Today let's talk about two classic prescriptions in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhi Decoction (Guizhi Tang) and Minor Bupleurum Decoction (Xiao Chaihu Tang). Why is it said, "For any occasion use Guizhi Tang; when undecided use Xiao Chaihu Tang"? Let's reveal the answer now.

First, let's talk about Guizhi Tang. Guizhi Tang is composed of Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), fresh ginger (Shengjiang), jujube (Dazao), and honey-fried licorice (Zhi Gancao). These herbs are all both medicinal and food homologues; combined they can regulate the body's yin-yang balance and strengthen the Zhengqi, which is what we commonly call the immune system. In the Nei Jing there is a saying, "When the Zhengqi is preserved within, pathogenic factors cannot invade," meaning that as long as the body's Zhengqi is sufficient, external pathogens are less likely to penetrate. Therefore, occasionally drinking a bowl of Guizhi Tang can make our Zhengqi robust and help keep disease at bay.

Now let's talk about Xiaochaihu Tang. Xiaochaihu Tang is indicated when righteous qi and pathogenic factors are contending internally, with bodily stasis and obstruction, presenting with symptoms such as dry mouth and bitter taste, irritability, chest distention and fullness, dry hard stools, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. In Xiaochaihu Tang, Chaihu (Bupleuri radix) is responsible for raising and dispersing yang qi, while Huangqin (Scutellariae radix) is responsible for descending counterflow and clearing heat. Dangshen, fresh ginger, jujube, and licorice mainly regulate spleen and stomach deficiency. Banxia (Pinelliae rhizoma) harmonizes the stomach and descends rebellious qi. With this arrangement, what should be raised is raised, what should be lowered is lowered, what should be dispersed is dispersed, blood stasis is resolved, qi movement is restored, and the body can return to normal.

Overall, both Guizhi Tang and Xiaochaihu Tang are classic formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Guizhi Tang is suitable for routine body regulation and boosting righteous qi; Xiaochaihu Tang is suitable when the body presents with contention between righteous and pathogenic factors, stasis, and similar symptoms. Of course, it is best to consult a professional physician before using these medicines.