Which herb commonly treats exterior wind-cold symptoms and is present in Gui Zhi Tang?

• A. Gui Zhi
• B. Bai Shao
• C. Sheng Jiang
• D. Da Zao

Answer: (A)

Releasing the exterior and warming the surface is the key idea here. The herb that best fits exterior wind-cold symptoms and is the chief component of Gui Zhi Tang is the cinnamon twig. Its warm, moving action disperses wind-cold from the surface of the body and helps bring a gentle, controlled sweat to expel the pathogen. That makes it the primary driver of Gui Zhi Tang’s action: release of the exterior with a balanced, mild sweating response.

The other ingredients in Gui Zhi Tang support this main action rather than drive it. Bai Shao nourishes the ying and helps curb excessive sweating to protect the nutritive aspect; Sheng Jiang adds warming and exterior-relieving functions that support the release; Da Zao tonifies qi and harmonizes the formula to prevent harshness. Together, they balance the exterior-dispersing effect of Gui Zhi so the pattern can resolve without injuring the interior.