Herb Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness

Sang Ji Sheng

Mulberry Mistletoe | 桑寄生

Taxillus chinensis

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Bitter, Sweet

Organ Affinity

Kidneys, Liver

Parts Used

Dried stem and branch with leaf

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Sang Ji Sheng

Traditional Actions

Tonify the Liver and Kidneys
Strengthen sinews and bones
Dispel Wind-Damp in joints
Calms the fetus

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Sang Ji Sheng belongs to the 'Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness' category. These herbs typically help treat what's called 'bi pain' (i.e. painful obstruction) in TCM. This roughly corresponds to arthritic and rheumatic conditions with pain, stiffness and numbness of the bones, joints and muscles.

 

Furthermore Sang Ji Sheng is Neutral in nature. This means that Sang Ji Sheng typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Sang Ji Sheng means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Sang Ji Sheng also tastes Bitter and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Sang Ji Sheng tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Sang Ji Sheng is thought to target the Kidney and the Liver. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.

Common Applications

Joint pain Rheumatism Numbness of limbs Hypertension Rheumatic athralgia Abnormal uterine bleeding Menorrhagia Uterine bleeding during pregnancy

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Sang Ji Sheng

The avicularin existing in parasitic ioranthus [Taxillus chinensis (dc.) danser] can potently inhibit fatty acid synthase.1

Sources:

1. Wang Y, Zhang S, Ma X, Tian W. (2006) Potent inhibition of fatty acid synthase by parasitic ioranthus [Taxillus chinensis (dc.) danser] and its constituent avicularin. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 21(1):87-93

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Sang Ji Sheng

Traditional Preparation

Wash the stems, branches and leaves and let them dry under the sun

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

9 - 30 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Sang Ji Sheng

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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

Related Educational Resources

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