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)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Gui Zhi Tang | Ma Huang Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Release exterior Wind-Cold (deficiency type), harmonize Ying-Wei | Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing | Tonify Qi, warm channels, relieve numbness | Release exterior, relax sinews, relieve neck stiffness |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Wind-Cold | Wind-Cold | Qi Deficiency | Wind-Cold |
| Main Conditions | Spontaneous Sweating ·Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Nasal Congestion | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Fever ·Cold Limbs | Cold Limbs ·Numbness in Limbs ·Joint Discomfort | Spontaneous Sweating ·Neck Pain ·Muscular Stiffness ·Fever |
| Main Herbs | Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date ·Honey-fried Licorice | Ephedra Herb ·Cinnamon Twig ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Honey-fried Licorice | Astragalus Root ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date | Kudzu Root ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
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.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Gui Zhi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Cold, Exterior Deficiency & Ying-Wei Imbalance
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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.