Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
桂枝芍藥知母湯 · Guì Zhī Sháo Yào Zhī Mǔ Tāng
A classical formula for wind-cold-damp bi transforming into heat, with swollen painful joints and restricted movement.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Dampness
- Primary Function
- Dispel wind-damp, warm channels, clear heat, ease joint swelling
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm and unblock channels while clearing residual heat in joints
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for wind-cold-damp bi transforming into heat, with swollen painful joints and restricted movement.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when wind-cold-damp bi has transformed into heat with joint swelling, rather than chronic deficient bi, blood-stasis bi, or pure damp swelling.
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
麻黃Ma Huang6g
Ephedra Herb- induces sweating
- diffuses the lung and calms wheezing
防風Fang Feng12g
Saposhnikovia Root- dispels wind
白朮Bai Zhu12g
White Atractylodes Rhizome- fortifies the spleen
- dries dampness and boosts qi
附子Fu Zi6g
Prepared Aconite Root- restores devastated yang
- warms the interior and channels
生薑Sheng Jiang15g
Fresh Ginger- releases the exterior
- warms the middle and settles nausea
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 12g
- Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) 9g
- Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (Zhi Mu) 12g
- Herba Ephedrae (Ma Huang) 6g
- Radix Saposhnikoviae (Fang Feng) 12g
- Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) 12g
- Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata (Fu Zi) 6g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Sheng Jiang) 15g
- 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
- Dispels wind-damp
- clears heat
- and unblocks the channels in recurrent painful bi.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for recurrent wind-cold-damp bi that has transformed into localized heat.
- Signs and symptoms include swollen painful joints with a warm sensation and stiffness.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is wiry and rapid or slippery.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to dampness obstructing the middle jiao or channels.
- Dampness is heavy and lingering; it impedes qi movement and produces fullness, heaviness, loose stools or edema.
- Recurrent wind-cold-damp bi that has transformed into localized heat produces swollen painful joints with a warm sensation and stiffness.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to leach out dampness, awaken the spleen, and move qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to warm and unblock channels while clearing residual heat in joints.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang and Yi Yi Ren Tang treat bi syndrome. Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang tonifies for chronic deficient bi; Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang invigorates blood for stasis bi; Yi Yi Ren Tang drains damp swelling. Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang warms channels while clearing heat for wind-cold-damp bi transforming into heat with swollen painful joints.
Clinical Differentiation
- Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang is used for recurrent wind-cold-damp bi that has transformed into localized heat: swollen, warm, stiff joints.
- It is distinguished from Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (chronic deficiency bi without localized heat) and from Bai Hu Jia Gui Zhi Tang (more exuberant heat).
Safety notes: This formula is not appropriate for severe yangming heat in the joints that needs Bai Hu-type clearing, nor for pure deficiency-cold bi.
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 Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang?
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang has the actions of dispelling Wind-Damp, warming the channels, clearing Heat, and unblocking Bi. From Jin Gui Yao Lue, it treats lingering Wind-Cold-Damp Bi that has already transformed into Heat in the joints.
Which modern diseases is Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within recurrent Bi with mixed Cold and Heat, including rheumatoid or other inflammatory joint pain of this pattern, swollen painful knees and feet that are hot yet still averse to cold, and lingering Wind-Damp Bi after the joints have become inflamed.
Is Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang suitable for swollen painful joints that feel hot but still dislike cold?
For presentations of swollen painful joints (especially the lower limbs), a sensation of Heat in the joints with possible emaciation, short breath or a desire to vomit, dizziness, a white coating, and a wiry pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Wind-Cold-Damp Bi transforming into Heat — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. Progressive joint destruction needs rheumatologic care.
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Related Articles
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Recurrent Bi Syndrome, Swollen Joints & Heat
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Body Pain, Blood Stasis & Bi Syndrome
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Chronic Bi Syndrome, Lower Back & Knee Pain with Deficiency
Yi Yi Ren Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome, Swollen Joints & Heaviness
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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.