23/05/2026
Guì Zhī Tāng - 桂枝湯 - Cinnamon Twig Decoction
Gui Zhi Tang is one of the main formulas in Chinese Medicine for external invasion of Cold, which typically presents with symptoms such as fever and chills (not improved by sweating), headache, aversion to wind, stiff neck and nasal congestion.
We are basically talking about the first signs of a cold 🤒🤧
This formula is a pro at what it does (it’s one of the most important formulas in the Shang Han Lun - The Discussion of Cold Damage), but it’s also a very gentle formula because most of the ingredients are foods: Gui Zhi (cinnamon twig), Bai Shao (white peony), Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger), Da Zao (red dates), Zhi Gan Cao (honey-friend liquorice root) (I’ve used Gan Cao in this video).
Gui Zhi Tang works to release the exterior (Cold pathogen be gone!), especially from the muscle layer, and also harmonises the Defensive Qi and Nutritive Qi so that normal flow of Qi is restored (Cold causes things to contract and stagnate - this is why you can get body aches when you have a cold).
Classically, it is recommended to take this formula hot and then wrap yourself in warm clothes/blankets to help your body sweat a little (to help the Cold exit) 🧣
If you’re experiencing sniffles or any of the other symptoms mentioned above, I’m back in clinic this week and I’d love to help you get back to feeling 100%!
Send me a DM or book an appointment via the link in my bio 🧡
