Formula Formulas that promote Qi movement

Si Mo Tang

四磨汤

Also known as:

Four Milled-Herb Decoction

Formula Composition

Wu Yao
Wu Yao
Chen Xiang
Chen Xiang
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Bing Lang
Bing Lang
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Promotes the movement of Qi
  2. Directs rebellious Qi downward
  3. Expands the chest and dissipates clumping

Patterns Treated

Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, Qi Stagnation

Historical Origin

Formulas to Aid the Living (1253 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Si Mo Tang

Main Actions

Promotes the movement of Qi
Directs rebellious Qi downward
Expands the chest and dissipates clumping

Key TCM Concepts

Si Mo Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Lindera Roots (Wu Yao) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1253 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote Qi movement. Its main actions are: 1) promotes the movement of Qi and 2) directs rebellious Qi downward.

 

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 Si Mo Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach or Qi Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as bronchial asthma, emphysema or gastritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
  • Qi Stagnation

Common Applications

Bronchial asthma Emphysema Gastritis Postsurgical adhesions

Ingredients in Si Mo Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Si Mo Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Wu Yao
Wu Yao

Lindera roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Si Mo Tang
In general Wu Yao's main actions are as follows: "Warms and stimulates the flow of Qi and relieves pain. Disperses Cold and Warms the Kidneys."

In the context of Si Mo Tang, it is used because it enter all twelve Channels where it promotes both the ascent and descent of Qi.
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Chen Xiang
Chen Xiang

Agarwood

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Wood shavings
Role in Si Mo Tang
Chen Xiang smoothes the flow of Qi, directing it downward from the Lungs to the Kidneys. Working synergistically with the key herb Wu Yao, this combination effectively disperses Stagnation.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Si Mo Tang
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."

In the context of Si Mo Tang, it is used because it augments original Qi but also enriches the Fluids.
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Bing Lang
Bing Lang

Areca nuts

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Si Mo Tang
Bing Lang strongly promotes the downward movement of Qi, breaks up Stagnation and clumping and thereby eliminates the irritable, stifling, and full sensations
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Si Mo Tang

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

Contraindications

This formula is for acute conditions and should not be taken long-term. It is inappropriate for patients who have significant deficiency of True Qi, reflected in part by fatigue and a frail pulse.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Si Mo 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.