Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang — Bupleurum & Cinnamon Twig Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

What is Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang?

Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang — Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction — is a classical Shang Han Lun combination of two foundational formulas (Xiao Chai Hu Tang and Gui Zhi Tang) at half dose each. It is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine and Japanese Kampo for lingering colds, post-viral patterns and a range of chronic conditions including epilepsy where there is mixed exterior and Shao Yang involvement.

I prescribe Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for simultaneous exterior wind-cold and Shao Yang disharmony: low-grade fever with mild chills, slight aversion to wind, mild sweating, joint stiffness or pain, nausea, slight bitter taste, distension in the hypochondrium, and a slightly wiry pulse.

Key herbs

1. Chai Hu, Huang Qin — release the Shao Yang and clear heat
2. Gui Zhi, Bai Shao — harmonise nutritive and protective Qi; warm channels
3. Ren Shen — tonifies Qi and supports the upright
4. Ban Xia — descends rebellious Stomach Qi and stops nausea
5. Sheng Jiang, Da Zao, Zhi Gan Cao — harmonise the formula and protect the middle

Formula actions

1. Harmonises Shao Yang while releasing residual exterior
2. Harmonises nutritive and protective Qi
3. Tonifies Stomach Qi and resolves nausea

Conditions treated

1. Lingering or relapsing colds, prolonged convalescence after viral infection with on-off chills, joint pain and nausea
2. Post-viral fatigue with thermoregulatory disturbance and aching joints
3. Epilepsy and tic disorders (well-studied indication in Japanese Kampo)
4. Chronic functional gastrointestinal disorders with Liver-Spleen disharmony and exterior susceptibility
5. Recurrent autoimmune flares with mild fever, joint stiffness and Liver-Spleen disharmony

Cautions

Generally well tolerated; use cautiously in pregnancy and in patients with pure interior heat patterns without exterior signs.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available.

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