Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (桂枝加龙骨牡蛎汤)
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1. Overview
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang — "Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell" — is a classical formula from Zhang Zhongjing's Jin Gui Yao Lue (Han dynasty) that harmonises Yin and Yang, anchors the Heart Shen, and stops leakage of Essence and Yin. It is one of the most elegant formulas in the Chinese materia medica: Gui Zhi Tang gently regulates Ying and Wei (nourishing and defensive Qi), while Long Gu (fossilised bone) and Mu Li (oyster shell) anchor the Shen and consolidate. Indicated for the classical pattern of "loss of Essence" (shi jing) — a Yin-Yang disharmony characterised by spermatorrhoea, anxious palpitations, abdominal tension and sleep disturbance.
2. Composition
| Herb | Role |
|---|---|
| Gui Zhi | Chief — warms and unblocks Yang |
| Bai Shao | Deputy — nourishes Yin and Blood |
| Long Gu (fossilised bone) | Deputy — anchors Shen, consolidates Essence |
| Mu Li (oyster shell) | Deputy — anchors Yang, retains Yin |
| Sheng Jiang | Assistant |
| Da Zao | Assistant |
| Gan Cao | Envoy — harmonises |
3. Indications
- Spermatorrhoea and nocturnal emission with anxiety
- Palpitations with anxiety
- Insomnia with vivid dreams
- Night sweats and spontaneous sweating
- Anxiety, panic and post-traumatic stress (modern application)
- Habitual miscarriage with anxiety (specialist application)
- Children's night terrors and bedwetting
4. How it works
The pattern is one of constitutional disharmony — Yin and Yang cannot anchor each other. Gui Zhi Tang restores the harmonious flow of Ying and Wei (the nourishing and defensive aspects of Qi). Long Gu and Mu Li, both heavy mineral substances, settle the Shen, anchor the floating Yang, and retain Essence and Yin. The result is a calming and consolidating effect on Heart, Kidney and the autonomic nervous system.
5. Modern applications
Japanese Kampo medicine has retained this formula (Keishi-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to) as a leading prescription for autonomic dysregulation, anxiety, mild panic, sleep-onset insomnia with palpitations, and night sweats. It is also used in male sub-fertility with anxiety and spermatorrhoea.
6. Cautions
Not for use in acute exterior pathogens or Heat patterns. Long Gu and Mu Li may cause loose stools in patients with weak digestion — reduce dose if needed. Should be prescribed by a qualified Chinese herbalist.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang as granules for patients with the characteristic constellation of anxiety, palpitations, sleep-onset insomnia and night sweats — especially when these symptoms cluster after stress or trauma. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
