Ge Gen Tang (Kudzu Decoction)

Kudzu Decoction

Shang Han Lun, c. 220 CE

• Ge Gen – chief; Ma Huang, Gui Zhi (release exterior)
• Bai Shao, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao, Zhi Gan Cao

• Releases exterior wind-cold and the muscle layer
• Relaxes the sinews and relieves a stiff neck and back

Wind-cold with a stiff, painful neck and upper back, chills and fever without sweating; also early dysentery with exterior signs.

Tongue: thin white coat. Pulse: floating and tight.

With nausea, add Ban Xia.

For wind-cold excess; not for exterior deficiency with sweating or wind-heat.