Guizhi Gancao Tang – Nan Kaiyang

Author: Nan Kaiyang  Editor: Gu Yuxi Translator: Gu Yuxi

Original Text:

Clause 64 of Shanghan Lun : If there is excessive sweating, the person clasps their hands over their heart; with palpitations below the heart, and a desire for pressure, Guizhi Gancao Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Licorice Decoction) is indicated.

Interpretation：

This clause doesn’t mention exterior Taiyang syndrome; it only describes the effects of excessive sweating. When there’s too much sweating, the fluids in the intestines and stomach become deficient. The spleen and stomach are the source of essence from food and water. When these fluids are exhausted, they can’t nourish the heart, leading to the spleen failing to govern blood and the heart failing to generate blood. This qualitative change triggers a quantitative one, causing the heart to beat faster to circulate the necessary fluids to other internal organs. This is the deficient syndrome of heart yang deficiency treated by Guizhi Gancao Tang. The phrase “clasps their hands over their heart” indicates deficiency, and this can be confirmed by the desire for pressure.

This differs from “sweating then moves the jing” in Clause 67, which pertains to Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes Macrocephala, and Licorice Decoction). If the heart-area is inherently deficient and there’s water retention in the spleen and stomach, then sweating is a different matter. Once the superficial sweat is exhausted, the remaining stagnant water can cause shortness of breath, or, in severe cases, palpitations.

Pattern Differentiation:

This refers to heart yang deficiency caused by spleen and stomach asthenia and impaired fluid circulation. Baked Licorice tonifies the spleen and benefits the middle, promoting fluid generation. Cinnamon Twig invigorates blood, strengthening the heart and enhancing the overall qi and blood circulation at the Taiyang level. This helps alleviate the heart yang deficiency caused by imbalanced fluid circulation.

Herbal Combination (Typical Dosage: Cinnamon Twig 10g, Baked Licorice 5g)：

In the original text, the ratio of Cinnamon Twig to (Baked) Licorice is 2:1. Based on my clinical experience and numerous medical cases from others, if this ratio is not followed, it fails to nourish fluids and strengthen the heart, or it doesn’t achieve the desired effect. The correct ratio, however, often yields the expected classic formula efficacy—patients often feel their heart beating faster, followed by a healing crisis (míng xuàn fǎn yìng), and recover after a few doses. It’s effective for both palpitations and bradycardia.

Disclaimer:​

The experiences and insights shared above represent the author’s personal usage and understanding, and are provided for reference only as part of academic exchange. Please do not blindly replicate or apply them; any consequences arising from such actions are solely your responsibility. As individual constitutions vary, medication should be tailored accordingly. It is advisable to use such treatments under the guidance of a qualified physician. If you have additional experiences to share, comments and submissions are welcome.​
If you appreciate my article, please give it a like.​
If you are a generous and affluent individual, please consider making a donation!​
Your recognition is my greatest motivation to continue writing—thank you very much!​
USD Donation Button —​