Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
柴胡桂枝湯 · Chái Hú Guì Zhī Tāng
A classical formula for concurrent Taiyang and Shaoyang patterns with fever, chills and joint pain.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Harmonising Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Shaoyang Syndrome
- Primary Function
- Harmonize Shaoyang, release exterior, ease joint pain
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Combine Xiao Chai Hu and Gui Zhi methods for Taiyang-Shaoyang overlap
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for concurrent Taiyang and Shaoyang patterns with fever, chills and joint pain.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for concurrent Taiyang and Shaoyang patterns with joint pain, rather than pure Shaoyang, pure exterior deficiency, or Shaoyang with fluid retention.
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
半夏Ban Xia9g
Pinellia Rhizome- transforms phlegm
白芍Bai Shao6g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood
- softens the liver and relieves spasmodic pain
生薑Sheng Jiang6g
Fresh Ginger- releases the exterior
- warms the middle and settles nausea
Classical Composition
- Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) 12g
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 6g
- Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng (Ren Shen) 6g
- Rhizoma Pinelliae (Ban Xia) 9g
- Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) 6g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Sheng Jiang) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
- Fructus Jujubae (Da Zao) 3pcs
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Harmonises shaoyang and simultaneously releases the taiyang exterior.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for a combined taiyang-shaoyang pattern.
- Signs and symptoms include fever and chills, limb aches, and rib-side fullness.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is superficial and wiry.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to a pathogen lodged in the shaoyang pivot, where half-exterior and half-interior contend.
- A combined taiyang-shaoyang pattern produces fever and chills, limb aches and rib-side fullness that neither formula alone fully covers.
Clinical presentation
- The pivot fails to turn, producing alternating chill and heat, bitter taste, rib-side fullness and a wiry pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to harmonise shaoyang and turn the pivot.
- In this formula the emphasis is to combine Xiao Chai Hu and Gui Zhi methods for Taiyang-Shaoyang overlap.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang, Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Gui Zhi Tang and Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang harmonize or release exterior. Xiao Chai Hu Tang is pure Shaoyang; Gui Zhi Tang is exterior deficiency; Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang treats Shaoyang with fluid and cold. Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang combines half Xiao Chai Hu and half Gui Zhi methods for concurrent Taiyang and Shaoyang with fever, chills and joint pain.
Clinical Differentiation
- Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang is used for a combined taiyang-shaoyang pattern: fever and chills, limb aches and rib-side fullness.
- It is distinguished from Xiao Chai Hu Tang (shaoyang alone) and from Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang (shaoyang plus interior cold-fluid).
Safety notes: This formula is not appropriate for pure interior heat or for yangming excess, which need draining rather than dual release and harmonising.
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 Tang?
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang has the actions of harmonizing Shaoyang and releasing the Taiyang exterior. It is essentially half Xiao Chai Hu Tang and half Gui Zhi Tang, used when Taiyang and Shaoyang are both affected.
Which modern conditions is Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within combined Taiyang–Shaoyang, including a lingering cold with alternating chills and fever plus body or joint aches, some post-viral fatigue of this pattern, and Shang Han–type abdominal discomfort with residual exterior signs after medical causes have been assessed.
Is Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang suitable for a cold that has both surface aches and Shaoyang signs?
For presentations of mild fever and chills, joint or limb pain, bitter taste or dry throat, chest fullness, possible nausea, a thin white coating, and a wiry or floating pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Taiyang plus Shaoyang — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. High fever or an acute abdomen needs medical evaluation.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Combined Taiyang & Shaoyang Disorder
Xiao Chai Hu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Shao Yang Disorder, Alternating Fever & Chills
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Shao Yang Disorder with Fluid Retention & Cold
Gui Zhi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Cold, Exterior Deficiency & Ying-Wei Imbalance
Browse all classical formulas →
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.