CHAI HU GUI ZHI TANG

Shao Yang–Harmonising • Exterior–Interior Releasing • Cold-Heat Regulating Formula

Symptoms

Alternating chills and fever
Headache
Neck stiffness
Fullness in the chest and hypochondrium
Nausea or vomiting
Reduced appetite
Abdominal discomfort
Mild sweating
Irritability

Tongue: thin white coating
Pulse: floating and wiry

Ingredients

Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix)
Raw Herbs: 12g * Granulates: 16.7g

Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix)
Raw Herbs: 9g * Granulates: 12.5g

Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus)
Raw Herbs: 9g * Granulates: 12.5g

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 8.3g

Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum)
Raw Herbs: 9g * Granulates: 12.5g

Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix alba)
Raw Herbs: 9g * Granulates: 12.5g

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 8.4g

Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma recens)
Raw Herbs: * Granulates: 8.3g

Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus)
Raw Herbs: 6g * Granulates: 8.3

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 Zhi Tang is a classical formula that harmonizes the Shao Yang stage while simultaneously releasing an unresolved exterior condition. It is indicated when a pathogen remains partially in the exterior (Tai Yang) and partially in the interior (Shao Yang), creating a mixed presentation of chills, fever, headache, digestive disturbance, and hypochondriac discomfort.

Chai Hu acts as the chief herb, harmonizing the Shao Yang pivot and relieving constraint in the chest and flanks. It helps regulate the transition between exterior and interior.

Huang Qin clears Heat from the Shao Yang layer, preventing deeper internalization of the pathogen.

Gui Zhi releases the exterior and promotes the circulation of Yang Qi, addressing headache, muscle tension, and mild sweating.

Ren Shen supports the upright Qi, protecting the body from further depletion during the releasing process and strengthening the middle burner.

Ban Xia harmonizes the Stomach, transforms Phlegm, and addresses nausea resulting from Shao Yang disharmony.

Bai Shao nourishes Yin and softens tension, moderating the dispersing action of Gui Zhi and protecting fluids.

Zhi Gan Cao harmonizes the formula and supports Qi.

Sheng Jiang and Da Zao strengthen and protect the middle burner, ensuring the exterior-releasing herbs do not damage digestion.

Together, these herbs create a balanced strategy that releases the exterior, harmonizes the Shao Yang, regulates Qi, and supports the middle burner. Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang is particularly appropriate when exterior and interior patterns coexist, rather than in purely external or purely internal disorders.

Contraindications

• Not indicated for pure interior Heat without exterior symptoms.
• Not suitable for full excess patterns without deficiency component.
• Use with caution in Yin deficiency with pronounced dryness.
• Best prescribed based on accurate pattern differentiation.