CHAI HU GUI JIANG TANG

Harmonize the Shao Yang • Warm the Interior & Clear Heat

This is the profile for Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig, and Dried Ginger Decoction). It is one of the most sophisticated "Harmonizing" formulas in the Shang Han Lun tradition. It is designed for a complex Shao Yang pattern where the body’s "pivot" is broken, leading to a confusing mix of heat in the upper body and cold in the lower or middle body.

Symptoms

Alternating chills and fever
Fullness in the chest and hypochondrium
Dry mouth without strong thirst
Irritability
Nausea
Reduced appetite
Palpitations
Urinary difficulty
Possible loose stools

Tongue: pale or slightly red with white or slightly greasy coating
Pulse: wiry, possibly slow or moderate

Ingredients

Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix)
Raw Herbs: 32g * Granulates: 30.8g

Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix)
Raw Herbs: 12g * Granulates: 23g

Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus)
Raw Herbs: 12g * Granulates: 23g

Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs: 8g * Granulates: 15g

Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix)
Raw Herbs: 16g * Granulates: 30.8g

Mu Li (Ostreae Concha)
Raw Herbs: 12g * Granulates: 38.4g

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata)
Raw Herbs: 8g * Granulates: 15g

Posology

Granules
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water.

Raw Herbs
Boil in 1000–1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang is a classical formula designed to harmonize the Shao Yang stage when Cold and Heat coexist internally. It is used when a pathogen has become lodged between the exterior and interior, creating a complex presentation of alternating chills and fever, chest fullness, dryness, and digestive disturbance.

Chai Hu acts as the chief herb, harmonizing the Shao Yang and facilitating the proper movement of Qi between the exterior and interior. It relieves constraint in the hypochondrium and regulates the pivot of transformation.

Huang Qin clears internal Heat from the Shao Yang layer, preventing the pathogen from progressing further inward.

Gui Zhi and Gan Jiang warm the interior and dispel underlying Cold. Their presence addresses the internal deficiency Cold component and supports Yang movement.

Tian Hua Fen clears Heat and generates fluids, addressing dryness and protecting Yin from damage caused by Heat.

Mu Li anchors Yang, softens hardness, and helps resolve nodular or constrained presentations. It stabilizes the dynamic between dispersing and anchoring actions within the formula.

Zhi Gan Cao harmonizes the ingredients, supports the middle burner, and moderates the intensity of warming and cooling herbs.

Together, these herbs create a carefully balanced formula that harmonizes Shao Yang, clears constrained Heat, warms internal Cold, transforms Phlegm, and supports fluid balance. Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang is particularly suited for complex Cold-Heat patterns rather than pure excess or pure deficiency conditions.

Contraindications

Not indicated for pure excess Heat without Cold signs.

Contraindicated in strong Yin deficiency with pronounced dryness.

Use with caution in cases of severe Spleen deficiency.

Best prescribed after accurate pattern differentiation due to its complex Cold-Heat balancing nature.