Chinese: 栀子豉汤
Pinyin: Zhī Zi Shì Tāng
Other names: Gardenia and Prepared Soybean Decoction
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: InsomniaNeurosesCystitis and twenty four other conditions
- Clears Heat
- Alleviates restlessness and irritability
Contraindications: Use with caution in patients with long-lasting Spleen Deficiency and loose... Use with caution in patients with long-lasting Spleen Deficiency and loose stools. see more
Source date: 220 AD
Source book: Discussion of Cold Damage
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Zhi Zi Chi Tang is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) as a principal ingredient.
Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Qi-level Heat. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat and 2) alleviates restlessness and irritability.
In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.
From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as insomnia, night terrors or neuroses for instance.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the two ingredients in Zhi Zi Chi Tang, we review the patterns and conditions that Zhi Zi Chi Tang helps treat.
The two ingredients in Zhi Zi Chi Tang
Zhi Zi is a king ingredient in Zhi Zi Chi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi)
Part used: Dried ripe fruit
Nature: Cold
Taste(s): Bitter
Meridian affinity: GallbladderHeartLungSanjiao
Category: Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Zhi Zi is a bitter and cold herb that excels at clearing Stagnant Heat from the Triple Burner, Heart, Stomach, and Liver by directing it downward and eliminating it via the urine.
Dan Dou Chi is a deputy ingredient in Zhi Zi Chi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
2. Fermented Soybeans (Dan Dou Chi)
Part used: Fermented preparation obtain from the ripe bean
Nature: Cool
Dan Dou Chi supports the key herb by dispersing what remains of the Heat via the body's Exterior. Compared to the key herb, its cooling action is rather weak. Instead, its ability to disseminate stagnant Heat is derived from its power to dredge, vent, and spread.
Formulas similar to Zhi Zi Chi Tang
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