Formula Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp

Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

羌活胜湿汤

Also known as:

Notopterygium Decoction to Overcome Dampness

Formula Composition

Qiang Huo
Qiang Huo
Du Huo
Du Huo
Gao Ben
Gao Ben
Fang Feng
Fang Feng
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Man Jing Zi
Man Jing Zi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Expels wind and dampness

Patterns Treated

Damp-Wind

Historical Origin

Clarifying Doubts about Damage from Internal and External Causes (1247 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

Main Actions

Expels wind and dampness

Key TCM Concepts

Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) and Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1247 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Wind-Damp. Its main action is that it expels wind and dampness.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Wind. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as rheumatic fever, upper respiratory tract infections or tension headache for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Wind

Common Applications

Rheumatic fever Upper respiratory tract infections Tension headache

Ingredients in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Qiang Huo
Qiang Huo

Notopterygium roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys
Parts Used Dried rhizome and root
Role in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
Qiang Huo expels Wind Damp from the upper reaches of the Greater Yang Channel. The combination of the two key herbs are very effective in treating general Wind Damp patterns.
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Du Huo
Du Huo

Pubescent angelica roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
Du Huo expels Wind Damp from the lower reaches of the Greater Yang Channel. The combination of the two key herbs are very effective in treating general Wind Damp patterns.
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Gao Ben
Gao Ben

Chinese lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried rhizome and root
Role in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
Gao Ben expel Wind Damp from the Exterior aspects of the Greater Yang Channel. It also assist one of the key herbs Notopterygium root in treating headache.
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Fang Feng
Fang Feng

Saposhnikovia roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
Fang Feng expel Wind Damp from the Exterior aspects of the Greater Yang Channel. It also assist one of the key herbs Notopterygium root in treating headache.
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Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
In general Chuan Xiong's main actions are as follows: "Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches."

In the context of Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood so as to relieve headache as well as feeling of heaviness and pain. .
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Man Jing Zi
Man Jing Zi

Vitex fruits

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
In general Man Jing Zi's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior, scatters Wind and clears Heat. Clears Wind-Heat associated with the Liver. Clears Wind-Damp painful obstruction."

In the context of Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang, it is used because it treats the headache.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the actions of the other herbs of the formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for patients with Yin Deficiency or excessive Heat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.