Gui Zhi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
桂枝汤 · Guì Zhī Tāng
The foundational formula for exterior deficiency Wind-Cold (Tai Yang Zhong Feng). Characterised by mild fever, aversion to wind, spontaneous sweating, headache and floating moderate pulse.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior Wind-Cold (deficiency type), harmonize Ying-Wei
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Release the exterior, harmonize Ying and Wei Qi
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The foundational formula for exterior deficiency Wind-Cold (Tai Yang Zhong Feng). Characterised by mild fever, aversion to wind, spontaneous sweating, headache and floating moderate pulse.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for deficiency-type exterior Wind-Cold where sweating is present and the exterior is open, harmonising Ying and Wei — the opposite presentation to Ma Huang Tang, which is reserved for excess Wind-Cold with a closed exterior and complete absence of sweating.
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
生薑Sheng Jiang9g
Fresh Ginger- disperses pathogens from the exterior with acridity
- harmonizes the stomach and stops vomiting
大棗Da Zao12 pieces
Jujube / Chinese Date- tonifies blood and harmonizes ying
- invigorates the spleen and replenishes qi
Classical Composition
- Cinnamomi Ramulus (Gui Zhi) 3 liang (9g)
- Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shao Yao) 3 liang (9g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhi Gan Cao) 2 liang (6g)
- Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang) 3 liang (9g)
- Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao) 12 pieces (3g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Releases the flesh and the exterior
- harmonizes ying and wei levels.
Indications
- Gui Zhi Tang is indicated for externally contracted wind-cold affecting those with an exterior deficiency constitution.
- The symptoms are aversion to wind, fever, perspiration, headache, congested and noisy nose, and dry retching.
- The tongue has a white coating, there is no thirst, and the pulse is either superficial and moderate or superficial and weak.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by externally contracted wind-cold and disharmony between ying and wei qi.
- The《Treatise on Cold Damage》says “wind attacks the taiyang channel” and “the ying is weak while wei is strong”.
- The statement “Wei is strong” refers to an external attack by wind-cold that elicits a strong fight from the wei qi against the pathogen.
- “Ying is weak” refers to the loss of ying yin that occurs due to the insecurity of wei yang.
- Insecurity of wei qi is an impairment of healthy qi.
Clinical presentation
- Due to a disturbance of the channels, there is fever, headache, and a superficial pulse.
- Fluids leak out as perspiration; thus the symptoms of aversion to wind, and a moderate pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to release the exterior, harmonize Ying and Wei Qi.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Gui Zhi Tang addresses deficiency exterior Wind-Cold with sweating. Ma Huang Tang is for excess Wind-Cold without sweating. Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang and Dang Gui Si Ni Tang are modifications for internal/channel patterns. Si Ni Tang is for Yang collapse.
Clinical Differentiation
- Gui Zhi Tang is the basic formula used to treat external wind-cold invasion in an exterior deficiency pattern.
- This formula also harmonizes the ying and wei levels as well as yin and yang.
- This clinical pattern is marked by aversion to wind, fever, perspiration, superficial and moderate pulse.
Safety notes: It is not applicable for patients diagnosed with a wind-cold exterior-excess pattern with an absence of perspiration. While taking the formula, the patient should avoid raw, cold, oily or odorous food, alcohol, and meats.
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 Tang?
Gui Zhi Tang has the actions of releasing the exterior and expelling Wind-Cold, and harmonizing Ying and Wei. It is primarily used for exterior deficiency Wind-Cold patterns with fever, aversion to wind, sweating that does not relieve the symptoms, and a floating moderate pulse.
Which modern diseases is Gui Zhi Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within exterior deficiency Wind-Cold or Ying-Wei disharmony, including common cold or influenza with sweating, spontaneous sweating, allergic rhinitis, and certain skin conditions such as urticaria.
Is Gui Zhi Tang suitable for improving fever with sweating and aversion to wind?
For presentations of mild fever, aversion to wind, spontaneous sweating that does not resolve the condition, headache, nasal congestion, and a floating moderate pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms exterior deficiency Wind-Cold — TCM commonly applies Gui Zhi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
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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.