Gui Zhi Gan Cao Tang  桂枝甘草汤
Cinnamon twig and Licorice Decoction

Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Discussion of Cold Induced Disorders (Shang Han Lun) C.220

Herb Name

Latin

Amount

Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twig)

Cinnamomum cassia

30 grams

Zhi Gan Cao (Fried Licorice)

Glycyrrhiza uralensis honey-fried

15 grams

Preparation:

Decoction

Function:

Strengthens Qi, Warms the Yang, Benefits the Heart

Use:

The source text intends this for excess sweating that damages Heart Qi resulting in Palpitations
Chest oppression, feeling Cold, responds better to warmth
1. Palpitations
2. Arrhythmias
3. Chest pain
4. Chest oppression
5. Shortness of Breath

Dose:

a small cupful three times daily

Cautions:

Not used in Heat conditions

Modifications:

1. Shortness of breath add Apricot kernel Xing Ren
2. Palpitations, add Oyster shell (Mu Li) and Salvia Dan Shen
3. Angina Pectoris, add Saffron, Salvia Dan Shen, Borneo Camphor (Bing Pian)

Similar Formulas:

When White Peony (Bai Shao), fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang) and Jujube (Da Zao) are added it forms Gui Zhi Tang.

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