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)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang | Gui Zhi Tang | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Release exterior, relax sinews, relieve neck stiffness | Release exterior Wind-Cold (deficiency type), harmonize Ying-Wei | Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing | Release exterior, 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 | Spontaneous Sweating ·Neck Pain ·Muscular Stiffness ·Fever | Spontaneous Sweating ·Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Nasal Congestion | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Fever ·Cold Limbs | Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Neck Pain ·Muscular Stiffness |
| Main Herbs | Kudzu Root ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date | 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 ·Ephedra Herb ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger |
| 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
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.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Cold with Stiff Neck & Shoulders
Related Products
Nong's Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang (Cinnamon & Pueraria Combination) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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.