芩Huang Qin9g
Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap- clears heat from the lung
- stomach and liver-gallbladder
牡蠣Mu Li15g
Oyster Shell- settles and astringes
Classical Composition
- Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) 12g
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 9g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis (Gan Jiang) 6g
- Radix Trichosanthis (Gua Lou Gen) 12g
- Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin) 9g
- Concha Ostreae (Mu Li) 15g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Harmonises shaoyang
- warms the interior
- and disperses water-fluid.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for shaoyang constraint with interior cold and fluid retention.
- Sweating may be incomplete.
Tongue & pulseSigns and symptoms include alternating chill and heat, focal distension, and a wiry pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by constrained qi that fails to course freely through the liver and middle jiao.
- Stagnation produces distension that moves with the emotions, rib-side tightness, belching or irregular menstruation.
Clinical presentation
- Shaoyang constraint with interior cold and fluid retention produces alternating chill and heat, focal distension and a wiry pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to course the liver, move qi, and resolve constraint.
- In this formula the emphasis is to harmonise the pivot and warm the Middle to transform thin mucus.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang harmonises Shaoyang with fluid transformation. Xiao Chai Hu Tang is pure Shaoyang. Da Chai Hu Tang adds Yangming purge. Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang adds spirit-settling.
Clinical Differentiation
- Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang is used for shaoyang constraint with interior cold and fluid retention.
- The pattern is alternating chill and heat with focal distension.
- It is distinguished from Xiao Chai Hu Tang (no interior cold-fluid) and from Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang (taiyang plus shaoyang without the same cold-fluid pair).
Safety notes: This formula is not appropriate for shaoyang patterns with frank interior heat and a yellow coating, which need Xiao Chai Hu Tang or Da Chai Hu Tang instead.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang?
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang has the actions of harmonizing Shao Yang, warming and transforming water/rheum (fluids), and regulating the mixed Cold-Heat pattern. It addresses Shao Yang disharmony complicated by fluid retention or concurrent Spleen Cold.
Which modern diseases is Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Shao Yang with fluid retention or Gallbladder Heat–Spleen Cold, including certain cases of chronic gastritis, cholecystitis, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel or digestive disorders with mixed Heat and Cold signs, and some presentations of lingering feverish sensations or fluid imbalance matching this pattern.
Is Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang suitable for improving alternating chills and fever with chest fullness, thirst, and difficult urination?
For presentations of alternating chills and fever (often with more Cold), fullness or slight binding in the chest and hypochondrium, thirst without vomiting, difficult or scanty urination, sweating mainly on the head, irritability, and a tendency toward cold extremities or loose stools — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Shao Yang disorder with water/rheum or concurrent Tai Yin Cold — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig and Dried Ginger Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Shao Yang Disorder with Fluid Retention & Cold
Xiao Chai Hu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Shao Yang Disorder, Alternating Fever & Chills
Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Fullness in Chest, Irritability & Shen Disturbance
Da Chai Hu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Combined Shaoyang & Yangming Disorder
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Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.