Ge Gen Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
葛根汤 · Gé Gēn Tāng
A Shang Han Lun formula for exterior excess Wind-Cold with prominent stiffness and pain of the nape and upper back. It combines the sweating action of Ma Huang Tang with the sinew-relaxing effect of Ge Gen.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, relieve neck stiffness
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Release the exterior, disperse Wind-Cold, and relax the muscle layer of the neck and upper back
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A Shang Han Lun formula for exterior excess Wind-Cold with prominent stiffness and pain of the nape and upper back. It combines the sweating action of Ma Huang Tang with the sinew-relaxing effect of Ge Gen.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when excess Wind-Cold presents with prominent rigidity of the nape and upper back, requiring both strong exterior release and sinew-relaxing action — stronger and more excess-oriented than Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Ge Gen Tang | Gui Zhi Tang | Ma Huang Tang | Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Release exterior, relieve neck stiffness | Release exterior Wind-Cold (deficiency type), harmonize Ying-Wei | Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing | Release exterior, relax sinews, relieve neck stiffness |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Wind-Cold | Wind-Cold | Wind-Cold | Wind-Cold |
| Main Conditions | Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Neck Pain ·Muscular Stiffness | Spontaneous Sweating ·Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Nasal Congestion | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Fever ·Cold Limbs | Spontaneous Sweating ·Neck Pain ·Muscular Stiffness ·Fever |
| Main Herbs | Kudzu Root ·Ephedra Herb ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger | Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date ·Honey-fried Licorice | Ephedra Herb ·Cinnamon Twig ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Honey-fried Licorice | Kudzu Root ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Ge Gen Tang addresses excess Wind-Cold with marked neck-back stiffness. Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang is for the deficiency-type exterior with sweating plus neck stiffness. Ma Huang Tang is the stronger pure exterior-releasing formula without Ge Gen. Gui Zhi Tang is for deficiency exterior with spontaneous sweating.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Ge Gen Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Cold with Stiff Neck & Upper Back
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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.