Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang (栀子厚朴汤) — Gardenia & Magnolia Bark Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang — Gardenia and Magnolia Bark Decoction — is another of Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun formulas. It is a variation of Zhi Zi Chi Tang with Hou Po and Zhi Shi added, addressing Heat in the chest with concurrent Qi stagnation and epigastric distention.

The formula is for when chest restlessness is combined with abdominal fullness and distension — that uncomfortable feeling of bloating, oppression and inner heat all at once.

I prescribe Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang is prescribed for Heat in chest with Qi stagnation and epigastric distention:

• Restlessness, irritability, vexation
• Epigastric and abdominal distention
• Chest fullness and oppression
• Insomnia^[8] with tossing
• Mild constipation^[11]
• Often follows acute illness or stress
• Tongue — red, yellow coat
• Pulse — rapid, slightly wiry or slippery

Key herbs

1. Zhi Zi (Fr. Gardeniae, 9-12g) — clears Heat from chest
2. Hou Po (magnolia bark, 12g) — moves Qi and transforms Damp; relieves distention
3. Zhi Shi (Fr. Aurantii Immaturus, 6-9g) — moves Qi and breaks stagnation

Formula actions

1. Clears Heat from the chest
2. Moves stagnant Qi
3. Resolves epigastric distention
4. Calms restlessness

Conditions treated

1. Insomnia with bloating and chest fullness
2. Stress-driven epigastric distention with anxiety[4]
3. Post-illness restlessness with abdominal symptoms
4. Functional dyspepsia with Heat and Qi stagnation
5. IBS[5] with prominent bloating and chest tension — see IBS
6. Mild constipation with chest oppression
7. Anxiety with prominent bloating — see anxiety

Cautions

Not appropriate for cold patterns or Spleen Qi deficiency without Heat or stagnation.

Use cautiously in pregnancy.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.

References

[4] Lin Y, Cai S, Wang T, Zhuang T, Huang T, Yu X, et al. Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Xiao Yao San as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:1319592. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1319592. PMID: 35432568.

[5] Liu Q, Shi Z, Zhang T, Jiang T, Luo X, Su X, Yang Y, Wei W. Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Xiao Yao San in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jan 19;12:821802. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.821802. PMID: 35126152.

[8] Hu J, Teng J, Wang W, Yang N, Tian H, Zhang W, Peng X, Zhang J. Clinical efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine Xiao Yao San in insomnia combined with anxiety. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Oct 29;100(43):e27608. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000027608. PMID: 34713840.

[11] Lyu Z, Fan Y, Bai Y, Liu T, Zhong LL, Liang HF. Outcome of the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine for functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Clin Cases. 2022 May 26;10(15):4856-4877. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v10.i15.4856. PMID: 35801027.