Gui Zhi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "gui zhi" which in english is
"cinnamon twig", is categorized within the "herbs that release the exterior wind cold" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, lung and urinary bladder channels and exhibits acrid, sweet (gan) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g for exterior conditions
- Dosage: 9-15g for bi syndromes
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Releases muscle layer and adjusts ying and wei qi levels
- Useful in wind-cold-damp bi syndromes to warm channels and disperse cold
- Resolves blood stagnation particularly from cold - dysmenorrhea
- Unblocks yang qi in the chest - shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations
- Resolve edema and accumulation of cold phlegm
Gui Zhi has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid in wind-heat and/or empty heat conditions
- Avoid in heat in the blood, particularly w/vomiting
Gui Zhi may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: chest pain, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain - cramps), edema and/or palpitations
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, gui zhi is generally included in the following 12 formulas:
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Wan (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig and Ginger Decoction) - Shaoyang disorder with water accumulation - A modification …
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Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang Wan (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) - A combination of gui zhi tang and xiao chai hu tang - toget…
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Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Wan (Bupleurum, Dragon Bone, and Oyster Shell Formula) - Palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, agitation/irritibility…
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Ge Gen Wan (Kudzu Decoction) - Wind-cold invasion with upper neck and back pain - cold or …
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Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon and Poria Teapills) - For abdominal masses such as uterine cysts, ovarian cysts, …
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Gui Zhi Tang Wan (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) - Gan Mao (wind-cold) - Common cold or flu (or related illnes…
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Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Wan (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five Herb Decoction) - Common with blood deficient patterns for dispersing interio…
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Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet) - Lethargy, low libedo, frequent urination with possible inco…
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Ren Shen Yang Rong Wan (Ginseng Decoction to Nourish the Nutritive Qi) - Tonifies both qi and blood and nourishes the heart and calm…
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Wu Ling San Wan (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) - Generally used, often in conjunction with other formulas, a…
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Wu Mei Wan (Mume Fruit Pill) - Generally used with roundworms - abdominal pain, irritabili…
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Xiao Qing Long Wan (Minor Blue Dragon Pills) - Cold/flu like symptoms such as aversion to cold, cough, cle…
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As noted above, gui zhi is within the herbs that release the exterior wind cold functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
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many are acrid and warm
used when fever is mild, chill severe, headache, body & neck pain, no thirst
focus is on the superficial layer of …)".