Formula Formulas that clear Wind-Heat

Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang

升麻葛根汤

Also known as:

Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction

Formula Composition

Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma
Ge Gen
Ge Gen
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Chi Shao
Chi Shao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
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Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Releases the muscle layer
  2. Vents rashes

Historical Origin

1119 AD (Craft of Medicines and Patterns for Children)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang

Main Actions

Releases the muscle layer
Vents rashes

Key TCM Concepts

Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bugbane Rhizomes (Sheng Ma) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in Craft of Medicines and Patterns for Children, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Wind-Heat. Its main actions are: 1) releases the muscle layer and 2) vents rashes.

 

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.

 

From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as measles, herpes zoster or herpes simplex for instance.

Ingredients in Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma

Bugbane rhizomes

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang
Sheng Ma disperses Wind in the Yang Brightness Channel and lifts the clear Yang of the Stomach, and vents rashes.
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Ge Gen
Ge Gen

Kudzu roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang
Ge Gen stimulates and disperses functioning in the superficial body levels and hence unblocks the pores and interstices to assist in ventig the rash. It also raises the Body Fluids for expelling the Heat.
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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 Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang
Gan Cao stregthens the Qi and remove Toxins thus helping the key and deputy berbs clearing Heat and venting the rash. The substitution of untreated Liquorice is common due to its ability to resolve toxicity at a higher extent in comparison that of the honeyfried variety.
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Chi Shao
Chi Shao

Red peony roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang
In general Chi Shao's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood, relieves pain and reduces swelling. Cools the Blood and the Liver."

In the context of Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang, it is used because it cools the Blood and targets the issues from the interior.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Sheng Ma Ge Gen 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.