Colds, Shivers & Sniffles

Colds Shivers Sniffles

INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

White Peony, root 52mg

Cinnamon, twig 39mg

Jujube, fruits 39mg

Licorice, root 26mg

Ginger, root 13mg

Store below 30°C

Contains 300 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 41840

Made in Australia. (Logo)

Indications: colds, shivers, sniffles, the beginning of catching a cold

Dosage: 10 - 15 pills 2 - 3 times per day, or as symptoms return. Use this fast enough and you won’t catch a cold!

Children: 6 months an over 1 pill per year of age up to the age of 10 as directed above.

Treat more, not less. Treat sooner, rather than later.

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Gui Zhi Tang – "Colds, Shivers & Sniffles"

A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used at the very first signs of a cold, helping the body's natural defences respond before illness becomes established.

What is Gui Zhi Tang?

Most colds don't begin with a cough.

Or a blocked nose.

They usually begin much earlier.

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You feel...

• slightly cold

• a little achy

• tired

• sensitive to the breeze

• mildly congested

Then come the familiar:

• shivers

• sniffles

• runny nose

• stiff neck

• headache

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that this is the best time to treat a cold—before it has fully taken hold.

Gui Zhi Tang (桂枝汤) was developed specifically for this early stage.

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At Chiron Medical we call it "Colds, Shivers & Sniffles", because these are often the very first signs that this remarkable formula is needed.

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Rather than suppressing symptoms, Gui Zhi Tang helps support the body's natural immune response while encouraging a healthy recovery.

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One of the Oldest Medical Prescriptions in the World

Gui Zhi Tang was first recorded by the legendary physician Zhang Zhongjing in the Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders) around 220 CE.

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It is one of the oldest continuously used herbal formulas in the world and forms the foundation of countless later Chinese herbal prescriptions.

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For nearly two thousand years it has been prescribed during the earliest stage of respiratory infections.

Why We Call It "Colds, Shivers & Sniffles"

Most people recognise the beginning of a cold.

They don't feel seriously ill...

...they simply know something is coming.

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Typical symptoms include:

• shivering

• feeling unusually cold

• runny nose

• sneezing

• mild headache

• aching muscles

• stiff neck

• slight fever

• spontaneous sweating

Chinese medicine considers this the ideal time to intervene, before the illness progresses deeper into the body.

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Gui Zhi Tang is prescribed for Wind-Cold affecting the body's protective (Wei) Qi.

Early Colds

• common cold

• early influenza-like illness

• chills

• mild fever

• runny nose

• sneezing

Muscle Symptoms

• neck stiffness

• upper back tension

• mild body aches

Recovery

Frequently used during the earliest stages of:

• viral respiratory infections

• weather-related chills

• immune weakness following exposure to cold weather

The Herbs That Make the Formula

Gui Zhi Tang contains five herbs that work together to gently support the body's natural defence systems while restoring harmony between the body's warming and cooling mechanisms.

Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig)

Traditional role

The principal herb.

Warms the channels, supports the body's protective Qi and gently releases the early stages of external illness.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• mild antiviral activity

• improved peripheral circulation

• anti-inflammatory effects

• immune modulation

• antioxidant activity

Bai Shao (White Peony Root)

Traditional role

Nourishes the body's fluids while harmonising the warming action of Gui Zhi and relieving muscle tension.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• anti-inflammatory activity

• immune regulation

• smooth muscle relaxation

• antioxidant effects

Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger)

Traditional role

Warms the stomach, releases the exterior and helps stop nausea while supporting the body's early immune response.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• antiviral activity

• anti-inflammatory effects

• antioxidant activity

• support for healthy immune function

Da Zao (Jujube Fruit)

Traditional role

Strengthens Qi, nourishes the body and protects digestion during illness.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• immune support

• antioxidant activity

• anti-fatigue effects

• gastrointestinal protection

Gan Cao (Liquorice Root)

Traditional role

Harmonises the formula while supporting Lung and Spleen Qi and soothing the throat.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• antiviral activity

• anti-inflammatory effects

• immune modulation

• antioxidant activity

• protection of respiratory mucosa

How the Formula Works

The body's immune response begins long before symptoms become severe.

Modern research recognises that the earliest stages of infection involve:

• activation of the innate immune system

• inflammatory signalling

• temperature regulation

• changes in circulation

• mucosal immune defence

Gui Zhi Tang appears to support these early defence mechanisms by helping to:

• regulate immune activity

• improve peripheral circulation

• reduce excessive inflammation

• support healthy sweating

• promote recovery during the earliest phase of illness

Rather than overpowering the immune system, the formula helps it respond efficiently.

What Does Modern Research Say?

Research into Gui Zhi Tang and its constituent herbs has investigated:

Upper Respiratory Infections

• common cold

• influenza-like illness

• viral respiratory infections

Immune Function

Studies suggest:

• modulation of innate immune responses

• regulation of inflammatory cytokines

• antioxidant protection

• improved immune resilience

Circulation

Research demonstrates:

• improved peripheral blood flow

• regulation of vascular function

• support for temperature regulation

Although more high-quality clinical trials are needed, modern pharmacology aligns remarkably well with the formula's traditional use during the earliest stage of respiratory illness.

Timing Is Everything

One of the greatest strengths of Gui Zhi Tang is when it is used.

Not after a week of illness.

Not when pneumonia has developed.

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But during those first few hours...

when you begin thinking:

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"I think I'm coming down with something."

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Early intervention has always been one of the defining principles of Chinese medicine.

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Comparing the Chiron Medical Cold & Flu Formulas

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 Gui Zhi Tang - Colds, Shivers & Sniffles - Very early colds with chills and runny nose - Supports the body's early immune response

Yin Qiao San - No1 Fever & Flu - Sore throat, fever and early Heat - Clears Heat and supports antiviral defence

Sang Ju Yin - New Cough - Early cough with mild sore throat - Protects the lungs during the first stage of respiratory infection

Yu Ping Feng San - Immunity - Prevention and recurrent infections - Strengthens long-term immune resilience

Xiao Chai Hu Tang - X-Factor - Persistent or lingering infections - Restores balance during prolonged illness

Understanding the Difference

Each formula treats a different stage of respiratory illness.

Colds, Shivers & Sniffles (Gui Zhi Tang)

The illness has only just begun.

Chills, sniffles and mild aches dominate.

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Fever & Flu (Yin Qiao San)

The illness has progressed to fever, sore throat and inflammatory Heat.

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New Cough (Sang Ju Yin)

The lungs become involved and coughing begins.

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X-Factor (Xiao Chai Hu Tang)

The illness lingers and recovery stalls.

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Immunity (Yu Ping Feng San)

Used between illnesses to reduce susceptibility and strengthen the body's natural defences.

Together these formulas allow treatment to match the stage of illness, rather than treating every respiratory infection the same way.

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

Classical Pattern

Wind-Cold with Disharmony of Ying and Wei

Typical presentation:

• aversion to wind

• chills

• spontaneous sweating

• mild fever

• headache

• stiff neck

• floating, moderate pulse

Formula Strategy

Gui Zhi Tang:

• Releases the exterior.

• Harmonises Ying and Wei.

• Supports Defensive Qi.

• Relieves muscle tension.

• Restores physiological balance.

Common Clinical Modifications

Frequently adapted for:

• common cold

• early influenza

• post-viral constitutional weakness

• spontaneous sweating

• mild upper respiratory tract infections

For Medical Doctors

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• innate immune responses

• inflammatory cytokines

• peripheral circulation

• oxidative stress

• respiratory mucosal immunity

• autonomic temperature regulation

Major bioactive compounds include:

• cinnamaldehyde

• paeoniflorin

• gingerols

• glycyrrhizin

• jujube polysaccharides

Collectively these compounds demonstrate antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities that support the body's early response to respiratory pathogens.

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical monitoring is advisable in patients taking:

• anticoagulants

• antihypertensive medications

• diabetic medications

• immunosuppressive therapies

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atients with persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration or symptoms lasting longer than expected should seek prompt medical assessment. Gui Zhi Tang is intended for the early stage of uncomplicated respiratory illness and should complement, not replace, appropriate medical care.

Catching a Cold Before It Catches You

One of the oldest lessons in Chinese medicine is that timing matters.

Treating illness early is often easier than treating it late.

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Gui Zhi Tang has embodied that principle for nearly two thousand years.

That is why we call it "Colds, Shivers & Sniffles."

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It is designed for that brief window when the body first begins to signal that an infection is developing—helping support your natural defences before a simple cold has the chance to become something more.

Key Takeaways

• Gui Zhi Tang is one of the oldest and most influential formulas in Chinese medicine, first recorded by Zhang Zhongjing around 220 CE.

• At Chiron Medical it is called "Colds, Shivers & Sniffles" because it is traditionally used at the very first signs of a cold, particularly when chills, a runny nose and mild body aches are present.

• Unlike Yin Qiao San ("Fever & Flu"), which is used once Heat and sore throat develop, Gui Zhi Tang is most effective during the earliest Wind-Cold stage of respiratory infection.

• Modern research supports immunomodulatory, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and circulatory actions that are consistent with its traditional use.

• It should be prescribed by a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner and used as part of an overall approach to respiratory health, alongside appropriate medical assessment when symptoms become severe or persistent.