Category: Digestion, respiration, acute attack, hidden pathogen, musculoskeletal system, joints, prevention, anti-aging, lung system, immunity, pain relief

Use of the formula according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• removes Feng Han (cold wind pathogen) from the surface layer
• relaxes the surface and muscle layers
• harmonises Ying Qi (nutritive layer) and Wei Qi (defensive layer)
• harmonises yin and yang
• harmonises the middle burner
• regulates sweating

Description:

One of the most famous formulas, introduced to the wider public by the famous Zhang Zhong-Jing in his work Shan Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage, 220 AD, though the formula is even older), used both independently and in countless modifications. Its main indication is a state of attack by cold wind, specifically the case where the wind pathogen outweighs the cold one (the wind has “scattered” the defensive Qi on the surface and we are sweating! – unlike the situation when cold dominates, which completely closes the pores, stops sweating, and we instead try to induce sweating to release the cold from the surface layer). The same situation can occur in people with already weakened Wei Qi, and in this case, Gui Zhi Tang will also be the right choice. The pathogen reaches the surface and muscle layers, where it causes the well-known symptoms of a “cold”, such as: slightly elevated temperature, which may alternate with chills (though these are not as persistent as in the case where cold dominates), aversion to cold, stuffy nose, and the aforementioned sweating. There may be headaches and a stiff neck; generally, there is a “tightening” of the muscle layer in the nape and upper back area, or we may feel that “our whole body aches”. In this case, the pathogen is already reaching a bit deeper into the muscle layer, which may indicate previous weakness and disharmony between the nutritive layer in the depths and the defensive layer on the surface. The formula harmonises these two layers and even slightly strengthens them – unlike formulas used to induce sweating. Cinnamon twigs disperse wind and cold, and when combined with peony, they together support and harmonise Ying Qi and Wei Qi, yin and yang. This combination also relieves muscle tension. Ginger supports cinnamon in its dispersing function, while jujube helps peony to tonify the nutritive layer.

With timely and correct use of the formula, we will feel much better in a few hours. However, when similar states occur more frequently, it is necessary to think about where the problem lies. In modern terms, we would say that “we have an immunity problem”. According to Chinese medicine, there are several possibilities: the defensive layer may be weakened, but it may also be a weakness or various imbalances at the level of internal organs, which need to be diagnosed and adjusted.

Indications:

• acutely after catching a cold or getting wet
• states at the beginning of a cold (aversion to wind and cold, mild fever or chills, sweating, muscle aches, stiff neck, headaches, stuffy nose)
• muscle relaxation during a cold
• physical weakness due to disharmony of Ying and Wei Qi
• aversion to wind
• headaches from being exposed to wind
• stiff neck from wind and cold
• abdominal pain caused by cold
• vomiting after consuming cold food
• regulates body temperature
• “snotty children” – thin white nasal discharge in children, often long-term

Modern effects:

• support of immunity and resilience (recurrent colds)
• anti-inflammatory effects
• strengthening the body after chronic illness or childbirth
• neurasthenia
• cold-type asthma
• harmonises the cardiovascular system
• atrioventricular block (heart rhythm disorder)
• neuralgia
• frostbite

Tongue:

• normal, without changes
• white and moist coating

Pulse:

• fu
• xu or chi (superficial, empty or slow)

Contraindications:

• states after an attack of Feng Han where cold dominates in the pathogen (we are not sweating – it is necessary to induce sweating using other, stronger formulas)
• states after an attack of Feng Re (wind heat), where it is necessary to clear heat, not warm
• unsuitable for patients who frequently consume alcohol

Notes:

After Gui Zhi Tang, rice porridge was always served to strengthen the body.

During treatment, avoid raw, cold, fatty, heavy, and spicy foods. Also, limit or avoid foods such as meat, cheese, garlic, leeks, spring onions, onions, and alcohol, as well as fermented or preserved products.

Formula composition: