Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
桂枝加厚朴杏子湯 · Guì Zhī Jiā Hòu Pò Xìng Zǐ Tāng
A classical Gui Zhi Tang modification for Wind-Cold with concurrent wheezing and Lung Qi counterflow.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, direct Qi downward, calm wheezing
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Gui Zhi Tang base plus Hou Po and Xing Ren to descend Lung Qi
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical Gui Zhi Tang modification for Wind-Cold with concurrent wheezing and Lung Qi counterflow.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Wind-Cold presents with the Gui Zhi Tang exterior-deficiency pattern (sweating, aversion to wind) plus mild wheezing, rather than pure excess exterior cold, interior fluids, or Lung heat.
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
厚樸Hou Po6g
Magnolia Bark- moves qi and dries dampness
生薑Sheng Jiang9g
Fresh Ginger- releases the exterior
- warms the middle and settles nausea
大棗Da Zao3pcs
Jujube / Chinese Date- harmonizes and nourishes
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 9g
- Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) 9g
- Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xing Ren) 9g
- Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis (Hou Po) 6g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Sheng Jiang) 9g
- Fructus Jujubae (Da Zao) 3pcs
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Releases the flesh
- descends lung qi
- and calms wheezing with an unresolved exterior.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for an unresolved gui-zhi-type exterior with counterflow lung qi.
- Signs and symptoms include sweating, aversion to wind, stiff nape, and wheezing.
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.
- An unresolved gui zhi-type exterior with counterflow lung qi produces sweating, stiff nape and wheezing.
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 gui Zhi Tang base plus Hou Po and Xing Ren to descend Lung Qi.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang, Xiao Qing Long Tang, Ma Huang Tang and Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang all address exterior patterns with cough or wheezing. Ma Huang Tang is pure exterior Wind-Cold without sweating; Xiao Qing Long Tang treats exterior cold with interior fluid retention and thin sputum; Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang clears Lung heat with more fever and thirst. Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang starts from Gui Zhi Tang (exterior deficiency with sweating) and adds Hou Po and Xing Ren to descend Lung Qi for concurrent mild wheezing.
Clinical Differentiation
- Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang is used for an unresolved gui-zhi-type exterior with counterflow lung qi and wheezing.
- Hou Po and Xing Ren distinguish it from Gui Zhi Tang.
- It is distinguished from Ma Huang Tang and Xiao Qing Long Tang, which treat exterior-excess or cold-fluid wheezing rather than a sweating, deficient exterior.
Safety notes: This formula is not appropriate for lung-heat wheezing or for exterior-excess cold without 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 Hou Po Xing Zi Tang?
Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang has the actions of releasing the exterior, harmonizing Ying and Wei, descending rebellious Qi, and calming wheezing. It is primarily used for Wind-Cold exterior deficiency (Tai Yang Zhong Feng) accompanied by cough, mild wheezing, or chest tightness.
Which modern conditions is Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang commonly applied to?
In modern TCM clinical practice it is frequently used for patients whose pattern differentiation matches Wind-Cold exterior deficiency with Lung Qi failing to descend, including common cold or upper respiratory infection with cough and mild wheezing, bronchial asthma triggered by Wind-Cold, and acute bronchitis with the corresponding pattern.
Is Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang suitable for improving cough and wheezing?
For presentations of mild fever, spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, headache, and mild cough or wheezing — when pattern differentiation confirms Tai Yang Zhong Feng with impaired Lung descending function — TCM commonly applies Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Nong's Gui Zhi Hou Po Xing Zi Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Magnolia Bark and Apricot Kernel Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold with Cough & Wheezing
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang: Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula for Cough, Wheezing, and Lung Heat
Ma Huang Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold Excess & No Sweating
Xiao Qing Long Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Cold with Interior Water & Cough
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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.