Formula Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Shi Shen Tang

十神汤

Also known as:

Ten-Miracle Decoction

Formula Composition

Zi Su Ye
Zi Su Ye
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu
Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Ge Gen
Ge Gen
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi
Chi Shao
Chi Shao
Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoys
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Releases pathogens from the Exterior
  2. Regulates Qi
  3. Descends the Lung Qi
  4. Relieves coughing

Patterns Treated

Wind-Cold

Historical Origin

Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People in the Taiping Era (1107 AD )

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shi Shen Tang

Main Actions

Releases pathogens from the Exterior
Regulates Qi
Descends the Lung Qi
Relieves coughing

Key TCM Concepts

Shi Shen Tang is a 11-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Wind-Cold. Its main actions are: 1) releases pathogens from the Exterior and 2) regulates Qi .

 

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 Shi Shen Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Wind-Cold. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as common cold or influenza for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Cold

Common Applications

Common cold Influenza

Ingredients in Shi Shen Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Shi Shen Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Zi Su Ye
Zi Su Ye

Perilla leaves

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried leaf (or bearing young branches)
Role in Shi Shen Tang
Zi Su Ye acrid and warm. It opens Stagnant Lung Qi and spreads Qi in the Exterior. It also warms and disperses the Cold Evil in the Exterior, so as to free the Lung Qi, the Body Fluids and Defensive Qi. Thus it relievesthe symptoms of Exterior patterns such as chills and fever and the lack of sweating. In addition, activates the Spleen and transforms Dampness, thus it assists to remove focal distention and stifling chest oppression.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Shi Shen Tang
In general Chen Pi's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs."

In the context of Shi Shen Tang, it is used because it assists the key herb in circulating Qi and transforming Dampness..
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Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu

Coco-grass rhizomes

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shi Shen Tang
In general Xiang Fu's main actions are as follows: "Unblocks Stagnant Liver Qi and relieves pain. Regulates the Liver and Spleen. Assists the regulation of menses and relieves pain."

In the context of Shi Shen Tang, it is used because it regulates the Qi and smooths the Liver, helping it to reach its harmony. .
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Ma Huang
Ma Huang

Ephedra

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried herbaceous stems
Role in Shi Shen Tang
In general Ma Huang's main actions are as follows: "Releases the surface through sweating. Promotes the circulation of Lung Qi and stop wheezing. Promotes urination."

In the context of Shi Shen Tang, it is used because it work with Perilla leaves to release Evils from the Exterior.
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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 Shi Shen Tang
In general Ge Gen's main actions are as follows: "Relieves muscle tension especially in the neck and shoulders. Relieves the Exterior and scatters Wind. Supports the Fluids and eases thirst. Assists in the expression of measles. Relieves diarrhea. Relieves hypertension."

In the context of Shi Shen Tang, it is used because it work with Perilla leaves to release Evils from the Exterior.
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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 Shi Shen 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 Shi Shen Tang, it is used because it circulates Qi within the Blood.
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Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi

Angelica roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shi Shen Tang
Bai Zhi work together with the ascending herbs, Kudzu root and Bugbane rhizome, to treat Wind-Cold headache and nasal congestion.
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Chi Shao
Chi Shao

Red peony roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shi Shen Tang
Chi Shao adjusts and links Yin and Yang, allowing the Interior Stagnant Heat to move to the Exterior and get released. It also invigorates Blood together with Szechuan lovage root.
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Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma

Bugbane rhizomes

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shi Shen Tang
Sheng Ma works with Kudzu root, to ascend and disperse Qi. Together, they release Evils from the muscle layer.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Shi Shen Tang
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."

In the context of Shi Shen Tang, it is used because it acrid and warm. It helps Ephedra and Perilla leaves in clearingWind-Cold Evils from the Exterior.
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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 Shi Shen Tang
Gan Cao tonifies and harmonizes the Middle Burner. It also harmonizes all the ingredients. It helps these ingredients in reaching their three purposes:
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shi Shen 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, Shi Shen 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.