Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
黄芪桂枝五物汤 · Huáng Qí Guì Zhī Wǔ Wù Tāng
Classical formula for Blood Bi (Xue Bi) syndrome caused by Qi deficiency allowing Wind-Cold to lodge in the vessels, leading to numbness and loss of sensation in the extremities.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Qi, warm channels, relieve numbness
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify Qi, warm the channels, harmonize Ying and Wei, and unblock Blood Bi
- Classical Source
- Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
Classical formula for Blood Bi (Xue Bi) syndrome caused by Qi deficiency allowing Wind-Cold to lodge in the vessels, leading to numbness and loss of sensation in the extremities.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when numbness of the limbs arises from Qi deficiency with Blood failing to nourish the channels, leading with Huang Qi — unlike Dang Gui Si Ni Tang, where cold extremities and Blood deficiency predominate, or Gui Zhi Tang, its exterior-releasing parent formula.
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
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Radix Astragali (Huang Qi) 9g
- Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi) 9g
- Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) 9g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Sheng Jiang) 18g
- Fructus Jujubae (Da Zao) 4 pieces
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Boosts qi
- warms the channels
- and harmonizes ying and wei to relieve bi pain.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for ying-wei disharmony with qi deficiency and painful obstruction of the extremities.
- Signs and symptoms include numbness, heaviness or bi pain of the limbs, aversion to wind, and spontaneous sweating.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is weak or moderate.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by insufficient qi that fails to animate and contain the viscera.
- Deficient qi leads to fatigue, a weak voice, spontaneous sweating and susceptibility to exterior invasion.
- When the lung or spleen is involved, diffusion, transformation and containment are all impaired.
Clinical presentation
- Ying-wei disharmony with qi deficiency allows wind-cold-damp into the channels, producing numbness and bi pain of the extremities rather than a simple exterior pattern.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to boost qi and restore containment and diffusion.
- In this formula the emphasis is to tonify Qi, warm the channels, harmonize Ying and Wei, and unblock Blood Bi.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang addresses numbness from Qi deficiency. Dang Gui Si Ni Tang is preferred when cold extremities and Blood deficiency predominate. Gui Zhi Tang is the exterior-releasing parent formula. Si Ni Tang addresses deeper Yang collapse.
Clinical Differentiation
- Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang is used for ying-wei disharmony with qi deficiency allowing wind-cold-damp into the channels.
- The pattern is numbness or bi pain of the extremities rather than a simple exterior attack.
- It is distinguished from Gui Zhi Tang by the addition of Huang Qi and the focus on the limbs, and from wind-damp formulas that do not boost qi.
Safety notes: This formula is not appropriate for bi pain from exuberant damp-heat with red, swollen, burning joints.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang?
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang has the actions of tonifying Qi, warming the channels, harmonizing Ying and Blood, and unblocking Blood Bi. It is the representative Jin Gui formula for numbness of the skin and flesh from Qi and Blood deficiency with mild Wind.
Which modern diseases is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Blood Bi of Qi-Blood deficiency type, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy-related numbness, post-stroke limb numbness, cervical radiculopathy with tingling of a deficient-cold type, and Raynaud-type cold numb extremities.
Is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang suitable for improving numbness and tingling of the limbs?
For presentations of numbness or reduced sensation in the skin and flesh of the limbs, symptoms worse with cold and better with warmth, pale complexion, mild fatigue, a pale tongue with thin white coating, and a thin or slightly choppy pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Blood Bi from Qi-Blood deficiency — TCM commonly applies Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of neuropathy, stroke, or vascular disease.
Related Products
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Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang: TCM Formula for Numbness and Circulation Support
Si Ni Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Yang Collapse, Cold Extremities & Shock
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Blood Deficiency, Cold Extremities & Pain
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.