Which two herbs are used in Gui Zhi Tang in equal weight?

• A. Gui Zhi and Bai Shao
• B. Bai Shao and Da Zao
• C. Gui Zhi and Da Zao
• D. Bai Shao and Wu Wei Zi

Answer: (B)

Balancing exterior release with interior nourishment is the key idea. In Gui Zhi Tang, the two herbs used in equal weight are Gui Zhi and Bai Shao. Gui Zhi warms and releases the exterior by guiding yang to the surface and promoting a gentle sweating response, while Bai Shao nourishes the yin and helps restrain excessive sweating, preventing the surface from drying out or the interior from becoming too deficient. Using them in equal amounts creates a harmony between outward warming and inward preservation, which is essential for treating a mild exterior deficiency with a compensatory interior balance.

The other ingredients support this balance: Sheng Jiang also helps release the exterior, Da Zao nourishes and stabilizes the middle burner, and Zhi Gan Cao harmonizes the formula. But the equal-weight pairing of Gui Zhi and Bai Shao is what chiefly maintains the harmonious interaction between releasing the exterior and preserving yin.