Formula Formulas that clear Dryness

Sang Xing Tang

桑杏汤

Also known as:

Mulberry Leaf and Apricot Kernel Decoction

Formula Composition

Sang Ye
Sang Ye
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Dan Dou Chi
Dan Dou Chi
Chuan Bei Mu
Chuan Bei Mu
Bei Sha Shen
Bei Sha Shen
Li Pi
Li Pi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears and disperses Dryness

Patterns Treated

Dry-Wind, Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire

Historical Origin

Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases (1798 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Sang Xing Tang

Main Actions

Clears and disperses Dryness

Key TCM Concepts

Sang Xing Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) and Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1798 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Dryness. Its main action is that it clears and disperses Dryness.

 

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 Sang Xing Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Dry-Wind or Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Dry-Wind
  • Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire

Common Applications

Upper respiratory tract infections Acute bronchitis Chronic bronchitis Pertussis

Ingredients in Sang Xing Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Sang Xing Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Sang Ye
Sang Ye

Mulberry leaves

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried leaves
Role in Sang Xing Tang
Sang Ye light, acrid, cooling, and aromatic. It is effective at resolving Wind Heat from the Exterior and it can also help clearing Lung channel. It achieve these goals without hurting the Yin due to its moistening and sweet feature. Together with the other key herb Apricot seed, they invigorates and moistens the Lung Qi.
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Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi

Cape jasmine fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Lungs, Sanjiao, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Sang Xing Tang
Zhi Zi release Stagnated Heat from the Exterior. Together with Fermented soybeans, they simultaneously prevents the pathogenic influence from penetrating further into the body.
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Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Sang Xing Tang
Xing Ren descends Qi and transforms Phlegm so as to stop coughing. It focuses directly on the Interior and the Lung, while the other key herb Mulberry leaves are more on the Exterior. The combination of these two key herbs invigorates and moistens the Lung Qi.
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Dan Dou Chi
Dan Dou Chi

Fermented soybeans

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Fermented preparation obtain from the ripe bean
Role in Sang Xing Tang
Dan Dou Chi release Stagnated Heat from the Exterior. Together with Cape jasmine fruit, they simultaneously prevents the pathogenic influence from penetrating further into the body.
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Chuan Bei Mu
Chuan Bei Mu

Sichuan Fritillary bulbs

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs
Parts Used Dried bulb
Role in Sang Xing Tang
Chuan Bei Mu cools and transforms Stagnation to prevent Phlegm. It assists one of the key herb Apricot seed in achieving the above goal.
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Bei Sha Shen
Bei Sha Shen

Glehnia roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Sang Xing Tang
Bei Sha Shen nourishes the Yin and clear Heat. Together with the other assistant herb Pear skin, they are cooling and moistening in nature.
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Li Pi
Li Pi

Pear skins

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used The skin
Role in Sang Xing Tang
Li Pi nourishes the Yin and clear Heat. Together with the other assistant herb Glehnia root, they are cooling and moistening in nature.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Sang Xing 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 due to the formula's light and disseminating herbs.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Sang Xing 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.