Chai Hu Zhi Jie Tang柴胡枳桔汤
Bupleurum, Bitter Orange and Platycodon Decoction
Ingredients8 herbs
Indications
A shaoyang pattern weighted toward the exterior half: the pathogen is constrained in the interstices and the qi dynamic of the chest and diaphragm is blocked, but the upright qi has not yet been depleted.
Clinical Manifestations
- Alternating chills and fever early in an externally contracted illness
- Pain at both temples with dizziness or muffled hearing
- Fullness and pain in the chest and rib-sides
- Cough with a stifling chest during a febrile illness
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Phlegm-damp obstructing the chest more heavily — increase Jiang Ban Xia 姜半夏 and add Zhu Ru 竹茹
- Exterior still tight with body aches — add a small amount of Bo He 薄荷
- Heat markedly stronger than the chill — increase Huang Qin 黄芩
Contraindications
Not appropriate once the upright qi is clearly deficient — the supporting herbs of the parent formula have been removed, so there is nothing here to hold the middle. Not for interior heat patterns with constipation and a dry yellow coat.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Use with caution in pregnancy — it contains prepared Ban Xia and qi-breaking Zhi Ke. Prescribe only under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.
Related Formulas
References
Source 《通俗伤寒论》 · Qing
- Classical source as recorded in the standard formula-studies chapter.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— appended-formula note and pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.