Gé Gēn Tāng

Question 1

Actions

Answer 1

Releases the exterior and muscle layer, and generates fluids

Question 2

Diagnostic Pattern

Answer 2

Externally-contracted wind-cold affecting the greater yang warp (Taiyang stage) with stiff and rigid neck and upper back.

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

fever and chills without sweating
stiff and rigid neck and upper back
T: thin, white coat
P: floating, tight

Question 4

Herbs

Answer 4

gé gēn
má huáng
guì zhī
sháo yào
shēng jiāng
dà zăo
zhì gān căo

Question 5

gé gēn

Answer 5

releases the muscle layer (especially upper back and neck) by drawing fluids to affected area, releases the exterior

Question 6

má huáng

Answer 6

induces sweating
most powerful herb for releasing excess cold from the exterior

Question 7

guì zhī

Answer 7

helps chief release the exterior and muscle layer

Question 8

sháo yào

Answer 8

preserves the yin by preventing exterior-releasing herbs from causing excessive sweating

Question 9

sháo yào + guì zhī

Answer 9

regulates protective and nutritive qi and assists in the expulsion of the pathogenic influences

Question 10

shēng jiāng
dà zăo

Answer 10

regulate the protective and nutritive qi and harmonize the Stomach, protecting that organ from injury

Question 11

zhì gān căo

Answer 11

harmonizes the actions of the other herbs

Question 12

zhì gān căo + sháo yào

Answer 12

relieves muscle spasms therefore used in treatment of neck and back stiffness

Question 13

Cautions and Contraindications

Answer 13

Contraindicated for patients with debility and copious urination, and for patients who are prone to bleeding (especially from the nose). Because of the adrenergic effects of Ephedrae Herba (ma huang), this formula should be used with caution in cases with hypertension. In addition, it is designed only to be used for very short periods of time.