Herb Formulas Notebook

Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang

Cinnamon Twig, Peony and Anemarrhena Decoction


Author: Zhang Zhong-Jing, 張仲景

Year: c. 220

Source: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue, 金匱要略)


Category: Formulas that Expel Dampness

Pattern: Recurrent Wind-Cold-Damp Taiyang invasion with Heat from constraint

Key Symptoms: Swollen and painful joints (especially of the lower extremities) that are warm to the touch and worsen at night, reduced range of motion in the affected joints, chills, absence of sweating, weight loss, headache
Secondary Symptoms: Dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea

Tongue: White, greasy coat
Pulse: Wiry, slippery


Ingredients

Gui Zhi 12g
Ma Huang 6g
Bao Fu Zi 15g
Zhi Mu 12g
Bai Shao 9g
Bai Zhu 15g
Fang Feng 12g
Gan Cao 6g
Sheng Jiang 10sl

Subsitutions:
In the UK Fu Zi should be replaced with Xian Mao and and increased dose of Gui Zhi.


Preparation: Decoction.


Actions: Unblocks the flow of Yang Qi, promotes movement, dispels Wind, eliminates Dampness, clears Heat



Notes:
One liang is taken as 3g in modern sources but in Eastern Han times it was equivalent to 13.875g. This means that the dosages in classical formulae could have been more than 4x what is given today making them far higher than recommended safe dosages today but prompts consideration of what an effective dose may be (He, 2013).



Research Links:



Reference Notes: (click to display)

These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted.