Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
桂枝加葛根汤 · Guì Zhī Jiā Gé Gēn Tāng
Modification of Gui Zhi Tang by adding Ge Gen. Used for Tai Yang Wind-Cold deficiency pattern with prominent stiffness and tension of the nape and upper back.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, relax sinews, relieve neck stiffness
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Release the exterior, harmonize Ying and Wei, relax the muscle layer and relieve neck-back stiffness
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
Modification of Gui Zhi Tang by adding Ge Gen. Used for Tai Yang Wind-Cold deficiency pattern with prominent stiffness and tension of the nape and upper back.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when deficiency-type exterior Wind-Cold is accompanied by stiffness of the neck and upper back, adding Ge Gen to relax the sinews — a modification of Gui Zhi Tang, and milder than Ge Gen Tang, which includes Ma Huang for excess patterns with marked rigidity.
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
Classical Composition
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 9g
- Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) 9g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Sheng Jiang) 9g
- Fructus Jujubae (Da Zao) 12 pieces
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 6g
- Radix Puerariae (Ge Gen) 12g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Releases the flesh
- relaxes the sinews
- and treats stiff nape with sweating.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for taiyang wind-strike with stiff nape and back.
- Signs and symptoms include sweating, aversion to wind, and tightness of the nape and upper back.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is superficial and moderate.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to externally contracted wind-cold that fetters the exterior and constrains lung qi.
- Taiyang wind-strike with sweating plus tight nape and back indicates that the taiyang channel is constrained while the interstices are already open.
Clinical presentation
- Wei yang is obstructed, the interstices close, and the lung fails to diffuse, producing aversion to cold, absence of sweating, body aches and a superficial tight pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to induce sweating to release the exterior and diffuse the lung.
- In this formula the emphasis is to release the exterior, harmonize Ying and Wei, relax the muscle layer and relieve neck-back stiffness.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang is Gui Zhi Tang plus Ge Gen for neck and upper-back stiffness. Gui Zhi Tang is the base for deficiency exterior Wind-Cold. Ma Huang Tang is for excess Wind-Cold without sweating. Ge Gen Tang is stronger (with Ma Huang) for excess patterns with marked stiffness.
Clinical Differentiation
- Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang is used for taiyang wind-strike with sweating plus tight nape and back.
- Ge Gen is added to Gui Zhi Tang specifically to relax the taiyang channel in the nape.
- It is distinguished from Ge Gen Tang, which treats the same region in an exterior-excess pattern without sweating.
Safety notes: This formula is used only when sweating is already present. It is not appropriate for exterior-excess patterns with no sweating.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang?
Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang has the actions of releasing the exterior, generating fluids, and relaxing the sinews to relieve stiffness of the nape and upper back. It is Gui Zhi Tang with Ge Gen added for Taiyang Wind-Cold accompanied by neck and back rigidity when there is sweating.
Which modern diseases is Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Taiyang Wind-Cold with constrained fluids in the channels, including common cold or influenza with stiff neck and upper-back tightness plus sweating, cervical spondylosis or neck strain of Wind-Cold type, and certain cases of stiff neck, scapular tension, or early-stage Wind-Cold myalgia when the Gui Zhi Tang presentation is present.
Is Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang suitable for improving stiff neck and upper-back tightness with a mild exterior pattern?
For presentations of stiffness and tightness of the nape and upper back (item-back rigidity), mild aversion to wind, spontaneous or residual sweating, floating moderate pulse, and a thin white tongue coating — reflecting Taiyang Zhong Feng with constraint of fluids in the Taiyang channels — TCM commonly applies Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of cervical spine or neurological symptoms.
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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.