Gui Zhi Tang – Capsules (100 Count)
Cinnamon Twig Decoction
Brand: Evergreen Herbs
What Is It?
Gui Zhi Tang is one of the foundational formulas of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is traditionally used to harmonize the body's exterior, support healthy circulation, gently warm the channels, and restore balance between the body's protective and nutritive Qi.
In TCM, Gui Zhi Tang is commonly considered when the body's defenses are weakened and an individual develops mild exterior symptoms characterized by sensitivity to wind or cold, spontaneous sweating, and general body discomfort.
Rather than strongly inducing sweating, this formula gently supports the body's natural regulatory processes and helps restore balance.
Common Uses
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, Gui Zhi Tang may be used to support:
Early-stage exterior wind-cold patterns
Sensitivity or aversion to wind and cold
Mild chills with spontaneous sweating
Occasional headache or body aches associated with an exterior pattern
Neck or upper-back stiffness associated with wind-cold
General feelings of weakness during a mild exterior imbalance
Healthy circulation and temperature regulation
TCM patterns involving disharmony between Wei (protective) Qi and Ying (nutritive) Qi
These traditional applications are based on TCM pattern differentiation and are not intended to diagnose or treat colds, influenza, or other infections.
Herbal Ingredients
The classical Gui Zhi Tang formula contains five herbs:
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) – Warms the channels, supports circulation, releases the exterior, and assists the body's protective Qi.
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) – Nourishes Blood and Yin and helps preserve the body's nutritive resources.
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) – Gently warms the digestive system and assists Gui Zhi in supporting the exterior.
Da Zao (Jujube Fruit) – Supports Spleen Qi and helps nourish and harmonize the body.
Zhi Gan Cao (Prepared Licorice Root) – Supports Qi and harmonizes the actions of the other herbs.
How It Works
Traditional Perspective
Traditional Chinese Medicine describes Wei Qi as the body's protective energy that circulates near the surface, while Ying Qi provides nourishment internally.
When these systems become disharmonized, the exterior may not regulate itself effectively. A person may experience chills or sensitivity to wind alongside spontaneous sweating, mild body aches, headache, or general discomfort.
Gui Zhi Tang traditionally works by:
Harmonizing Wei and Ying Qi
Gently releasing an exterior wind-cold pattern
Warming and supporting healthy circulation
Helping regulate sweating
Relaxing the muscles and channels
Supporting the body's natural return to balance
Because Gui Zhi Tang is relatively gentle, its traditional use depends on a very specific presentation rather than simply the presence of "cold symptoms."
Who It May Be Best For
This formula may be appropriate for individuals who:
Feel chilly or unusually sensitive to wind
Experience mild exterior symptoms accompanied by spontaneous sweating
Have mild headache, body aches, or neck stiffness with an appropriate TCM pattern
Feel somewhat weak rather than experiencing a strong, robust exterior illness
Present with a practitioner-identified wind-cold exterior deficiency pattern
Have a TCM presentation involving disharmony between Wei and Ying Qi
Not every cold or respiratory illness represents the Gui Zhi Tang pattern. A TCM evaluation is recommended to determine whether this formula matches your individual presentation.
Contraindications & Precautions
Generally not appropriate for wind-heat patterns characterized by pronounced sore throat, significant thirst, or stronger heat signs.
May not be appropriate for a strong wind-cold excess pattern with no sweating, which traditionally requires a different treatment strategy.
Do not rely on this formula to self-treat a persistent or severe respiratory infection.
Seek medical evaluation for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, persistent high fever, blue or gray lips/skin, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Because the formula contains licorice, use additional caution with prolonged use in individuals with high blood pressure, kidney or heart conditions, low potassium, or medications that may interact with licorice.
Cinnamon and ginger may interact with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, blood-pressure, or blood-sugar medications in some individuals.
Always inform your healthcare practitioner about medications, supplements, and other herbal products you are taking.
Quality & Safety
Manufactured by Evergreen Herbs in GMP-certified facilities. Ingredients are tested for identity, purity, and safety to ensure high quality standards.
For best results and safety, Gui Zhi Tang should be selected according to the individual's TCM pattern and used under the guidance of a licensed or appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner trained in Chinese herbal medicine.
FDA Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
