GUI ZHI JIA SHAO YAO TANG

Harmonize Ying & Wei • Abdominal Antispasmodic & Relaxing Formula

Symptoms:

Abdominal Pain: Spasmodic, cramping, or "twisting" pain in the abdomen.

Relief by Pressure: Pain that feels better when holding the stomach or applying warmth (indicating a deficiency/cold-tension pattern).Fullness & Tension: A sensation of "stuffiness" or resistance in the abdominal muscles.

Mild Exterior Signs: Slight aversion to wind or cold, and possibly a mild fever or spontaneous sweating (residual Tai Yang signs).

Bowel Irregularity: Possible loose stools or a feeling of incomplete evacuation due to intestinal tension.

Key Indicator: An unresolved exterior cold that has "sunk" into the Tai Yin (Spleen/Intestine) layer, causing the internal Qi to seize up in painful spasms.

Tongue: Pale with a thin white coating; Pulse: Moderate (Huan) or slightly wiry.

Ingredients

Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba)

Raw Herbs: 18g | Granulates: 18.2g (Note: This is double the dose used in the standard Gui Zhi Tang).

Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granulates: 9.1g

Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens)

Raw Herbs: * | Granulates: 9.1g

Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus)

Raw Herbs: 12g (approx. 4-6 pieces) | Granulates: 12.1g

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix Preparata)

Raw Herbs: 6g | Granulates: 6.1g

Posology

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

Raw Plants: Boil in 1000ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day. Traditionally taken warm to assist the "harmonizing" effect.

Description

Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Tang is the primary formula for "Disharmony between the Exterior and Interior." In the Shang Han Lun, it is used when a patient has an exterior cold (Tai Yang) that was improperly treated (often by purging), causing the pathogen to move into the Spleen/Intestine layer (Tai Yin).

Bai Shao (Double Dose): This is the "Magic" of the formula. By doubling the Peony, the formula loses its primary "sweating" function and gains a powerful "relaxing" function. It nourishes the Blood, preserves Yin, and—most importantly—relaxes smooth muscle spasms in the gut to stop pain.

Gui Zhi: Acting as the Deputy, it warms the channels and dispels residual exterior cold. It ensures that the Yang Qi continues to circulate, preventing the "clumping" of cold in the middle.

The "Sweet-Sour" Pair: The combination of the sour Bai Shao and the sweet Zhi Gan Cao creates a classic TCM herbal pair (Dui Yao) that specifically generates fluids and alleviates acute pain and cramping.

Sheng Jiang & Da Zao: These harmonize the Spleen and Stomach, ensuring that the "Middle Burner" has enough nutritional Qi to support the healing process.

Together, these herbs stop the "internal wind" (spasms) of the intestines and restore the peaceful relationship between the defensive Qi (Wei) and the nutritive Blood (Ying).

Cautions

Strictly contraindicated for abdominal pain caused by Excess Heat (high fever, constipation, red tongue) or Food Stagnation (pain that worsens with pressure). It is also not intended for pain caused by Blood Stasis (sharp, fixed, stabbing pain). Use with caution in cases of heavy internal dampness. Consult a practitioner before use.