Diaphoretic Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Pungent in Flavor and Warm in Nature
Gui Zhi Qu Shao Yao Tang (桂枝去芍药汤)
Name
The Prescription of 桂枝去芍药汤
Source
The book Shang Han Lun
Ingredients
Gui Zhi 9 g,Gan Cao 6 g,Sheng Jiang 9 g,Da Zao 12 dates.Explanation
Gui Zhi: Being pungent and sweet in flavor and warm in nature, expelling pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin by means of diaphoresis, warming the channels to dispel pathogenic cold.
Sheng Jiang: Being pungent in flavor and warm in nature, assisting Gui Zhi in expelling pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin, warming the stomach to prevent vomiting.
Da Zao: Being sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, supplementing Qi and strengthening the middle-Jiao, nourishing the spleen, promoting the production of body fluids.
Zhi Gan Cao: Supplementing Qi and regulating the stomach, together with Gui Zhi aiding in expelling the pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin, tempering the actions of all the other ingredients.
The Effect of 桂枝去芍药汤
Effect
Relieve exterior syndrome by means of diaphoresis, expel wind and activate yang.
Administrations
Decoct in water for oral dose to be taken twice.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.
Did this article help you?
Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.
Keep readingRelated entries
Something this article did not cover?
Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.
Ask a question →