Formula Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation

Shi Xiao San

失笑散

Also known as:

Sudden Smile Powder , Breaking into a Smile Powder

Formula Composition

Pu Huang
Pu Huang
Wu Ling Zhi
Wu Ling Zhi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Invigorates Blood
  2. Dispels Blood Stagnation
  3. Eases pain

Patterns Treated

Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Stomach Blood Stagnation

Historical Origin

Materia Medica Arranged According to Pattern (1108 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shi Xiao San

Main Actions

Invigorates Blood
Dispels Blood Stagnation
Eases pain

Key TCM Concepts

Shi Xiao San is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang) and Flying Squirrel Faeces (Wu Ling Zhi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1108 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation. Its main actions are: 1) invigorates Blood and 2) dispels Blood Stagnation.

 

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 Xiao San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menstruation or irregular menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Blood Stagnation
  • Liver Blood Stagnation
  • Qi And Blood Stagnation
  • Stomach Blood Stagnation

Common Applications

Abnormal uterine bleeding Heavy menstruation Irregular menstruation Dysmenorrhea Postpartum abdominal pain Continuous lochia Epigastric pain

Ingredients in Shi Xiao San

Detailed information about each herb in Shi Xiao San and their roles

Kings
Pu Huang
Pu Huang

Cattail pollen

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried pollen
Role in Shi Xiao San
Pu Huang is neutral and sweet and it enters the Liver Blood. It not only strongly supports Blood circulation, but also stops bleeding.
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Wu Ling Zhi
Wu Ling Zhi

Flying squirrel faeces

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Liver
Parts Used Dried faeces
Role in Shi Xiao San
In general Wu Ling Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Disperses congealed Blood in the lower abdomen and uterus and relieves pain. Promotes childhood nutrition with Cold Stagnation and focal abdominal swelling."

In the context of Shi Xiao San, it is used because it is sweet and warming. It promotes Blood circulation and removes Blood Stagnation.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shi Xiao San

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy because of the formula's general ability to dispel Blood Stagnation. Also, Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang) can give rise to uterine contractions. Patients with Stomach Deficiency should pay special attention because Flying squirrel faeces can harm Stomach Qi.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shi Xiao 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.