GUI ZHI SHAO YAO ZHI MU TANG

Dispel Wind-Damp & Clear Constrained Heat • Complex Joint Obstruction Formula

Symptoms

Joint Swelling & Pain: Joints that are swollen (especially the knees and ankles), painful, and potentially warm or red.

Morning Stiffness: Difficulty moving the joints upon waking, which may improve slightly with gentle movement.

Weather Sensitivity: Pain that is significantly aggravated by cold or damp environments.

Limited Range of Motion: Stiffness and "atrophy" of the surrounding muscles while the joint itself remains swollen.

Key Indicator: A "Complex Bi" pattern where the patient feels cold in their body but the local affected joints show signs of heat (inflammation).

Tongue: White or slightly yellow coating (reflecting the cold-heat mix); Pulse: Wiry and tight.

Ingredients

Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granulates: 12.1g

Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granulates: 9.1g

Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granulates: 12.1g

Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granulates: 12.1g

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granulates: 15.1g

Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granulates: 15.1g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix)

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.

Description

Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang is unique because it addresses three problems simultaneously: it warms the cold, drains the damp, and clears the heat that has become "trapped" inside the swollen joint.

Gui Zhi, and Fang Feng: This trio forms the "Wind-Dispelling" team. They open the channels and pores to push out the external pathogens (Wind and Cold).

Bai Zhu: It dries the "Dampness" that causes the physical swelling and the "heavy" feeling in the limbs.

Zhi Mu: This is the strategic counter-balance. Because the other herbs are very warm and drying, and because long-term obstruction creates "friction heat" in the joints, Zhi Mu clears this localized inflammation and protects the Yin.

Bai Shao & Gan Cao: These herbs work together to nourish the Blood and relax the tendons, reducing the "cramping" and pain associated with chronic stiffness.

Together, they resolve the "Complex Bi" by moving the Qi and Blood through the blocked joints while ensuring the internal temperature of the body remains balanced.

Cautions

Not indicated for Acute Hot Bi (where the joint is extremely hot, bright red, and the patient has a high fever).