Formula Formulas that tonify Qi

Sheng Mai San

生脉散

Also known as:

Generate the Pulse Powder , Ginseng and Ophiopogon Powder , Ginseng and Dwarf lilyturf Powder , Generate the Pulse Drink , Ginseng Powder to Generate the Pulse

Formula Composition

Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Augments Qi
  2. Supplies the Yin
  3. Stops excessive sweating
  4. Generates Body Fluids

Patterns Treated

Lung Yang Deficiency

Historical Origin

Expounding on the Origins of Medicine (Yuan Dynasty )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Sheng Mai San

Main Actions

Augments Qi
Supplies the Yin
Stops excessive sweating
Generates Body Fluids

Key TCM Concepts

Sheng Mai San is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in Yuan Dynasty, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi. Its main actions are: 1) augments Qi and 2) supplies the Yin.

 

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 Sheng Mai San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lung Yang Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction or myocarditis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lung Yang Deficiency

Common Applications

Coronary artery disease Acute myocardial infarction Myocarditis Heart arrhytmias Congestive heart disease Chronic bronchitis Pulmonary tuberculosis Cardiopulmonary disease Tuberculosis Neurasthenia

Ingredients in Sheng Mai San

Detailed information about each herb in Sheng Mai San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Sheng Mai San
Ren Shen strongly tonifies the source Qi and strengthens the Qi so as to generates Body Fluids. The depute herb Dwarf lilyturf root is more on creating the Fluids directly. The combination of the two herbs give a strong effect on Body Fluids generating. The Lung Qi is replete when the source Qi is strong. Therefore, the Lungs can easily regulates the interstices and pores so as to contain Body Fluids between the skin and muscles. The herb also calms the spirit. This is a well balanced formula. The key herb tonifies, the deputy clears, and the assistant restrains leakage.
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Sheng Mai San
Mai Dong nourishes the Yin and moistens theLungs. It also supports the Stomach by generates Body Fluids directly. While the key herb Ginseng of the formula creates Fluids indirectly. The combination of the two herbs give a strong effect on generating Body Fluids. The herb can also clears Heart Heat or Fire to eliminate irritability.
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Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra berries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Sheng Mai San
Wu Wei Zi prevents the leakage of Lung Qi and generates Kidneys Body Fluids. By tonifying the Kidneys, it also checksthe excessive Qi ascent. In working with the deputy herb Dwarf lilyturf root, it is very effective in generating Body Fluids. Together withthe key herb Ginseng, it helps to restore the injured Qi and Yin.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Sheng Mai San

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated when there are high fever or where the pathogenic influence has not been resolved or has yet to injure the Body Fluids. It will prolong the disease if the formula is used where the external pathogenic influence remains in the system.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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