Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Diaphoretic Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Pungent in Flavor and Warm in Nature

Guizhi Gancao Tang

桂枝甘草汤 桂枝甘草湯
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

The Prescription of Guizhi Gancao Tang

Source

The book Shang Han Lun

Ingredients

Gui Zhi 12 g,Zhi Gan Cao 6 g.

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.

Zhi Gan Cao: Supplementing Qi and regulating the stomach, together with Gui Zhi aiding in expelling the pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin, together with Shao Yao replenishing Yin, tempering the actions of all the other ingredients.

The Effect of Guizhi Gancao Tang

Effect

Tonify heart-qi and warm heart-yang.

Indications

Palpitation with excessive sweat.

Administrations

Decoct in water for oral dose to be taken three times a day.

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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.

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