Zhi Zi Chi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
梔子豉湯 · Zhī Zǐ Chǐ Tāng
A classical Shang Han formula for lingering heat after exterior release, with vexation and insomnia.
Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Heart Fire
- Primary Function
- Clear heat, relieve restlessness and irritability
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear residual heat from the chest and calm vexation
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- —
Formula Overview
A classical Shang Han formula for lingering heat after exterior release, with vexation and insomnia.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when the presentation matches the core pattern of this formula rather than the neighbouring indications of its related formulas.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Zhi Zi Chi Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Bai Hu Tang | Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Clear heat, relieve restlessness and irritability | Clear heat, resolve toxin, drain fire | Clear Qi-aspect heat, generate fluids, stop thirst | Clear heat, generate fluids, benefit Qi, harmonise the Stomach |
| Formula Category | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Heart Fire | Damp-Heat | Stomach Heat | Yin Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Insomnia ·Anxiety Restlessness | Fever ·Anxiety Restlessness ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Constipation | Fever ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Spontaneous Sweating | Fever ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Nausea ·Fatigue & Low Energy |
| Main Herbs | Gardenia Fruit ·Prepared Soybean | Coptis Rhizome ·Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap ·Phellodendron Bark ·Gardenia Fruit | Gypsum ·Anemarrhena Rhizome ·Licorice Root ·Non-glutinous Rice | Lophatherum ·Gypsum ·Pinellia Rhizome ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Ginseng Root |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Wai Tai Mi Yao (Wang Tao, Tang dynasty, citing earlier sources) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Zhi Zi Chi Tang is distinguished from Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, Bai Hu Tang, Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang by its specific pattern focus and herb strategy within the same broader clinical domain.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Browse all classical formulas →
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.