One could write reams about the graceful complexities of Gui Zhi Tang, Cinnamon Twig Decoction. Well, an herbal nerd could write them and another herbal nerd could read them and be intrigued & thrilled for hours. We're not going to do that to you today, though we are tempted to. What we'll do today is a gentle introduction into this truly delicious formula that is used, with modification, for everything from colds and flu to cysts and abdominal pain. If you've taken Chinese herbal medicines before it is likely that you have had at least one of the herbs of Gui Zhi Tang contained within your formulas. It contains 5 gentle and common herbs that together, harmonize your body's systems and allow it to prevent and treat illness:
Gui Zhi: Cinnamon Twig, A relative of the common kitchen spice, Cinnamon twig comes from the branches of the tree, rather than the bark. It is a sweet and acrid or spicy herb that invigorates the blood, nourishes the digestive system and releases wind back to the exterior. It opens our channels (or internal pathways), especially in the upper body
Bai Shao Yao-The root of the peony plant, Bai Shao Yao nourishes the blood, protects the body fluids and gently soothes the liver. Together, Cinnamon twig and peony root balance each other to provide regulation for the body to be both protected on the interior and open to release and change on the exterior.
Sheng Jiang-This is simply fresh ginger root. You may have it lying around in your kitchen right now, waiting to be part of a stir fry or cup of fresh ginger tea. It is acrid or spicy, a little sweet and very balancing for your digestive system. Ginger's spiciness helps the spiciness of the cinnamon twig boot the wind and cold that's made it to the inside of your body to the outside as well as simultaneously protecting and nourishing your digestive system to prevent an illness from making it any deeper into your body.
Da Zao-These sweet red jujube dates help the peony roots nourish the blood and also help nourish your digestive system. They are often found in many kinds of Asian cuisine as they are said to purify the blood. Delicious!
Zhi Gan Cao-Honey fried licorice! Wait, let me say that again--HONEY FRIED LICORICE! Chinese herbal medicine has this tradition called "Pao Zhi" which involves cooking the herbs to prepare them to be more or less effective for different systems of the body. One of the best ideas ever, HONEY FRIED LICORICE involves taking slices of licorice, soaking it in honey and then sealing the honey into and onto the licorice by dry frying it. Why do we not do this to everything all the time?! Honey frying the licorice makes it especially nourishing for the digestive system and a little warmer for your body overall, which is especially great if the cold weather has made its way into you. Licorice by itself has many great antibacterial and antiseptic properties making it a great remedy for sore throats and more all on its own. Honey frying it takes all that and potentiates it with the genius bee-made tonic that has been used for its healing properties across cultures for centuries.
So, there you have it. A little primer on a formula you may find yourself given, especially during the colder months if you find yourself coming down with something. Curious to try it, or think this might be just the thing for you? Come in for an herbal consult and one of our licensed and experienced Chinese medicine practitioners will guide you to the formula that will be just right for you.
