Gui Pi Tang
A classical Chinese multi-herb formula (also sold as Gui Pi Wan) for insomnia with worry and fatigue. Meta-analyses of Chinese trials are positive, but almost all the included studies are small, single-centre and at high risk of bias.
Where to buy
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What the science says
- Insomnia Limited evidence
A systematic review and meta-analysis of Guipi decoction for insomnia found improvement in sleep scores compared with control, while noting that the included randomised trials were of low methodological quality, mostly published in Chinese and prone to publication bias. A more recent network meta-analysis of Chinese herbal formulas for insomnia reaches the same structural caveat: many positive trials, little reliable evidence.
- Fatigue and "worry" symptoms Limited evidence
The formula is traditionally prescribed for a syndrome combining poor sleep, palpitations, fatigue and overthinking. No trial has tested it against a validated anxiety or fatigue outcome in a Western population, and it is designed to be prescribed by pattern rather than taken off the shelf.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- diuretics and corticosteroids
The liquorice in the formula causes potassium loss, which these drugs worsen. Do not combine without medical supervision and potassium monitoring
- blood pressure medication
Liquorice raises blood pressure and works against antihypertensive treatment. Avoid prolonged use if you are treated for hypertension
- warfarin and other anticoagulants
The ginseng component has been reported to alter warfarin response. Do not combine without INR monitoring
With other supplements
- other liquorice-containing formulas or DGL products
Liquorice effects on potassium and blood pressure add up across products. Do not run two liquorice-containing formulas at once
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does gui pi tang work for insomnia?
Meta-analyses of Chinese trials report better sleep scores with gui pi tang, but almost all included studies are small, single-centre and at high risk of bias, so the evidence is limited.
What is gui pi tang used for?
Gui pi tang (Gui Pi Wan) is a classical Chinese formula for insomnia with worry, fatigue and palpitations. No trial has tested it against a validated anxiety or fatigue outcome in a Western population.
Is gui pi tang safe with blood pressure medication?
Be careful: the liquorice in gui pi tang can raise blood pressure and lower potassium with prolonged use, working against antihypertensives and worsening potassium loss with diuretics or corticosteroids. Its ginseng can also alter warfarin response.
How much gui pi tang per day?
As the pill form Gui Pi Wan, gui pi tang is taken at roughly 6–9 g two to three times daily, though trial preparations vary widely. Ask for heavy-metal and pharmaceutical-adulterant testing before buying an imported patent medicine.
Scientific references
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