Release the Exterior - Formulas

Question 1

What is the main difference between Ma Huang Tang and Gui Zhi Tang? Both are for Wind-Cold, but what kinds of wind-cold do they treat?

Answer 1

Ma Huang Tang - Tai Yang COLD prevalence. No sweat, chills, floating and tight pulse

Gui Zhi Tang - Tai Yang WIND prevalence. Sweat, moderate floating pulse

Question 2

What are the herbs in Gui Zhi Tang (5)

Answer 2

Gui zhi - cinnamon branch - release exterior/wind cold - 9 grams - KING
Bai shao - white peony root - tonify blood - 9 grams - DEPUTY
Sheng jiang - ginger - release exterior/wind cold - 9 grams - ASSISTENT
Da zao - red date - tonify qi - 4 pieces - ASSITENT
Zhi gan cao - prep. licorice - tonify qi - 6 g - ENVOY

Question 3

How does Gui zhi tang - cinnamon decoction harmonize the ying and wei levels?

Answer 3

Gui Zhi and Shang jiang expel the wind.
Bai shao and Da zao harmonize the ying level by astringing the pores and tonifying qi.

Question 4

What formula is used to treat the side effects of Gui zhi tang when it is prescribed in error or excess?

Sx: profuse sweat, high fever, severe thirst, palpitations, irritability

Answer 4

Bai hu jia ren shen tang - white tiger and ginseng decoction