Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang: Chinese herbal medicine for Cough and Asthma
Health Lab- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang, or Cinnamon Twig with Magnolia Bark and Apricot Kernel Decoction, is a revered formula from Treatise on Febrile Diseases, written by the renowned Eastern Han Dynasty physician Zhang Zhongjing.
This ancient text forms the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, and its prescriptions remain relevant today. This formula is particularly effective for treating coughs and asthma, especially in individuals with weak constitutions, such as those with bronchitis or tracheal asthma.
What is Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang?
This herbal blend combines carefully selected ingredients, each playing a specific role according to traditional Chinese medicine principles:
Main Ingredient (Monarch): Cinnamon TwigCinnamon twig promotes sweating, relieves external symptoms, warms the meridians, and boosts yang energy. It helps expel external pathogens and restores the body’s natural balance.
Supporting Ingredients (Minister): Peony Root, LicoricePeony root nourishes blood, soothes the liver, and relieves pain, complementing cinnamon twig’s effects. Licorice harmonizes the formula, ensuring all ingredients work together smoothly while easing discomfort.
Adjuvant Ingredients (Assistant): Ginger, JujubeGinger warms the body and supports sweating, enhancing cinnamon twig’s pathogen-expelling action. Jujube strengthens the body’s qi, boosts immunity, and balances the formula.
Auxiliary Ingredients (Envoy): Magnolia Bark, Apricot KernelMagnolia bark clears phlegm, warms the body, and removes dampness, addressing internal imbalances. Apricot kernel directly targets cough and asthma by moistening the lungs and clearing phlegm.
How Chinese herbal medicine Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang Works
Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang is designed for weak individuals suffering from coughs, wheezing, or asthma, often linked to bronchitis or tracheal issues. These symptoms typically arise from an accumulation of dampness and heat in the body, which impairs lung function. Common signs include a thick tongue coating and sticky saliva, indicating damp-heat buildup.
In traditional Chinese medicine, damp-heat results from spleen and stomach imbalances, leading to phlegm accumulation that obstructs the lungs. This causes coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. The formula works by:
Expelling Pathogens: Cinnamon twig and ginger induce sweating to clear external invaders.
Clearing Damp-Heat: Magnolia bark removes dampness and heat, improving symptoms like thick tongue coating.
Relieving Cough and Asthma: Apricot kernel directly soothes the lungs, easing coughs and wheezing.
By addressing both the root cause (damp-heat and lung dysfunction) and symptoms, the formula restores lung health and promotes easier breathing.
Benefits of Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang
Promotes Sweating and Clears Pathogens: Cinnamon twig and ginger help the body expel external pathogens, restoring vitality.
Removes Dampness and Heat: Magnolia bark clears internal damp-heat, alleviating symptoms like sticky saliva and thick tongue coating.
Relieves Cough and Asthma: Apricot kernel targets lung issues, providing relief from coughing and wheezing.
Boosts Immunity: Jujube strengthens the body’s defenses, supporting overall recovery.
Modern Applications
In modern medicine, Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang is widely used for respiratory conditions involving coughs and asthma, particularly in chronic bronchitis or asthma triggered by weak lung function. Research highlights the formula’s benefits:
Cinnamon twig improves blood circulation, enhancing lung oxygen supply.
Magnolia bark offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, reducing lung inflammation.
Apricot kernel soothes the airways, easing breathing difficulties.
This makes the formula a valuable tool in integrative medicine for managing respiratory health.
Important Considerations
While effective, Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang requires careful use:
Constitutional Fit: This formula suits those with weak constitutions. It may not be appropriate for robust individuals or those without clear signs of weakness.
Drug Interactions: Check with a healthcare provider if taking other medications to avoid conflicts.
Short-Term Use: Avoid prolonged use to prevent dependency. Reduce dosage gradually as symptoms improve.
Allergic Reactions: Stop use and seek medical help if you experience rashes, itching, or other allergic symptoms.
Conclusion
Gui Zhi Jia Hou Pu Xing Ren Tang is a testament to the enduring wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. By promoting sweating, clearing damp-heat, and relieving coughs and asthma, it offers a holistic approach to respiratory health, particularly for those with weak constitutions.
Modern research supports its efficacy, making it a valuable option for managing bronchitis, asthma, and related conditions. With proper guidance and attention to individual needs, this formula can provide safe, effective relief, blending ancient knowledge with modern care.
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